Monthly Archives: March 2019

National Poison Prevention Week: Signs of Poisoning in Pets

It’s National Poison Prevention Week – so it’s a great time to review the signs and symptoms of poisoning in dogs and cats. Pets are notoriously good at hiding pain, however, in the case of ingestion of a toxic substance, the signs can vary based on the particular poison.

If you think your dog or cat has been poisoned or may have ingested a toxic substance, call your veterinarian immediately for assistance! The sooner your dog or cat gets medical treatment, the better the outcome.

According to the Pet Poison Helpline, the most common signs of poisoning generally include (but are not limited to):

Gastrointestinal signs

Nausea & Vomiting
Diarrhea
Drooling/excessive salivating
Lack of appetite/refusing food

Internal bleeding

Coughing of blood
Vomiting blood
Pale gums
A racing heart rate
Weakness or lethargy
Collapse

Kidney failure

Bad breath that smells of urine or ammonia
Lack of appetite/refusing food
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Excessive thirst or urination
Absence or decreased urination

Liver failure

Jaundice/yellow discoloration of the gums
Weakness or collapse
Dullness, confusion, acting abnormally
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Black-tar appearance in stool

For more information about potential toxins in the home, click here.

Outside of your personal veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) is your best resource for any animal poison-related emergency.

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: 888-426-4435

National K-9 Veterans Day

National K-9 Veterans Day is celebrated each March 13th, in honor of the official birthday of the US Army K9 Corps, formed in 1942. Joseph White, a retired military working dog trainer, originated the idea for the day to honor service dogs who risked their lives for their trainers
and for the safety of our military men and women each day.

Today K-9 forces are an active part of military, police, and rescue duties. Training for each service dog is tailored to meet the demands of the job so the animal and its handler can carry out his or her duties to the fullest. We salute the efforts of all K-9 Veterans and handlers!

In Celebration of Professional Pet Sitters Week

In honor of the 25th Annual Professional Pet Sitters Week, here are a few reasons why you might need to call a professional pet sitter:

If you’ve ever had to drop everything to travel at the last minute for work or an emergency
If you’ve ever needed someone to take care of your pet while you go on vacation
If you’ve ever felt like you can’t travel because you have no one to look after your pet
If your pet is older and gets stressed out by change in environment or travel
If your pet has health issues and can’t risk exposure to other animals
If you get stressed out thinking of leaving your pet in a kennel

Reasons to love professional pet sitters while you’re away for a few days or even longer:

No disruption to your pet’s daily routine
No stressful environment changes for your pet
No calling in favors with family, neighbors or friends
No wrestling with pet carriers or potentially stressful car rides
Your pet will have regular attention, exercise, and TLC
Your pet’s medications and health will be monitored
You’ll get regular updates, so less to worry about
Your home will look lived in, so less risk of crime

Thanks to all the Professional Pet Sitters!