Blog – Camino Seco Pet Clinic

Why Is My Bird Losing Its Feathers?

admin — Thu, 24 Aug 2017 17:15:12 +0000

Birds regularly lose their feathers when they are molting. This allows them to lose their old ones and make way for new ones. However, you should be familiar with your bird’s molting period and when it is. You will also be familiar with the signs that your animal is molting. If it is not time for your bird to be molting or the loss of feathers is different than normal, you likely have something else going on.

Here are a few of the other reasons why your bird may be losing its feathers.

Parasites

One of the reasons why your bird may begin to lose its feathers is because of parasites. Birds can pick up these parasites if they go outside or interact with other birds. If they do neither, the chance of a parasite is extremely low. When birds lose their feathers due to parasites, they are often left with thick, scaly skin in the area the feathers were. A veterinarian will have to test the skin to confirm a parasite is present and then treat the parasite. Once treatment is complete, your birds thick skin should begin to flake off before new feathers begin to come in.

Bacterial or Fungal Diseases

Another reason why your bird may be losing its feathers is because of bacterial or fungal disease. Unfortunately, it can be hard to differentiate between bacterial and fungal diseases and self mutilation. This is because a bacterial or fungal disease can cause the bird’s skin to itch so much that they begin to pluck the feathers out themselves, making it look like self mutilation. However, a vet can look at the skin and take skin samples, helping you determine if medication is needed to treat the bacterial or fungal diseases or whether your bird needs a new routine to stop self mutilation.

Nutritional Deficiencies

It is important that a bird get all of the vitamins and nutrients they need to thrive. Without this, they may not properly grow and thrive. If their diet has deficiencies, you may also see the bird begin to lose its feathers. A vet can go over the dietary needs of your bird with you, helping to ensure the bird gets all of the vitamins and nutrients it needs.

Behavioral Issues

The last reason a bird may be losing its feathers is due to behavioral issues. This may be self mutilation because of boredom or it may be another bird that is picking on your bird. If another bird shares a cage with the bird losing its feathers, separate them. From there, watch the affected bird carefully. If the bird is self mutilating, he may be bored and needs more stimulation. If he seems to heal up when separated, the other bird may have been bored or territorial and may have been picking on the bird.

When your bird is losing its feathers, is not feeling right, or just needs routine care, bring him or her into Camino Seco Pet clinic in Tucson, Arizona. We are a local veterinary clinic that treats dogs, cats, exotic animals, pocket pets and birds. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for your pet.

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Puppies New To A Home

admin — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 23:56:44 +0000

Puppies new to a home need your patience and understanding to get to know you and your family. A few simple tips and tools can help make the transition go a little smoother. Keep reading to find out more about how toys, discipline and crate training can help.

Best Toys for Puppies

Your puppy needs a few things to feel secure in his new home. Give him a special place to sleep, and eat meals. Provide a mixture of toys to keep him active and entertained. One of the reasons new puppies chew so much is that they are still teething, but this calms down over time. Get toys that he can toss, throw and chew to work out that nervous energy.

Mental stimulation keeps his mind active and out of trouble. So, puzzle toys are great for intelligent breeds. Thick ropes are great chew toys that double as the prompt for a tug-of-war game with you. Rubber balls and bones help puppies bring in their first teeth.

Puppy Socialization

When you bring the puppy home, take him for a walk around the house to become familiar with this new kingdom. Then, if you have another dog, consider walking them both on neutral ground, such as the sidewalks outside your property. If the dogs are happy or indifferent to one another, maybe it’s time to take them off-leash in a fenced, secure area, like your back yard.

