Posted by admin on April 5, 2012 – 8:45 am
Any pet can have an unexpected injury or accident. Because it may be more difficult to think clearly in an emergency situation, it is important to be prepared and know what to do in the event of an injury or accident. Take time now to prepare, and consider the following steps:
Emergency contact information: Have your veterinarian’s number posted in an easy to find spot. Because an emergency can happen any time of the day or night, you should also have the phone number and location of the nearest emergency veterinarian available, too. In case you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, you can reach the Pet Poison Helpline is available around the clock at 1-800-213-6680.
First Aid Kit: Buy or put together a first aid kit for your pet. Michael Dym, VMD, recommends a basic first aid kit include the following items:
- For injuries, bandage material including gauze pads, ace bandages, one inch tape, cotton, and a first aid ointment such as Neosporin
- Hydrogen Peroxide and/or Ipecac to induce vomiting in case of accidental ingestion of a toxin or poison. Charcoal tablets and slippery elm can soothe the digestive tract. (Do not induce vomiting without consulting with a vet or poison control; in some cases, vomiting can cause more harm to your pet.)
- Oral Benadryl for use in case of allergic reactions.
- For use in dogs only, buffered aspirin is an anti-inflammatory and reduces pain and fever.
Learn basic first aid: Keep a basic first aid guide specifically for pets along with your first aid kit. Sign up for a pet CPR or first aid course in your area.
Pet-proof your home: As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Learn which household items are toxic to pets and place them out of reach of curious pets. Common toxins in the home include rodent poisons, cleaning solutions, certain household plants, anti-freeze, and chocolates. If your pet likes to chew, be sure that electrical cords are covered or safely stowed out of reach of your pet.
Knowing you are prepared can help you remain calm should your pet face an emergency situation. Your quick, calm action may help save your pet’s life.
Pet poisoning with common household items is, unfortunately, a fairly common situation. Among the many household items that may present a toxic risk to pets include xylitol poisoning (xylitol is found in many sugarless gums, candies and mints), human medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and antidepressants, flowers, chocolate, fertilizers, and various pest control products. Symptoms can range from digestive upset and neurological signs, to liver and/or kidney failure.
Appropriate pet proofing and awareness of what to do in the event of a pet poisoning situation are both important points to consider. Having the telephone numbers of local poison control centers as well as veterinary emergency hospitals is also important for ready access to sources of information about potential poisonous substances. Specific treatment will depend upon what a pet has been exposed to. Sometimes induction of vomiting is indicated, while in other cases IV fluid therapy and oral charcoal therapy may be indicated. The Pet Poison Helpline is useful for clients in those cases where poisoning is suspected. The Pet Poison Helpline at 800 213-6680 is available 24 hours a day. If you suspect your dog or cat has ingested something poisonous, call the helpline or your local veterinarian immediately.
Around holidays such as Valentine’s Day, it is important for animal guardians to be careful about possible chocolate ingestion by their pets. Chocolate toxicity is a common emergency around the holidays and can be a serious, health-threatening condition. The ingredients in chocolate contain what are known as methylxanthines, which are caffeine-like compounds that can cause serious health threatening consequences. The specific ingredient theobromine is the one we are most concerned about, and which pets have a hard time metabolizing even in small amounts.
Symptoms of chocolate toxicity may include initial nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, followed by cardiac symptoms including arrhythmias and even seizures. Bleeding and death may even occur. Treatment includes induction of vomiting, as well as supportive IV fluid therapy. If seizures occur, Valium and Phenobarbital may need to be given. Antiarrthythmic drugs are also indicated for any heart arrhythmias. Since theobromine is eliminated very slowly in pets, treatment may need to be continued for up to a few days after ingestion. Prognosis is usually good, as long as treatment is performed within a short period of ingestion.
| Rawhides are indeed favorite chewy bones sold in pet stores across the country, and are available in many varieties. Rawhide is a by-product of the meat industry, and is actually the tough inner layer of animal hide made from bull, horse, cow and water buffalo. The toughness of rawhides actually comes from the collagen linked together.
While chewing is often a very important healthy outlet for most dogs to help keep teeth clean and healthy, the use of rawhides is fraught with many dangers. |
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As rawhides are not food items, there is no regulation on rawhide products, especially those that are made overseas. Many rawhides contain chemical preservatives, artificial flavorings and colors. The imported chews may contain various heavy metals including arsenic, lead and mercury, all which are very toxic to mammalian enzyme systems.
