National Poison Prevention Month

National Poison Prevention Month!

SHARED BY THE ASPCA WEBSITE

3 NUMBERS TO KEEP HANDY

ASPCA Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 ($65 Consultation Fee)

Pet Poison Helpline 1-800-213-6680 ($35 Consultation Fee)

Nationwide Standard Human Poison Control Center  
1-800-222-1222 (FREE)

All 3 numbers are available 24/7 year round.

More than 2 million poisonings are reported each year to the 61 Poison Control Centers (PCCs) across the country.
More than 90 percent of these poisonings occur in the home. The majority of non-fatal poisonings occur in children younger than six years old. And, poisonings are one of the leading causes of death among adults.

Below are the 10 most common pet toxins of 2010-2011 as outlined by the ASPCA and PetPoisonHelpLine.com

Almost 25 percent of ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (AAPC) calls concerned human medications accidentally ingested by pets.

The most common culprits include over-the-counter medications (ibuprofen, acetaminophen), antidepressants and ADHD medications.

Other common examples of human medications that can be potentially lethal to pets, even in small doses, include:

1. Pain killers
2. cold medicines
3. anti-cancer drugs
4. vitamins and diet pills.

PetPoisonHelpLine.com warns against:

1. Human Medications

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil®, Aleve® and Motrin®;
• Acetaminophen as found in Tylenol®
• and antidepressants like Effexor®, Cymbalta® and Prozac® that can cause serious harm to your pets when ingested. 

NSAIDs can cause serious stomach and intestinal ulcers as well as kidney failure.

Acetaminophen can damage red blood cells in cats, limiting their ability to carry oxygen, and in dogs, it can lead to severe liver failure.

Ingestion of antidepressants, which, of all human medications account for the highest number of calls to Pet Poison Helpline, can lead to neurological problems like sedation, in coordination, agitation, tremors and seizures.

2. Insecticides. About 20% of the calls to the APCC were about insecticides.

Insecticides are commonly used on our pets for flea control and around our houses to control crawling and flying bugs.
The most serious poisonings occurred when products not labeled for use in cats were applied to them. Always follow label directions.

3. Rodenticides are baits used to kill mice and rats, mostly grain based. Not only does this attract rodents, but it attracts dogs and cats.

There are several different types of rodenticides that can cause seizures, internal bleeding or kidney failure.

Rodent baits typically can result in blood clotting disorders, brain swelling or kidney failure, while snail and slug baits can result in severe tremors or seizures.

Always make sure these items are placed in areas that pets cannot access.

4. People Food. Xylitol, grapes, raisins, onions and garlic are commonly ingested by our pets.

Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs, while onions and garlic can cause anemia if enough is ingested.

Xylitol, a sugar alcohol used to sweeten sugar free gums and mints, can cause low blood sugar and liver failure in dogs.

Many sugarless gums, including some Trident™, Orbit™, and Ice Breaker™ brands, contain xylitol.
Candies, flavored multi-vitamins, desserts and baked goods may also be made with xylitol. Even small amounts when ingested can result in a life-threatening drop in blood sugar, or with large amounts of ingestion, liver failure.

Signs of xylitol poisoning include vomiting, weakness, difficulty walking, tremors and seizures.

5. Veterinary Medications although made for our pets are flavored for ease of giving. Unfortunately, that means that animals may ingest the entire bottle of medication if they find it tasty.

Common chewable medications include arthritis and incontinence medications.

Contact your veterinarian if your pet ingests more than his proper dose of medication.

6. Chocolate contains methylxanthines(a relative of caffeine), which act as stimulants to our pets.

The darker the chocolate, the more methylxanthines it contains. Methylxanthines can cause agitation, vomiting, diarrhea, high heart rate,hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, muscle tremors, seizures and death.

Baker’s chocolate and dark chocolate pose the biggest problem. The darker and more bitter the chocolate, the more dangerous it is to our pets.

7. Household Toxins such as cleaning supplies (bleach, acids, alkalis and other detergents), can cause corrosive injury to the mouth and stomach.

Other household items such as batteries and liquid potpourri can cause similar problems. Always keep these toxins behind securely locked doors.

Rule of thumb: If it has a warning label on it keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Other toxic household items include; Fabric softener sheets, mothballs, post-1982 pennies (due to high concentration of zinc)

8. Plants. Both house plants and outdoor plants can be ingested by our pets.

Certain types of lilies including tiger, day, Asiatic, Easter and Japanese lilies, are highly toxic to cats, while sago palms can cause liver failure in dogs and cats.

