Pet Poisons: Is Your Home Safe?

Common household products, plants, and even “natural” items can be deadly to pets. Animals are not “mini-people”—they react to food and medicine very differently than we do. Because pets are smaller, even a tiny amount of a toxin can be life-threatening.

Deep Dive: For a more comprehensive list, visit the AAHA Household Toxins Guide.

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1. Human Foods & Pantry Items

Many ingredients in your kitchen can cause organ failure or seizures in animals:

• Xylitol: A sugar-free sweetener found in gum and peanut butter. It causes life-threatening liver failure.

• Chocolate & Cocoa: Baker’s chocolate and cocoa powder are the most dangerous. They cause heart rhythm issues and tremors.

• Grapes & Raisins: Can cause permanent kidney damage in dogs, cats, and ferrets.

• The “Kitchen List”: Avocados, Macadamia nuts, onions, garlic, chives, yeast dough, coffee, and alcohol.

2. Plants, Lawn & Garden

• Toxic Plants: Lilies, azaleas, cyclamen, daffodils, dieffenbachia, tomatoes, and hyacinths.

• Rodenticides: Poisons meant for mice or weeds are common causes of pet fatalities. Store these in secure areas.

• Cocoa Mulch & Compost: Compost piles grow bacteria and fungi that are highly toxic. Keep pets away from treated garden areas.

3. Medications & “Natural” Products

Never give a pet human medicine unless directed by a professional.

• Human Prescriptions: Many over-the-counter drugs are extremely toxic to pets.

• The “Natural” Trap: Products like 5-HTP, alpha lipoic acid, hops, and cholecalciferol can be deadly in overdose situations.

• Essential Oils: Generally safe, but can cause severe issues if applied to wounds, abraded skin, or ears.

4. Garage Chemicals

Any chemical in your garage is a risk, but Antifreeze is the most dangerous. Its sweet taste attracts pets, but it causes irreversible, deadly renal damage. Clean all spills immediately.

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🚨 In an Emergency…

If your pet eats something they shouldn’t, time is critical. Call your veterinarian or a poison hotline immediately.

Organization	Phone Number
ASPCA Animal Poison Control	888-426-4435
Pet Poison Helpline	855-764-7661

 

 

Dr. APGC

Dedicated to Veterinary Excellence & Pet Safety

Hurricane season started on Tuesday, June 1^st, 2021. NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center is forecasting another above-normal Atlantic hurricane season. For 2025, a likely range of 13 to 19 named storms, of which 6 to 10 could become hurricanes, including 3 to 5 major hurricanes (category 3, 4, or 5) is expected.

According to the National Weather Service, hurricane preparedness starts now, when you have the time and are not under pressure from an approaching storm. This is also applicable to your animals (small and large). Your pets are an important member of your family, so they need to be included in your family’s emergency plan.

For all your animals, there are three basic points to consider:

1. Prepare a disaster plan.
2. Build an emergency kit.
3. Stay informed.

Here, we will cover only these points to prepare your companion animals/pets for an emergency. However, keep in mind that many of these steps are also applicable in any emergency.

• Develop an evacuation plan for all your animals and practice the plan. If local officials ask you to evacuate, that means your pet should evacuate too.
  • • Identify alternate sources of food and water b. Keep vehicles well-maintained and full of gas.
    • Keep emergency cash on hand.
    • Keep identification on your pets, including rabies and license tags. Identification should provide your name, home address, and/or phone number(s), i.e., collar tags, microchips, tattoos.
    • Make photocopies of important veterinary documents and proof of ownership.
    • Assemble an animal evacuation kit.
    • Prepare your emergency contact list now, before disaster strikes. Include addresses and 24-hour contact numbers, if available.