Allow one to two weeks to make sure the dogs are getting along and watch their interactions. Don’t leave them on their own until you know they are comfortable together. Keep up established habits with your first dog so he doesn’t feel left out or threatened during feeding or playtime. Don’t let the dogs antagonize each other. You are their alpha and if you allow it, bullying will continue. Be especially careful during transition times, such as when the family is getting home or leaving the house,

Not all dogs will like each other, but as long as they respect one another and the house rules, you should be okay. Just try to spend time with each of them separately as well as introducing group play time. Socialization is vital to helping your puppy become a healthier and happier pet. It is much easier on everyone if a hyper dog isn’t waiting at the door to fly at you or picking fights with another dog while you are at work.

Socializing your puppy to cats can be a frustrating prospect. Just make sure you don’t scold your cat too much, or it is likely to hold a grudge and take it out on the new dog. Some cats and dogs get along famously, while others tolerate one another and claim different areas of the home for their own.

Why Crate Train a Hyper Puppy?

If you have a dog that ransacks the house or chews on furniture, you may have to consider crate training. Before you begin acclimating the puppy to crating, know what makes him feel secure already. Never use the crate as a punishment. The crate can:

Create a safe den for your dog (It doesn’t have to be scary!)
Keep him out of forbidden areas
Help with potty training (He won’t want to go in the crate while he’s in there.)

When you are traveling with the dog, a crate is his safe place among unfamiliar sounds, smells, and people.

Taking the time to acclimate your puppy to a new home will earn his love and trust. Your dog will do anything he can to win your approval, and just a little effort in the beginning can make things easier down the road for everyone. It will be worth it when you receive compliments on what a mature, well-mannered pet you have.

Bring your puppy in to visit us at Camino Seco Pet Clinic for a check up to make sure they are healthy and happy!

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How to Ensure Happiness and Entertainment for your Cat

Tucson Veterinarian — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 08:00:17 +0000

Evidently, your cat is good at amusing an entertaining themselves through their playful nature and short-lived activities. Unlike other pets, they require very little input from you regarding entertainment and stimulation. You can comfortably leave them at home alone without worrying about its source of entertainment.

Notably, your cat will spend most of its time sleeping with an average of 15 hours per day. This means that they will only be active for a small portion of the day making it easier for you to chip in with extra forms of entertainment, which will keep it stimulated and amused.

The Importance of Keeping Your Cat Happy and Entertained

1. To Lessen Hunting Behavior

When idle, they will look for activities which will keep them preoccupied. As you know, cats are predators hence they are naturally adopted to hunting. If they have unlimited access to an outdoor lifestyle, it will most probably end up hunting birds and mice when it is idle, to bury the boredom. After these hunting trips, they will be very dirty with a likelihood of bringing fleas to your house. The raw meat from their prey may also be unhealthy for them and can lead to extra medical expenses.

2. To Reduce Destructive Activities

Cats are known to be playful creatures with the ability to perfectly entertain themselves. To achieve this entertainment, they can embark on a destructive activities including scratching of expensive furniture. The inquisitive nature of your cat, alongside its prosperity to get into trouble are the two main factors behind its destructive nature. You, therefore, need to distract your cat using other forms of entertainment, if at all you wish to reduce these destructive activities.

3. To Keep Your Cat Healthy

When playing around with your cat, you will be helping it perform some physical activities, in an enjoyable manner. Physical activities are crucial to the health of your cat, especially in ensuring that it maintains an ideal weight. You will also be able to know whether they are ailing, depending on its response during these playful moments.

4. You get to Bond and Relate Better with your Cat

Entertainment sessions are key to a better relation with your cat. If by any case you are not the first owner, you should try hard to bond and relate with it to ensure that it feels comfortable around you. There are many cases whereby they flee back to their previous owners, which is mostly triggered by the treatment they get from their new owners. A good and close relationship with them will ensure that it stays loyal and respectful.

5. Reliefs Stress

Sometimes a little play is all you need to relief the stress you get after a long busy day. You might not have anyone else to play around with, but there is no need to worry; your cat will do the trick. After a session of playing around with them, your stress will be gone, and the cat will be happy, which is a double achievement.