Severe kidney failure can result from ingestion of even a few petals, leaves, or even the pollen. In addition, ingestion of certain spring bulbs (e.g. daffodils, tulips) can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain.

More serious reactions include abnormal heart rate or changes in breathing. Keep house plants and bouquets away from your pets.

9. Many herbicides have a salty taste, and our pets will commonly ingest them. Always follow label directions and keep pets off treated areas until they are dry.

10. Outdoor toxins such as antifreeze, fertilizers and ice melts are all substances that animals can find outdoors. Keep these items in securely locked sheds or on high shelves where pets cannot get to them.

Fertilizers are basic gastrointestinal irritants. However, some are often combined with dangerous chemicals and compounds called organophosphates or carbamates, which can be harmful or deadly to pets.

Ingestion can result in drooling, watery eyes, urination, defecation, seizures, difficulty breathing, fever and even death.

What information will I need when I call poison control?

Whether you call your regular, emergency veterinarian or any any of the suggested poison control centers always have the following information available:

- the species, breed, age, sex, weight and number of animals involved

- the animal’s signs (Animals can't tell us symptoms. Tell them what you notice)

- information regarding the exposure, including the agent (if known),

- the amount of the agent involved

- the time elapsed since the time of exposure.

Have the product container/packaging available for reference.

Collect in a sealable plastic bag any material your pet may have vomited or chewed.

Use extreme caution when handling some of the chemicals. Wear non-latex gloves if at all possible.

I think my pet has ingested something potentially dangerous, but she seems normal. What should I do first: call the poison control centers or rush it to my local emergency veterinarian?

If you suspect that your pet may have become exposed to a harmful substance, but is not showing signs of illness, stay calm!

Contact your local veterinarian or any of the above mentioned Poison Control Centers first. 
 Remain calm. Pets can sense your agitation and may become excited, which will raise their blood pressure and may contribute to spreading the poison through the bloodstream faster.

What should I do if I think my pet ate something poisonous?

Remain calm and composed. If your animal is having seizures, losing consciousness, is unconscious or is having difficulty breathing, telephone ahead and bring your pet immediately to your local veterinarian or emergency veterinary clinic. If necessary, he or she may call the Poison Control Center. Bring the suspected substance with you.

Additional Resources:

PetEducation.com -

First Aid for ingestion of toxic products by pets. (GREAT RESOURCE)

American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Household Hazards

ALWAYS KEEP THE NUMBERS BELOW IN

- Your cell phone directory

- Home and Office phonebook

- In black & white hard copy in your car, kitchen and in the garage.

Why in black and white? Electronics fail, batteries die, phones don't like liquids, people forget to plug the phone, etc. If you have a hardcopy you can use any phone at any time and still make the call.

 THOSE NUMBERS ONCE AGAIN.....

ASPCA Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 ($65 Consultation Fee)

Pet Poison Helpline 1-800-213-6680 ($35 Consultation Fee)

Nationwide Standard Human Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222 (FREE

*YOUR VETERINARIAN'S NUMBER HERE

*EMERGENCY VETERINARY HOSPITAL NUMBER HERE

REMEMBER

No matter what article you find on the internet and no matter who wrote it that provides advice on what to do in case of poisoning - human or animal:

POISON CONTROL KNOWS BEST!
IT’S THEIR JOB TO KNOW.

Peroxide CANNOT be used for ALL cases of poisoning in cats and dogs.
Never give your pet anything unless you've consulted with your Veterinarian first!

Some chemicals and toxins may counteract negatively with the ingested substance.

In other cases some poisons should not be coming back up by forcing the animal to vomit.

Poisons can be ingested, inhaled and injected.

If you have a doubt, there is no doubt. Call Poison Control!

If you'd like to participate in a Pet CPR and First Aid Course so you can be prepared if you suspect your pet has gotten into poison or is suddenly ill, click here for more information.

One of our CVT's is a Certified Pet CPR and First Aid Instructor who offers group classes as well as in-home, private classes.
Next Class is being held in Chandler, Wednesday, March 28th from 9 am until 3 pm.  

For More information you can Register at http://wwwpettech.net/. Search Zip Code 85249. Kim MacCrone's class will appear.
Or for more information:
http://www.vetekchiconwheels.com/  http://www.kimspetcpr.blogspot.com/. Thank you!

Thank you for being responsible pet owners! To schedule your pet's exam call 480-987-4555

The Good Pet/ Bad Pet List

By Rikki Schmidt

The above picture is that of Lizzy Lizard, our 10 pound, 51” long female iguana with razor sharp teeth, claws, and a T-Rex style tail that knocked our boxer dog around. Not a good addition to most families- and if she was a male- not a good addition at all.