• Just as you do with your family’s emergency supply kit, think first about the basics for survival, such as food and water. Have two kits, one larger kit if you are sheltering in place and one lightweight version if you need to evacuate. Assemble the kit in easy-to-carry, waterproof containers. Store it in an easily accessible location away from areas with temperature extremes. Replace the food, water, and medications as often as needed. Consider the following to include in your kit:
  • • Two-week supply of food (dry & canned). Spoon (for canned food)
    • Two-week supply of water in plastic gallon jugs with secure lids
    • Batteries (flashlight, radio)
    • Cage/carrier (one for each animal, labeled with your contact information)
    • Can opener (manual)
    • Copies of veterinary records and proof of ownership
    • Emergency contact list
    • Familiar items to make pets feel comfortable (favorite toys, treats, blankets)
    • Flashlight
    • Diet: record the diet for each animal, including what not to feed in case of allergies.
    • Medications: list each animal separately, and for each medication, include the drug name, dose, and frequency. Provide veterinary and pharmacy contact information for refills.
    • Leash and collar or harness (for each animal)
    • Litter, litter pan, litter scoop
    • Maps of the local area and alternate evacuation routes
    • Muzzles (dog or cat)
    • Newspaper (bedding, litter)
    • No-spill food and water dishes
    • Paper towels
    • Radio (solar and battery-operated)
    • Stakes and tie-outs
    • Trash bags
    • Pet shampoo
• A first-aid kit for your pets is also important to prepare. Talk to your veterinarian about what is most appropriate for your pet’s emergency medical needs. The list below is not comprehensive and serves as an example.

• • • • Anti-diarrheal liquid or tablets
      • Antibiotic ointment (for wounds)
      • Bandages, bandage tape
      • Disinfectant
      • Cotton bandage rolls
      • Cotton-tipped swabs
      • Elastic bandage rolls
      • Flea and tick prevention and treatment
      • Gauze
      • Alcohol
      • Saline or mild wound and body cleanser
      • Medications and preventatives (such as heartworm prevention)
      • Non-adherent bandage pads
      • Styptic powder (clotting agent)
      • Syringe or eyedropper
      • Thermometer
      • Towel and washcloth

• Stay informed and be prepared for changing conditions. Plan with neighbors, friends, or relatives to make sure that someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so.

Lastly, keep in mind that the Atlantic hurricane season extends from June 1 through November 30.

 

For more information:

https://www.noaa.gov/media-release/noaa-predicts-another-active-atlantic-hurricane-season

https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes#

https://ors.od.nih.gov/ser/dem/emergencyPrep/Pages/Caring%20for%20Animals.aspx

 

As we discussed in part 1 of this blog, the main medical concern of obesity relates to the many disease associations that accompany this condition. Obesity prevention in pets is very important because excessive fat accumulation in the body can lead to serious health consequences. There is a need to increase awareness of companion animal obesity as a severe medical concern among pet parents and the veterinary profession.

In the past, adipose tissue (fat) was considered an inert tissue; however, now we know that fat is an active producer of hormones, such as leptin and resistin, and many inflammatory cytokines that can harm different organs, including, but not limited to pancreas and heart.

To control and reduce our four-legged companions’ body weight, pet parents must approach their pet’s obesity in a multimodal manner. The main therapeutic options for obesity in companion animals include dietary management and increased physical activity. A weight-loss program is a team effort, and getting everyone in the family to understand its importance is critical in producing successful results.

There are several steps that you can take to assist your pet’s weight loss program. The following list includes a plan to help your furry friend shed some pounds. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to weight loss in pets. And as with humans, a weight loss plan should be tailored to each pet and owner.

