Nicole Bode, CVT Veterinary Information Specialist Pet Poison Helpline® Most people are used to seeing a stray cat wandering here or there, but the problem of feral cats continues to grow as humans become more irresponsible about sterilizing their pets. These cats actually cause little issue if they are managed properly, and it’s very easy…
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Kia Benson, DVM Associate Veterinarian, Clinical Toxicology As our own Candi Amundson, CVT and Senior Veterinary Information Specialist mentioned in her June blog, sunburn can be a big problem for animals as well as humans. Let’s take an in-depth look at this medical issue that often flies under our radars until a problem develops. Sunburn…
Kia Benson, DVM Associate Veterinarian, Clinical Toxicology Download our Essential Oils and Cats handout! Essential oils are volatile, organic constituents of plants that contribute to fragrance and taste. They are extracted from plants via distillation or cold pressing. Essential oils are utilized in a variety of ways: as insecticides, in aromatherapies, personal care products (e.g.,…
Renee DiPietro, CVT Permitted Wildlife Rehabilitator Since Ancient times we have held the domestic cat (felis domesticus) as a beautiful and noble companion, a reliable pest eradication system and even as an object of worship. The joys of sharing our lives with cats are many. One attribute of cat behavior is their independence when compared…
By Kia Benson, DVM Associate Veterinarian, Clinical Toxicology The tigress crouches as she stalks her prey, her eyes dilated to take in the sparse light of a cloudy night. Closer and closer she moves on silent, padded feet. Her prey shows no awareness of its danger. Suddenly, she pounces, administering the killing neck bite and…
Lynn R. Hovda, RPH, DVM, MS, DACVIM Director, Veterinary Services In time for Poison Prevention Week each year, veterinarians at Pet Poison Helpline® review the prior year’s case records to identify specific toxins resulting in the most consults from pet owners and veterinarians. Some of the toxins are species specific such as lilies in cats and…
By Sharon Billings, CVT Associate Veterinary Information Specialist What if I told you there’s one quick and easy thing you can do that could add several years to your pet’s expected life span? What if I told you this one thing could save you lots of money in future health care costs AND help keep…
Though they have a bad rap, poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) plants are only mildly toxic to cats and dogs. Sources: During the holidays, Poinsettias are a popular Christmas plant. Mechanism of action: The milky white sap found in poinsettias contains chemicals called diterpenoid euphorbol esters and saponin-like detergents. While poinsettias are commonly “hyped” as poisonous plants,…
During certain times of the year (such as summer and winter), dogs and cats are more exposed to antifreeze. Untreated, antifreeze poisoning can be fatal to pets. Prompt, immediate treatment is necessary in order to save a dog or cat’s life from poisoning. Sources of antifreeze: The primary dangerous source of antifreeze is automotive radiator…
During the week of Halloween, calls to the veterinarians at Pet Poison Helpline® increase by 12 percent, making it the call center’s busiest time of year. “Each year we experience a sharp increase in calls around Halloween, especially during the weekends surrounding the holiday,” said Ahna Brutlag, DVM, MS, assistant director at Pet Poison Helpline®. “Most…