While cats and dogs are the most common critters found in American households there are a host of other two legged, four-legged, eight legged and no-legged possibilities.

Many of these however, are high maintenance animals that do not make good pets for the majority of people, and may even be illegal in Arizona. In addition to biting, some exotic animals harbor dangerous diseases that can be easily passed on to children who may not be careful regarding hand washing.
Some of these animals require almost constant attention and do not travel well, not a good match for a family with wanderlust. If these pets are birds or reptiles, they’ll need a veterinarian who specializes in avian or exotic medicine.
But if you do venture out beyond the cat/dog realm of companion animals, some choices are better than others:


Snakes-

If there’s a budding herpetologist at your house a corn snake may be a good choice since it is small and docile, rather than a python or boa constrictor that can grow very large, become dangerous and have a diet of cute, small furry creatures.


 

Pocket pets, etc.
Prairie dogs and skunks are illegal to keep as pets in Arizona. Sugar gliders are legal but they are messy, smelly, expensive, high maintenance animals with an exacting diet that needs to be
prepared fresh daily.
Hamsters, guinea pigs, gerbils and rabbits may be better choices.

But speaking of rabbits..with Easter just around the corner do NOT buy bunnies or baby chicks and ducklings that will only end up beings discarded or let loose (to die) soon after the novelty wears off. A stuffed animal or a trip to a petting zoo is a better option.

Turtles-
The sale or distribution of turtles with a shell under 4 inches in length is a violation of a 1975 federal law created to protect consumers, especially children, from the threat of reptile-associated salmonella.

Birds- A parakeet or cockatiel can be a good pet as long as the children are gentle – I would caution against the large parrots, macaws and cockatoos. They are emotionally demanding, very messy, extremely loud and can deliver a nasty bite.




And your family may not be willing to make a potential 50+ year commitment to a pet that acts forever like a two year old.

Lizards-
geckos or bearded dragons are relatively small and non-aggressive compared with monitors and iguanas.






 So read up on the animal you are considering. Information is available on line, in pamphlets at pet stores and books at the library. Make sure you can provide the correct diet and habitat and have the time to do so.
Find out if the critter is compatible with your lifestyle and existing pets. Know what you, and your family, are getting into.

Thank you for being responsible pet owners! To schedule your pet's exam call 480-987-4555



 

SPAY AND NEUTER- IT’S THE RIGHT THING TO DO AND WE DO IT RIGHT

Article written and shared by Rikki Schmidt

Spaying or neutering is beneficial to the health of both your pet and your pocketbook. The procedure reduces, and in many cases eliminates, the chances your furry friend will develop a host of often life-threatening and expensive medical conditions later in life.

When it comes to spaying, the earlier the better. If the animal is spayed before her first heat, there is very little chance she will develop breast cancer. Spaying also eliminates the chance of uterine and ovarian cancer as well as serious uterine infections like metritis or pyometra.

Neutering completely eliminates testicular cancer in male pets and reduces prostate problems in dogs by 90% (cats do have prostates but they very rarely cause a problem and are not as easily identified as dogs.)It also prevents them from urine marking in the house.

Neutered cats stay closer to home and are not as aggressive. They still may be territorial but they’re not out looking for trouble and they don’t get in as many fights. But neutering will not change a pet’s basic personality. A rambunctious, guard or hunting dog will still be the same.

At Johnson Ranch Animal Clinic our spay and neuter procedures have been developed for the safety and comfort of our patients.

 -Only specially trained technicians monitor the anesthesia.
-During surgery our sophisticated electronic monitoring instruments measure blood pressure, oxygen level, carbon dioxide level, temperature, heart rate and EKG.
-The pet is kept warm with a warming water blanket, IV fluid warmer, warm towels and a hot air convection warmer.


-IV fluids and anesthesia protocols that fit the patient and the procedure ensure a quick recovery so the pet can go home the same day
-Narcotics and anti-inflammatory drugs are given before, during and after surgery for the comfort of the pet
- While anesthetized, patients receive a complimentary toenail trim and ear canal exam
-We use absorbable sutures, which are less irritating to the pet and do not require a follow-up visit for removal
-Close monitoring continues after surgery. Pets are not just placed in a cage and left unattended to recover on their own. At least one technician is with the patient at all times until they are fully recovered


-All spay/neuter surgeries include a complimentary post op exam

To Schedule your pet's Spay or Neuter or Exam, please feel free to call us at your convenience.

Thank you for being responsible pet owners! 

Business Telephone: 480-987-4555