Tips for maintaining your cat’s health

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It’s Health and Wellness Wednesday!

There are some medications, while helpful to humans, can be harmful to our canine friends.  Unfortunately, everyday, well-meaning pet parents accidentally poison their dogs with medications they believed would help them. While you should never give your pet any medication without veterinary approval, there are certain medications you should absolutely never give:

1. Aspirin. “Aspirin toxicity (salicylate toxicity) is poisoning that occurs following the ingestion of aspirin or aspirin-containing products. Aspirin can be especially dangerous when mixed with other drugs such as steroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. There is a much higher risk of toxicity. Aspirin interferes with platelets, which are responsible for helping the blood to clot. Disruption of platelet function increases the amount of time it takes the blood to clot in cases of wounds or lacerations. Spontaneous bleeding may also occur causing pinpoint bruises to appear in the skin and on the gums (petechiae). Aspirin toxicity may cause gastrointestinal problems, respiratory difficulties, neurological problems, bleeding disorders and kidney failure. Gastrointestinal problems are common in dogs. “

2. Ibuprofen. “For dogs, ibuprofen can easily exceed toxic levels. The most common cause of ibuprofen toxicity is a well-meaning owner who tries to alleviate pain in his dog by administering a dose he thinks is adequate without knowing the toxic dose. The initial toxic effect is bleeding stomach ulcers. In addition to ulcers, increasing doses of ibuprofen eventually lead to kidney failure and, if left untreated, can be fatal. Symptoms include poor appetite, vomiting, black tarry stools, vomiting blood, abdominal pain, weakness and lethargy.”

3. Acetaminophen. “Common brands include Tylenol®, Percoset®, aspirin free Excedrin® and various sinus, cold and flu medications. Dogs most commonly receive toxic amounts of acetaminophen because owners medicate them without consulting a veterinarian. They also consume tablets that are dropped on the floor or left around. Dogs are less sensitive to acetaminophen than cats. For example, a 50-pound dog would need to ingest over seven 500 mg tablets in order to suffer toxic effects. In the cat, one 250 mg acetaminophen tablet could be fatal. If you suspect that your dog has ingested a toxic amount of acetaminophen, (one pill or more), contact your family veterinarian or local veterinary emergency facility immediately.”

If you suspect your pet has ingested any amout of any of these medications (or any other not prescribed by your vet) contact you veterinarian or emergency veterinary centerimmediately!

Source: Dog Crazy newsletter by Dr. Jon @ Pet Place www.petplace.com

Have a great weekend everyone!!!!!!

Brett Michaels, the Poison singer, 49, has released his own line of PetSmart accessories, with over 50 themed products “to rock your pet world.” The collection has everything from a studded plush bed to cross-and-skull accented pleather vests to yes, even squeaky plush toys in bandannas.

To view some of the accesories click here: http://animaltracks.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/05/01/11473157-bret-michaels-new-pet-project-rockin-pet-accessories?lite

“Brands. Bag codes. “Best-By” dates. As the Diamond Dog Food Recall of 2012 continues to unfold, it’s become increasingly difficult for a concerned dog owner to keep up with all the changes.”

The following is a list of all the brands currently associated with the Diamond Dog Food Recall:

• 4Health
• Apex
• Canidae
• Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul
• Country Value
• Diamond
• Diamond Naturals
• Kirkland Signature
• Natural Balance
• Premium Edge
• Professional
• Solid Gold
• Taste of the Wild
• Wellness

More information go to: http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-food-recall/diamond-dog-food-recall-summary/

April showers bring May flowers!!!! Some flowers can be toxic to our four-legged friends if eaten, but under proper supervision, dogs can enjoy their beauty too.  Below is a list of poisonous flowers:

• Amaryllis
• Aster
• Baby’s Breath (Gypsophila)
• Boxwood
• Cala Lily
• Carnation
• Chrysanthemums
• Clematis
• Cyclamen
• Daffodil (Jonquil)
• English Ivy
• Freesia
• Gladiolas
• Holly
• Hyacinth
• Hydrangea
• Kalanchoe
• Peony
• Morning Glory
• Poinsettia
• Pothos Ivy
• Scheifflera
• Tulip

We had a great time at the Pet Fiesta on Saturday!

Have a great weekend everyone!!!!

On DogTV, dogs are able to watch three to five minute programs, which aim to keep them relaxed and stimulated while their owners are out of the house.

A TV channel just for dogs.  DogTV, a cable network expressly for man’s best friend, has launched this week in San Diego.

“A lot of people laugh and think it’s funny or a gimmick,” said co-founder and chief content officer Ron Levi. “But then we explain the research and the science behind it. This is a great opportunity to makes dogs happier and their lives more pleasant while they are home alone during the day.”

Levi, himself a cat owner, came up with the idea after watching his pet’s dejected behavior as he got ready for work. He decided to use the television to entertain her while he was out and realized that the concept could apply to other pets as well.

Would you purchase this channel for you dog?

Source: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/46409257/ns/today-today_pets_and_animals/t/tails-wag-over-new-cable-network-dogs/#.T6Jrw5huFSU