Pet Care In Emergencies

Missing Pets

1. Search the immediate area
2. Alert your neighbors
3. Distribute fliers. Include a photo of your pet, the date, and your phone number.
4. CALL AND VISIT YOUR LOCAL SHELTERS (Provide staff with a flier)
5. Notify your veterinarian
6. Check local veterinary hospitals
7. Ask your neighborhood association to distribute a mass email
8. Check the classified section of Petfinder and Craigslist

For more information on what you can do and the phone numbers for local Animal shelters - visit http://www.a-a-n-t.org/lost_pet_information.

Health Issues

II. Top 5 health issues facing American pets today
Tales from the Pet Clinic

Veterinarian Ann Hohenhaus describes certain health issues that research shows are increasingly prevalent among cats and dogs in the U.S. Dr. Hohenhaus writes that while obesity, diabetes, cancer and dental problems are on the rise in dogs and cats, visits to the veterinarian's office are actually declining. MORE

Poison Control

Since dogs are naturally curious creatures, it is important that we are aware of the potential poisons that our inquisitive pooches may find and ingest.

Toxic items can be natural (food and plants) and manufactured (chemicals and medications). Ask your veterinarian for a list of the potentially poisonous substances commonly found around the home.

Prevent accidents by tightly sealing any packaging and store toxic substances in places your pooch cannot access.

If you think your dog has ingested a dangerous substance, contact your veterinarian or local animal hospital immediately. If you are advised to bring the dog into the clinic, also take the packaging of the item or a sample of the plant you think your dog may have eaten. This will help the veterinarian to know how best to treat your pet.

Poison is a growing concern among pet owners. Household poisons are not the only thing that can harm your pets. Many common household foods and drugs can also be toxic to your pets.

The following are foods that can be toxic or poisonous to your pets:

Avocados. Avocados contain a toxin known as persin. Persin is found in various parts of the avocado and avocado trees (eg, leaves, rind, etc). This toxin is known mostly to cause vomiting and diarrhea. Birds and small pets seem most affected by the negative side effects of consuming avocado.

Beer. Not just beer ... all alcohol. Depending on how much alcohol your animal ingests, it can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, depression, difficulty breathing, coma, and possible death.

Chocolate. Chocolate contains a compound called theobromine that is toxic to pets. If enough is ingested, your animal can suffer from vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal heart rhythms, tremors, seizures, and possible death. Cocoa mulch contains theobromine; the ASPCA advises dog owners to avoid using this fertilizer around unsupervised dogs, and dogs with indiscriminate eating habits since it can be toxic if ingested.

Candy. Chocolate is the most common candy that is toxic to pets, especially to dogs, cats, and ferrets. Any candy containing the sweetener xylitol can also be toxic to pets.

Caffeine. Caffeine is generally highly toxic to pets, having negative effects on both the cardiac and nervous systems. Side effects can include vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal heart rhythms, tremors, seizures, and possible death.

Grapes and raisins. An unknown toxin in grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure and ultimately lead to death. Symptoms of this poisoning can include hyperactivity, vomiting, diarrhea, and irregular heartbeat.

Nuts. An unknown toxin in nuts can have negative effects on the nervous, digestive, and muscular systems of your pet. Symptoms can include muscle tremors, weakness, an upset stomach, vomiting, depression, inactivity, and stiffness. Particularly avoid Macadamia nuts.

Onions. Onions, along with garlic and chives, are all part of the same species of plant — the Allium species. Allium species plants contain sulfur compounds that can cause stomach irritation and possibly result in damage to red blood cells causing anemia. This is referred to as Allium poisoning.

Some human medicines. While some human medications are prescribed for pets by veterinarians, others can be highly toxic and fatal. Acetaminophen, which is contained in Tylenol and other similar products, for example, can be fatal to cats. Always consult with your veterinarian before giving human medication to a pet.

Xylitol (artificial sugar). Xylitol is a sweetener used in many products including mouthwash, chewing gum, toothpaste, and various foods. Because it is toxic to pets, products containing xylitol should not be given to your dog or cat.

Lily Plants. All portions of the lily plant are poisonous to cats when ingested. Just a nibble of the leaf, petal, or stem can cause irreversible kidney failure despite extensive medical treatment.

Other foods that can be toxic to your pet:

Apple Seeds Chives (see "onions," above)
Fruit pits, especially those of apricots, peaches, plums, nectarines, and cherries
Garlic (see "onions" above)
Moldy foods
Mustard seeds
Potato leaves and stems
Rhubarb leaves
Salt
Tea
Tomato leaves and stems

Toxic Household Items:
Antifreeze
Liquid potpourri
Polyurethane glue
Pennies
Pine-oil cleaners

A study by the pet health insurance company VPI found that these were the top 10 foods and plants involved in pet poisoning claims:

Raisins/Grapes
Mushrooms
Marijuana
Lily flowers
Walnuts
Onion
Sago Palm
Macadamia nuts
Azalea flowers
Hydrangea flowers