Lethbridge Herald All About Pets – 7


Our furry companions share many aspects of our lives, including food and treats, but sometimes what is good for us is not always good for them! Much to many people’s surprise, our homes are full of toxicants and other everyday items that are actually very dangerous to our pets’ health. Being aware of the existence of these items in your home and keeping them out of your pet’s reach is key to their safety. Following are some of the most common toxicants in our homes, as well as the symptoms of ingestion.


Chocolate:


vomiting/diarrhea, hyperexcitability, muscle tremors, incoordination, seizures and death; toxic dose is dependent on the type of chocolate ingested, with baking chocolate being the most toxic


Anti-inlammatories: vomiting/diarrhea, blood in stool or vomit; dark coloured feces, lethargy, dificulty breathing; included products are acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve)


Grapes/Raisins: Onions/Garlic: Xylitol:


Antifreeze: Mouse/Rat Bait:


lethargy, anorexia, vomiting/diarrhea, kidney failure, death vomiting/diarrhea, lethargy, anemia, pale gums


vomiting, weakness, depression, collapse, tremors, seizures Ribbons/Tinsel/String: common in cats, eating it causes obstructions of intestinal tract; vomiting/diarrhea, pain in abdomen


attractive to pets because of its sweet taste; causes drunken behaviour, stupor, vomiting, lethargy, seizures, death


also attractive to pets because of its sweet taste; causes weakness, coughing, laboured breathing, bruising, bleeding, collapse, death


Bones/Fatty Foods: risk of obstruction in the stomach/intestines, or of a pancreatic attack; signs include vomiting/ diarrhea, lethargy


Lilies: Houseplants: vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, kidney failure wide variation in symptoms, many cause hypersalivation, vomiting/diarrhea, oral ulceration


If you know or suspect that your pet has consumed any of these substances, call your veterinarian immediately. Even if you are unsure, it is always better to ask a vet than to wait for your pet to show symptoms and become ill.


Dr. Melissa Wallace Coaldale Pet Clinic – Where we care for your pets! PO Box 900, Coaldale AB, T1M 1M7 www.coaldalepet.com l www.facebook.com/coaldalepetclinic


COALDALE C


pet clinic Where we care for your pets


• Wellness • Nutrition • Surgery • Dentistry


Now offering Monthly Health Plans 403-345-5200


1402 - 20 Ave. PO Box 900 • Coaldale AB T1M 1M7 FAX: 403-345-2110 Mon./Tues./Wed./Fri. 9 - 5 • Thurs. 9 - 8


www.coaldalepet.com • coaldalepetclinic@telus.net


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