Cats are very special creatures, loved by most people. If you own a pet cat, then there is the need to ensure that it stays happy and entertained. This way, you will ensure that it remains loyal and healthy.

To ensure your cat has a happy and healthy life, schedule an appointment with Camino Seco Pet Clinic for a check-up!

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When Do I Need an Exotic Pet Vet?

Tucson Veterinarian — Mon, 08 May 2017 22:28:13 +0000

Do you have an exotic pet? When people make the big decision to welcome a pet into their home, it is important to find the right vet to provide the necessary healthcare for their pet.

While people with traditional pets, such as cats and dogs, may not have much trouble finding a vet to take care of their pets, what about the people who elect to welcome a non-traditional pet into their home?

These pet owners may need to find a vet called an exotic pet vet. These veterinarians are specially trained to take care of pets that may not fit the mold of the traditional pet; however, these pets deserve healthcare just like any other animal. There are many different reasons why owners of non-traditional pets may need to find a vet that specializes in exotic animals.

Treatment for Exotic Pets

1. What Species of Pet Do You Have?

Some people may be surprised to learn what animals are considered “exotic.” This doesn’t mean animals that aren’t native to the United States; however, it includes a wide variety of animals that traditional pet owners may not have. For example, many people have snakes or lizards as pets. These animals will require attention from an exotic pet vet to get the care that they deserve. Other people may have birds in their home. Birds will also require the attention of an exotic pet vet. It is important for people to find the right type of vet to take care of their pet because these vets have the training that is necessary to provide guidance regarding what is necessary these type of animals in good health.

2. Are the Technicians Comfortable Handling Exotic Animals?

When people are wondering whether or not to go with a specific exotic vet, they need to remember that it isn’t just the vet that is going to be taking care of their animals. In fact, there are many different people that work at that vet clinic who may have some role in the care of a pet. It is important for pet owners to meet and greet some of the technicians that work in the clinic because they must be comfortable taking care of exotic pets, too. If they aren’t, it might be better to find a different exotic pet clinic.

3. What Happens if a Medical Emergency Arises?

If they have an emergency, it is important to find an exotic vet hospital that is open at all hours for emergency care. When they have emergencies, it is possible that they are significantly different from the potential emergencies that traditional pet owners face. Because these are different species, they also have completely different anatomy that has important implications for potential treatment options. Therefore, if they have an emergency they must go to an exotic pet hospital with the knowledge and equipment necessary to care for that animal properly.

These are only a handful of the many different reasons why someone might need to find an exotic vet for their pet. It is important for people to take the time to make sure that they find a vet that suits the needs of their pets.

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Routine Vet Visit: Why Is It So Important?

Tucson Veterinarian — Wed, 08 Mar 2017 19:39:53 +0000

Are you consistent with your pet’s routine vet visit? Many pet owners only visit their veterinarian when their pet is acting strange or sick, but it is very important that pet owners keep their pets on a routine schedule of visiting the vet. Just like humans, pets need frequent checkups to ensure everything is okay and no further care is needed.

Why are routine vet visits so important? Many pet owners follow a practice of not taking their pet to the vet unless they have a reason to, such as illness, physical injury or some other ailment. This is not the proper way to practice pet health, as routine vet visits not only determine how your pet is progressing in life, but your vet may be able to see issues that you cannot see on the surface. Not only can your veterinarian spot these issues, they can correct and prevent them from further progressing. That is why taking your beloved furry friend in for a general checkup is so important.

What To Expect During A Routine Vet Visit

When going for a general pet checkup, most vets conduct a physical examination. This is usually a “nose-to-tail” checkup, moving along your pet’s entire body to inspect the mouth, paws, skin, coat, eyes, teeth, tail and many other areas.

In addition to the basic physical checkup, a pet’s mouth and teeth are of just as much importance, as 8 out of 10 dogs can be faced with dental problems and the bacteria from the mouth can be carried through the bloodstream and infect other organs. One of the main areas your vet should focus on is the skin and coat of the pet, which is the largest organ of the body, and could show signs of some underlying problem with your pet.

