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Cold Weather DOs and DON’Ts for Pets

Here are some important DOs and DON’Ts for your pets this winter! DO leave water outside for your pets. Your pets need access to fresh, clean water at all times. Read more about bowls and accessories! DON’T let the water freeze! If you won’t be around to change your pet’s water, look for a heated water dish at your favorite pet store. DO give your pets a little extra food if they’ll be outside a lot and active during the winter. Pets and people need extra calories to help keep warm if they’ll be spending a lot of time outside. … Continue reading →

National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, October 18-24, 2009

This week in the United States is National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. The goals of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week include: Raising awareness about lead poisoning Emphasizing the importance of lead screening for the highest risk children (children under the age of six) Reducing lead exposure in people of all ages Preventing childhood lead poisoning Eliminating childhood lead poisoning in the United States by 2010 The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (in partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) estimates that 250,000 children in the United States have elevated levels of lead in the blood. This is … Continue reading →

What to Do If You’re Concerned about Lead Paint in Your Pet’s Products

Yesterday I wrote how children’s toys aren’t the only thing testing positive for lead paint. So are pet products, like food and water bowls and bird cages. Here’s some things to keep in mind if you’re worried about pet products you have in your household: 1) Check labels. Made in China instantly makes me wary anymore, but that doesn’t automatically mean lead’s in the paint. Also, some products specifically indicated paint used contains lead. 2) If labels are no help and you want to determine if your pet’s bowls or toys contain lead, buy a testing kit. (Options include the … Continue reading →

Pet First Aid: Toad Poisoning

There is a strange fascination many young dogs have with toads. When dog meets toad, the dog will often try to pick up the toad in his mouth. Why is this bad? All toads secrete mucus through their skin; the mucus can irritate the dog’s mouth and cause some serious drooling. Most toads are harmless. When is this really bad? When your dog encounters a poisonous toad. There are two types of poisonous toad seen in the United States: the Colorado River toad and the marine toad. Colorado River toads are found in the southwestern United States from the Pecos … Continue reading →

Pet First Aid: Warfarin Poisoning

Warfarin is one of several compounds that may be used in rodent poisoning. Many dogs and cats (especially farm pets) are poisoned by warfarin each year — either from eating the rodent bait or by eating a rodent that has eaten the bait. This is the most common cause of poisoning in pets. Warfarin causes internal bleeding because it blocks the body’s production of clotting agents — proteins that allow the blood to clot. The body has a supply of clotting proteins already, so it may take a day or two after the poison has been ingested for symptoms to … Continue reading →

Four Easter Items That Are Hazardous to Your Pet’s Health

Spring has sprung and Easter’s in the air. While this time of year holds religious significance for many, it also poses the promise of the Easter Bunny, baskets, and egg hunts for kids. But some of the festivities and associated accouterments could be harmful, even fatal, to your pet. They’re listed below, as are tips for ensuring Easter’s happy and healthy for the whole family. 1. Chocolate: Most dog and cat owners know chocolate is dangerous to their pets, but it never hurts to be reminded. Also, it never hurts to remind those you live with, or those who may … Continue reading →

Building a Cat Run

Some cats are perfectly happy with an indoor existence. Others want a chance to explore the great outdoors! It can be risky to let your cat roam on her own; a cat run can keep her safe while she enjoys some fresh air and sunshine. Why is it bad to let your cat roam freely? There are too many things and animals out there that could be dangerous or harmful to your cat: Dogs and wild animals Cars — a busy highway or a curious cat crawling up into the engine to get warm Someone could take your cat, thinking … Continue reading →

Children Are At Risk For Deadly ‘Tylenol’ Overdose

Tylenol (known generically as Acetaminophen) is important when a child has a headache, fever, toothache or muscle injury. It eases pain and allows a child to get a good night’s sleep. Unfortunately, Tylenol is also a powerful toxin. Too much Tylenol can kill a child. We have all heard the warning and advice to give children Tylenol instead of aspirin to avoid Reyes Syndrome. Many people stopped giving their children anything except Tylenol or acetaminophen. Many think if a drug is sold over the counter without a prescription, it has to be safe, yet the Institute for Safe Medication Practices … Continue reading →

Sleep Disorder: Jeremiah’s Story–Part 2: Tonsillectomy

! The past week and a half has been a very long one for Jeremiah. In the First part of Jeremiah’s story, I wrote about the steps we are taking to help our son overcome sleep apnea. One of the several sleeping disorders our nearly five-year-old son has suffered all of his life. The first step was to have his tonsils removed in order to open his airway. Surgery was Thursday November 9, 2006 and everything went very well. The very first thing he did after surgery is “test” to see if he could still snore! On the evening after … Continue reading →