1. Your pet’s weight loss plan should be a team effort. Involve every member of the family and explain the risks of obesity in your four-legged family member
2. Start by consistently measuring feeding amounts. Even if you’re feeding the right amount for your pet, if he/she is overweight or obese, you may need to reduce his/her daily portion. Also, if you provide treats, these should be accounted for in the daily ration. Total calorie intake is a good way of determining how much you should feed your pet. That way, regardless of the type, brand, or formulation of food you feed, you can determine how much to feed. Healthy nutrition is about feeding your pet proper nutrients, not ingredients
3. Develop a regular exercise plan for your furry baby based on his/her breed, age, gender, and current physical abilities. Walking, swimming, agility, chase, ball retrieving, and remote-controlled toys are good alternatives. The general recommendation is that dogs need at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day, and cats should strive for three 5-minute intense play periods. If you are unable to maintain this routine, consider hiring a pet walking service or taking your furry baby to a pet day care so he/she can interact with other pets
4. So, how much weight should your pet lose in a period? It is usually better to set a monthly weight loss goal. In general terms, a dog can safely lose 1 to 3 percent of its body weight, and cats 0.5 to 2 percent per month. Many dogs can lose 3 to 5 percent, and most cats should aim for about a half-pound per month.
5. A word of caution: Be patient! Losing weight is not easy or fast for pets, especially cats. If you put your pet on a “crash diet,” they can develop serious medical conditions, including a life-threatening form of liver failure that can occur in less than 72 hours.

If you think that your furry baby is obese, a visit to your veterinarian may be needed to perform a complete nutritional assessment. As with any weight loss plan, it is important to have a healthy weight target that eventually will lead to improved quality of life, mobility, activity, and comfort. The result might not be immediate, but hang in there, and your pet will thank you, and both of you will benefit with many healthy years of happy companionship

No, I am not referring to politics, religion, or even world news. What I am referring to has sneaked into our living rooms, homes, and lives, and it is affecting humans as well as companion animals…and ‘elephant’ is called obesity.

Obesity is defined as an accumulation of excessive amounts of adipose tissue in the body and is the most common nutritional disorder in humans and companion animals. According to the World Health Organization, in humans, obesity has nearly tripled since 1975, with 39% of adults aged 18 years and over overweight and 13% obese. In pets, at least 33% of dogs presented to veterinary clinics are obese, and approximately 30-35% of the general cat population is obese, with 50% of cats aged 5-11 years old weighing more than their ideal weight.

Obesity is not just the accumulation of large amounts of adipose tissue, but is associated with important metabolic and hormonal changes in the body. Few diseases in modern veterinary medicine are diet-induced, with one possible exception, obesity. The cause of obesity is multifactorial, with genetics, physical activity, and diet energy content as predisposing factors. There are numerous concerns regarding obesity; the first one is that it seems to be increasing in prevalence.  Furthermore, excess body fat has adverse metabolic consequences, including insulin resistance, altered hormonal secretion, changes in metabolic rate, abnormal lipid metabolism, and fat accumulation in visceral organs.

Numerous studies demonstrated that obesity could have detrimental effects on the health and longevity of dogs and cats. Like obese pet parents, obese companion animals may be predisposed to other serious conditions, including orthopedic disease, diabetes mellitus, abnormalities in blood lipid values, cardiorespiratory disease, urinary disorders, reproductive disorders, and renal cancers. A lifelong study in dogs showed that even moderately overweight dogs were at greater risk for earlier mortality. Likewise, obese cats face increased health risks, including arthritis, diabetes mellitus, fatty liver disease, and early mortality. The risk for the development of diabetes increases in overweight cats and is about fourfold in obese cats.

Controlling our pets’ weight is one of the two (we discussed the other in this blog) most important things we can do to help them live longer and healthier lives.

The bottom line: in order to have longer and healthier lives, we must modify our behavior to help our loyal, four-legged companions have a happier life. There are many ways to reach these goals; we will discuss these options in our next blog.

 

 

 

Protecting Your Pets: A Guide to Preventing Heatstroke This Summer

Summertime is one of the busiest times of the year, filled with long road trips, beach days, and outdoor activities. However, even a short excursion can become a dreadful incident if proper precautions are not taken.

What is Heatstroke?