The FDA has reported that even bacterial contaminants such as salmonella have been detected in most of the rawhides imported from other countries. In addition to these chemical risks, rawhides also may swell inside a pet’s digestive tract, which may lead to life threatening obstructions. I have also seen many dogs chew off and swallow large pieces of rawhide which can also result in digestive tract discomfort and obstructions. The truth of the matter is that even the hardest of rawhides may splinter in this way. It is for these reasons that I do not recommend giving rawhides to our canine companions. I much prefer alternatives including Kong toys and beef chews, which tend not to splinter and are also made with healthy minerals.
If clients are insistent on feeding rawhide to their pets, I recommend that they choose an American brand, as well as closely monitor their pet, being careful to throw away chewed down pieces as the rawhide gets smaller.
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Home First Aid kits are important first lines of defense for animal guardians should illness or injury strike our pets. Allergic reactions are common emergencies seen at home in pets. Oral Benadryl is important to have on hand in case of allergic stings or bites that may lead to swelling, itching and hives. The dose of Benadryl in pets is one half to one mg per pound given every 6 to 8 hours up to 24 hours.
In case of toxin or poison ingestion, animal guardians may need to induce vomiting or administer agents coat the digestive tract and/or absorb toxins to prevent absorption. Hydrogen peroxide and Ipecac tablets are sometimes indicated to induce vomiting. Charcoal tablets also may be used to soothe the digestive tract in case of diarrhea, as well as to prevent absorption of certain toxins. Slippery elm is also very helpful to soothe an inflamed digestive tract when vomiting and/or diarrhea is present. |
In case of injury, it is essential to have plenty of bandage material, including gauze pads, ace bandages, one inch tape and cotton. External dressing agents including Neosporin and homeopathic Traumeel can be quite helpful in covering wounds and preventing infection. For canine guardians, I also recommend having buffered aspirin on hand as a non-steroidal anti inflammatory agent useful for reduction of pain and fever in some cases.
Do you already have a home First Aid kit for your pets?
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As the holiday season now approaches, it is a good time to remind animal guardians of the increased risk of toxin and household poison exposure for our companion animals. This is especially important as people and their animals spend more time inside during the winter months.
One of the most common hazards seen is exposure to rodent poisons in the form of glue traps or live traps. It is very important for animal guardians to place such traps well out of their pet’s reach. As many rats and mice seek shelter in our homes in winter months, pets also may be exposed to secondary poisoning from rodents who have ingested bait used in many of these traps, and who may not be immediately killed. |
The greatest risk of rodenticide exposure is the effect on blood clotting in our pets, leading to potentially life threatening hemorrhage. Any pet suspected of being exposed to these rodenticides, either directly or indirectly, should be immediately taken to the nearest veterinary office so that prompt diagnosis and treatment with Vitamin K can be implemented.
Another common risk to pets during the holiday season is potential exposure to household plants and cleaning solutions. As plants like mistletoe, poinsettia, azalea and holly are brought into our homes, curious pets that ingest the stems and leaves may suffer from digestive upset and vomiting. Many cleaning solutions, including soaps, detergents, alcohols, and petroleum products also may cause vomiting and diarrhea, as well as organ damage if ingested. Christmas tree ornaments and gift wrapping with tinsel, string and ribbons all may cause stomach/intestinal blockages and must be kept out of reach of inquisitive pets.
The winter months are also a time of year when many will be changing antifreeze in their automobiles. Ethylene glycol (found in many antifreeze products and snow globe gifts) has a sweet taste that is very attractive for animals, and if ingested even in small amounts may cause acute kidney failure. Choosing antifreeze products that contain propylene glycol may be helpful in limiting potential ingestion.
As dogs and cats spend more time inside, it is also important to keep prescription and over-the-counter drugs out of reach to also prevent unwanted ingestion and exposure. Finally, during the winter there is increased exposure to deicing salts used on sidewalks and in streets that may cause irritation to paws and/or digestive upset if ingested. If there is any concern about possible exposure or ingestion to any household poisons, it is recommended that animal guardians contact their local veterinarian immediately, as well as 24-hour local and national poison control centers so that proper diagnosis and treatment can be implemented.