For older pets, it is important to check for signs of conditions such as arthritis, or other joint issues that can inhibit your pet’s agility and ability to get around as they age. Your vet may be able to help with certain issues while you are in the office, but they may also prescribe something to help your pet or recommend a change in diet or an addition of supplements such as omega fatty acids for healthy skin or glucosamine for healthier joints.

Vet visits help your pets have a long, healthy life and make sure they not only maintain their health with proper diet, exercise and supplementation. They also make sure your pets routinely have their health checked by a trusted professional.

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Common Worms and Parasites: Identifying Worms and Symptoms

Tucson Veterinarian — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 21:05:44 +0000

The threat of parasites and worms are a reality for your dog and cat. Affecting particular breeds and pets that have access to the outdoors, parasites and worms can cause small ailments like stomach upset, up to extreme cases of death. The most common type of parasites and worms that affect pet dogs and cats are hookworms, whipworms, roundworms, and tapeworms. The effects of worms are particularly pervasive, as they can lay dormant in your pet’s system for quite some time before physical symptoms manifest. If your pet is experiencing rapid and random weight loss, diarrhea that isn’t remedied via diet modification, anemia, scratching of the anal opening, unexplained vomiting, severe bad breath that can’t be cured by regular brushing, or severe coughing, then it is recommended that you take your pet to a veterinarian – it is a very real possibility that your pet is experiencing some sort of parasitic invasion.

Why Is a Stool Sample Required? Some parasites are very evidence, with adult roundworm and tapeworm being very visible in stools. However, once they are observable with the naked human eye, then usually your dog or cat is experiencing advanced stages sickness. A stool sample will be able to analyze feces to check for worms as well as for disconnected segments. A stool sample is also required to discover eggs, which tend to be microscopic in size.

Learning about the Common the Parasites and Worms That Affect Your Pets

Whipworms tend to affect dogs, but it is not unnatural for cats to be infected by whipworms. Looking like small pieces of thread, whipworms tend to occupy your pet’s intestine. Whipworms do not lay many eggs, so several stool samples need to be examined to determine if whipworms are the potential culprit. Stool that is encased in mucus or extreme weight loss is usually attributed to whipworm infestation. Fortunately, whipworms hardly cause deaths.

Roundworms tend to affect puppies, especially puppies living in close quarters. Puppies that come from puppy mills and pet shops tend to be inundated with this parasite. Roundworms tend to be very common in puppies and kittens due to the way it is spread. The roundworm larva can migrate between the mother and the developing fetus. It can also be spread during nursing time. Once the larva migrates, they grow up to 5 inches in the dogs or cats intestine. There they start to absorb nutrients from the intestinal tract, then it will start laying eggs. Roundworms can lay up to 1 million eggs over the span of a couple of weeks. Due to this number, many kittens and puppies with advanced stages of infestation tend to have large bellies and mid sections. Severe infestations can cause a blockage, killing the host. Not only are puppies and kittens in danger of roundworm infestation, but an adult can be exposed as well.

Hookworms are also much more common in dogs and puppies. Hookworms secure themselves to the small intestines, sucking up blood for nourishment. Puppies and dogs get exposed to hookworms via stool that has been contaminated by it or ingesting the eggs by other means. Puppies can also be exposed to the parasite by nursing on an infected mother. Due to the loss of blood, advanced stages of hookworm infestation tend to cause anemia. Poor weight, loss of interest in favorite foods and treats and low energy are all hallmarks of a hookworm infestation.