Heatstroke (also referred to as heat exhaustion) is a form of hyperthermia that occurs when the body’s heat-dissipating mechanisms cannot accommodate excessive heat. This is a life-threatening condition characterized by:

• Elevated core body temperature.

• Systemic inflammation.

• Potential multi-organ dysfunction.

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Risk Factors: Is Your Pet Susceptible?

While any pet can suffer from heatstroke, certain factors increase the danger:

1. Breed and Physical Condition

• Brachycephalic Breeds: Flat-faced dogs like Pugs and Bulldogs are at the highest risk.

• Coat Type: Long-haired breeds trap heat more easily.

• Other Factors: Obesity, pre-existing diseases, puppies, and geriatric dogs.

2. Environmental Triggers

• Vehicles: Temperatures inside a car can increase rapidly, even on relatively cool days.

• Lack of Resources: Being outdoors without adequate shade or water.

• Exertion: Strenuous exercise in high humidity.

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Recognizing the Signs

Unlike humans, dogs do not sweat effectively; they eliminate heat primarily through panting. If panting isn’t enough, their temperature rises.

Watch for these symptoms:

• [ ] Excessive panting or hypersalivation.

• [ ] Red mucous membranes (gums).

• [ ] Muscle tremors, seizures, or ataxia (impaired coordination).

• [ ] Vomiting or diarrhea.

• [ ] Rapid heart rate and dry nose.

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Emergency Action Plan: Dogs

If you suspect heatstroke, stop all activity immediately and follow these steps:

1. Move to Coolness: Get the dog to a shaded area with good air circulation.

2. Hydrate: Offer cool water, but do not force them to drink.

3. Check Temperature: A normal dog’s temperature is 98.5°F to 102.5°F. Heatstroke is defined as a core temperature above 105.8°F.

4. Cool Down: If the temperature is above 105°F, sponge the body with cool (not cold) water. Use a fan if available.

5. Stop at 103°F: Once the temperature drops to 103°F, stop the cooling process to avoid over-cooling.

CRITICAL: If the dog is unconscious, place a wet towel on their back and keep their head elevated to prevent pneumonia. Do NOT submerge the head.

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Heatstroke in Cats

While less common, cats are highly susceptible if trapped in dryers, sheds, or hot cars.

What to Do	What NOT to Do
Move to an air-conditioned environment.	Do NOT use ice or extremely cold water.
Use a cool, wet blanket underneath them.	Do NOT force water into their mouth.
Offer water with a little tuna broth.	Do NOT skip the vet visit.

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Prevention: The Best Medicine

• Never leave a pet in a parked car, even in the shade or with windows cracked.

• Use ventilated crates or seatbelts during travel.

• Limit exercise to early mornings or late evenings on humid days.

• Always provide access to fresh water and shaded areas.

Have a happy (and safe) summer!

 

 

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Dr. APGC

Dedicated to Veterinary Excellence & Pet Safety

 

 

✨ Skin Deep: More Than Just a Beautiful Coat

They say “beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” and every pet parent knows their furry darling is the most beautiful in the world! However, dull skin or a lackluster coat is often the first sign of a more severe underlying condition.

As the body’s largest organ, the skin is a vital shield. It protects against physical and chemical agents, regulates temperature and fluid balance, and houses a complex network of nerves that detect touch, heat, and pain. While we are often reminded to care for our own skin, our pet companions sometimes get neglected in this department.

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🛡️ The Foundation of Healthy Skin

1. Nutrition is Key. A healthy coat starts from the inside out. Low-quality diets lacking in vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids can lead to:

• Dry, brittle fur

• Dandruff

• Increased risk of skin infections

2. The Power of Prevention

• Regular Brushing: This removes allergens and conditions the skin.

• The “Pet & Inspect”: While petting your baby, carefully check for lumps, bumps, cuts, scabs, or scaly patches.

• Bathing & Grooming: Whether you are a DIY person using high-quality breed-specific shampoos or you prefer a professional groomer, regular baths are essential.

