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Springtime is heartworm, flea, and tick time
Don't forget to get started on your preventive medications for fleas and ticks, and for heartworm disease. As the weather warms, your pets need protection against the assault. Ask your veterinarian which preventive medications are best for your pet.
Top ten pet poisons for 2009
In 2009 the Animal Poison Control Center handled over 140,000 cases of exposure to toxic substances. Many are common everyday items that our pets could easily come in contact with. Take a moment, read the list, then take a walk through your home, garage, yard, and garden.
1) Human Medications – prescription and over-the-counter medications such as pain and cold medications, antidepressants, and dietary supplements.
2) Insecticides – One of the most common incidents involving insecticides was misuse of flea and tick control products.
3) People Food – such as grapes, raisins, chocolate, bread dough, onions, products containing Xylitol, etc. Some cause a little gastric upset, some cause long-term damage, some can be fatal.
4) Houseplants – both inside and outside plants both are included in this category.
5) Veterinary medications – while these are intended for our pets, they are sometimes improperly used.
6) Rodenticides – rat and mouse bait are attractive to our pets as well
7) Household Cleaners – including bleaches, detergents, and disinfectants. These don't even have to be ingested. Our pets can be poisoned just by inhaling them.
8) Heavy metals – lead, zinc, and mercury are the most common offenders.
9) Garden products – fertilizer and mulch can cause severe gastric problems.
10) Chemical hazards – paint thinners, drain cleaners, pool chemicals, antifreeze
Top ten human medications that can poison your pet
1) Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – naproxen and ibuprofen (Aleve, Advil, some Motrin)
2) Acetaminophen – Tylenol (especially deadly in cats)
3) Antidepressants – Cymbalta, Prozac, Effexor, Lexapro
4) ADD/ADHD medications – Concerta, Adderall, Ritalin
5) Sleep aids and anti-anxiety medications – Ambien, Lunesta, Xanax, Klonopin
6) Birth control medications – estrogen, estradiol, progesterone
7) ACE inhibitors (blood pressure medications) – Zestril, Altace
8) Beta-blockers (blood pressure medications) – Tenormin, Coreg, Toprol
9) Thyroid hormones – Armour desiccated thyroid, Synthroid
10) Cholesterol lowering medications (statins) – Lipitor, Zocor, Crestor
What to do if your pet may have eaten something poisonous
If your pet has ingested something potentially poisonous, don't wait. Quick action could mean the difference between life and death. Remove your pet from the area and make sure no other pets (or children) could get into the same poisonous material. Check your pet for any immediate symptoms. Collect a sample of the material and keep the packaging. You'll need it for your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline. Do not give milk or food, or attempt to induce vomiting in any way until you speak to your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline. In some cases it can be more detrimental to your pet. Get help – the sooner the better. Keep the Pet Poison Helpline, the local veterinary emergency service, and your veterinarian's number handy.
Pet Poison Helpline
 The Pet Poison Helpline service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They offer assistance in treating a potentially poisoned pet, including dogs, cats, birds, small mammals, large animals, and exotic species. Pet Poison Helpline's fee is $35 per incident and includes follow-up consultation for the duration of the poison case. Pet Poison Helpline is available by calling 800-213-6680. Additional information can be found online at www.petpoisonhelpline.com.
Goodbye Kelly
Kelly Saverino left our practice in March as she started her final (and very busy) year of veterinary school. We wish Kelly the best of luck and will miss her very much.
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