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❄️ Seasonal Challenges

Your pet’s skin changes with the weather:

• Winter: Prone to extreme dryness and flaking.

• Summer: Hot spots and flea infestations become a major threat.

• Warning Signs: Watch for itching, redness, bald patches, or swelling. Left untreated, parasites like fleas and ticks can even cause significant blood loss or anemia. Thanks to advances in research in veterinary medicine, there are plenty of products to help prevent, control, and treat flea and tick infestations.

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⚠️ Common Skin Conditions to Watch For

• Allergies: Pets can be allergic to food, shampoos, grass, weeds, pollen, and even house dust.

• Yeast & Fungal Infections: Ringworm (which is contagious to humans!) causes hair loss and inflamed skin. Yeast often flares up in ears, paws, and skin folds.

• Hot Spots: Caused by excessive licking or scratching, these can have a foul odor and discharge.

• Lick Granulomas: Chronic sores caused by obsessive licking. These can be triggered by physical issues (parasites/tumors) or psychological ones like anxiety and boredom.

• Abrasions & Infections: Minor cuts can quickly become major problems if not treated immediately.

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🩺 A Note from Dr. APGC

Skin conditions can be frustrating for you and incredibly painful for your pet. If you suspect your furry friend is suffering from any of the above, consult your veterinarian immediately. With preventative care and quick action, you can ensure your best friend always stays comfortable in their own beautiful skin.

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Dr. APGC

Advocating for Veterinary Excellence & Pet Safety

 

Well, you finally made the decision…whether this is your first puppy, or you had this experience before, this is an exciting time!! For the next few days, you will experience a wide range of feelings from “This’s the best decision of my life” to “OMG what have I done!” In other words you might feel that you entered the Twilight Zone…but just like bringing home your new born baby for the first time, this will be the beginning of many years of fun and love and licks that will fill your home with great memories of happiness and companionship!!

To avoid stress and disappointment, the best thing you can do is to get prepared. There are a few things that a puppy will need so get them in advance. Also, “puppy-proof’ your home. Puppies are curious and playful so just like their human counterparts they can get ‘in trouble” easily.

The following list will give you an idea of some of the most basic things your puppy will need when he gets home:

• an appropriately sized crate,
• a playpen,
• dog chew toys,
• a leash and a harness,
• a food bowl, a water bowl,
• good-quality puppy food and
• finally an enzyme cleaner (even the best-trained puppy will have an accident at some point).

This bring us to the first important point: puppies do not have good bladder control yet, and excitement can make them need to pee or poop. As a rule of thumb, take your puppy out to potty after 15 to 20 minutes of play, after every meal. This should be the first thing you do with her in the morning and the last thing you do with her before going to bed. Praise and give her a treat when she goes. In the event of an “accident” make sure to clean it up within seconds, when possible.

The second point is feeding. Mealtime is a good time for bonding, and to get your puppy on a schedule that makes it easier for you to house-train her. If you want to change her food and avoid “tummy troubles” mix the food the breeder/shelter has been giving her with the new puppy food gradually for a period of one week to 10 days until you change it over completely. A regular mealtime as well as measuring her food helps prevent obesity and ensures that your puppy is receiving and consuming adequate food portions. Consider giving her pieces of kibble from your hand, this will help your puppy to develop a soft mouth, so she will not nip or bite when she takes things from your hands. Healthy treats should be reserved for training and to reward her for good “manners”. Jumping up, barking, or doing anything else you do not like should not be rewarded.

The third important point for you puppy’s life is bedtime. For the first few nights it might be a good idea to let your puppy sleep in your room (not in your bed). Take your puppy out for one last pee and then put him in his crate with a treat and his towel/blanket (make sure to provide a comfy blanket or towel that is always available at bedtime). Tell him good night and go to bed. Do not respond to any barking or whining. He will soon settle down, and your scent and the sound of your breathing will help to calm him. However, depending on his age, he might need another potty outing before morning but do not make the mistake of making this a playtime. You will regret it!

The fourth crucial event for your puppy is playing. As a rule, it is good to start with a variety of toys. It will take some trial and error to figure out what your new puppy likes best. This is a great time to start teaching her that it is okay for you to touch her paws, look inside or sniff her ears, rub her belly, touch her tail and groom her with a soft brush. Observe your puppy for a couple of days to have an idea what kind of toys will fit her personality. Most puppies like to chew so make sure you have plenty of dog toys for her to chew instead of your personal belongings and always offer a toy when you catch her chewing on something else. For curious puppies, we recommend puzzles that can be filled with food or treats and will keep your puppy entertain trying to figure out how to get at them. Remember it is important to supervise your puppy while she chews on toys or treats to avoid accidents.

Learning starts early. That is the next point. Depending on his breed and the breeder, your pup is between 7 and 12 weeks. This is a critical learning period that will last until he is about 16 weeks old, so make the most of this rapid learning stage. The goal is for him to have lots of positive experiences with friendly people, children, other dogs, and cats. During this time, your puppy should meet many different people, not just the same family members or friends. To get the numbers up, take your puppy for walks to different places, take him to short car rides and to do errands where you can introduce him to different people. Meeting new people and having lots of different experiences are important to help him cope and adapt to different situations. During these outings, take him to see his veterinarian for a short visit so he gets used to these visits. There are a few things your puppy should learn at this point: Meeting people is great; No teeth on people ever; No jumping up on people; Always potty outside.

These first few weeks at home can be a good time to start training him on easy commands such as sit, down, come, high-five, roll over and more complicated behavior such as walking with a leash. Get him accustomed to wearing it by letting him wear it in the house prior to going outside for walks. You also may want to check  on a good puppy kindergarten class. By the time he has had two sets of vaccinations, he will be ready to start school but check with your veterinarian first.

Finally, remember to have fun and make these experiences rewarding for you and your puppy. Your life has changed because it will be filled with love, joy, and a loyal friend forever?

Dr. APG

 

 

National Pet Dental Health Month

February is Pet Dental Health Month, so it’s time to think teeth. Dental disease is the most common major health conditions in cats and dogs and according to the American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS), 80% of dogs and 70% of cats will develop some form of oral disease by the age of three.

Pets suffer from oral problems so effective dental care is critical

There are a few tips to help prevent serious dental diseases in pets including brushing regularly. By not brushing your pet’s teeth, formations of bacteria, food particles, and saliva combine and collect between the gums and teeth, which progresses into tartar buildup. Over time this can develop into periodontal disease, a common disease affecting adult dogs and cats, but it is also a very preventable disease. Periodontal disease requires that the pet parent/owner is actively involved in maintaining healthy gums and teeth. Signs of dental disease include: bad breath,  gingivitis (redness of gums), tart buildup, fractured teeth, and traumatic malocclusions.  Other severe consequences of periodontal disease are endocarditis (inflammation of the heart lining) and cardiomyopathy (heart conditions). Which takes us to why prevention is so very important.

To brush pet’s teeth, you will need a (soft) toothbrush and a toothpaste formulated for pets. You must use a pet tooth paste as the human toothpastes have a high fluoride content which can be toxic to cats and dogs. In cats, brushing can be difficult so rubbing the cheeks for about 10-20 seconds each day appears to be helpful in preventing tartar buildup and stimulates the gums in between professional dental cleaning. In addition to brushing, providing adequate nutrition and chewable treats and toys are also helpful. There are several excellent dental chews and specially formulated diets which can provide significant improvements to your pet’s oral health. However, maintenance of oral hygiene alone is not enough. Regular professional dental therapy. is a must. Like humans, many pets, particularly middle-aged and older cats and dogs, require periodic professional scaling addition to on-going plaque control.