Tapeworms come from fleas, putting dogs and cats in danger. Cats and dogs that have access to the outdoors – especially outdoor areas where tall grass tends to grow – are all exposed to fleas that are infected with tapeworms. Tapeworms look like several pieces of tape secured together, with distinct tiny brick like sections. Although tapeworms can grow up to 5 to 6 inches in length, the first visible signs of tapeworm infestations typically manifest in tiny segments attached to the fur around the pet’s anus. Looking like small pieces of rice, these tapeworm segments move when agitated. The segment also contains tapeworm eggs. Tapeworm infestations tend to be aggressive, and that most over-the-counter medications cannot help. It is important that you visit a veterinarian as soon as possible

Preventing Parasites and Worms in Your Pets

The key to a long canine and feline life is prevention. Make sure that your cat and dog visits a veterinarian on a regular basis. Most seemingly healthy pets can go with yearly visits. But dogs and outdoor cats should be examined at least twice a year. Dewormers that are formulated with active ingredients like piperazine work by paralyzing parasites and worms, halting their assault on your pet’s intestinal tract. Stronger dewormers can be given to you by your veterinarian. To reduce your pet’s exposure to fleas that may have parasites clinging to them, it is recommended that you do not allow them to wonder in marshes and areas with tall grass. These tend to be breeding grounds for parasites, worms, and bacteria that can infect your pets.

In many places, it is required by law that pets are vaccinated before they are able to go to dog parks and other places where dogs congregate. Even though most pet owners follow this rule, it is still important to be able to pinpoint symptoms. You do not want a sick dog to potentially expose your pets to illness. A dog that looks particularly lethargic, dirty, and look like they have excessive bloating around the midsection; are all potential signs of a dog that is infected. For outdoor cats, consider converting them to indoor cats. Outdoor cats are exposed to the elements, predators, aggressive cats, and parasites. An outdoor cat generally lives a much shorter life than an indoor cat.

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Vital Pet First Aid Tips To Help Keep Your Pet Healthy And Safe

Tucson Veterinarian — Tue, 20 Sep 2016 21:03:00 +0000

When you own a pet, there are many things to keep in mind. You not only need to make sure their environment is safe for themselves, but also have a working knowledge of what pets should and shouldn’t eat, and keep their best interests at heart. In addition, it’s important to know some pet first aid tips, just in case.

Necessary First Aid Supplies

First aid kits are not only important for humans. If you own a pet, you should have a first aid kit prepared in care of emergencies as well.

That kit should first and foremost include the phone numbers of your veterinarian, the nearest emergency veterinarian clinic (if your vet doesn’t offer an emergency option), and the number for animal poison control. These phone numbers will be crucial if your pet is in distress and needs help.

Additionally, your kit should include a leash, gauze, strips of cloth, adhesive tape for bandages (not human bandages), milk of magnesia, hydrogen peroxide, an eye dropper, a digital thermometer, muzzle, and even a board or blanket that can be used to stabilize an injured pet.

Why You Need These Supplies

Obviously, you should use supplies like gauze, strips of cloth, and adhesive tape for wound care. If your pet has an injury and is bleeding, it is important to apply pressure and try to get the bleeding under control as quickly as possible.

A leash and muzzle are helpful if your pet is injured to keep both you and your pet safe. Especially if your furry friend has the tendency to bite when it’s hurt, the only way you can help them is to muzzle them.

A digital thermometer should be used rectally to monitor the temperature of your pet, and you can use the eye dropper to administer medicine or even to help flush a wound.

Lastly, the hydrogen peroxide can be used to induce vomiting in your pet, but should only be used after you have spoken to a doctor. Similarly, after speaking to a professional, you can use the milk of magnesia with activated charcoal to help absorb poison in your pet.

First Aid Tips

What To Do When Your Pet is Poisoned

If you suspect your pet has been poisoned, it’s important to act quickly. Whether you think your pet has accidentally ingested something that it shouldn’t have, or it was attacked and even purposefully poisoned, you must move fast. In fact, you need to seek care for your pet immediately.

When speaking to a professional on the phone they may suggest you use either the hydrogen peroxide to help your pet to throw up the poison, or the milk of magnesia to help remove the poison before you can bring in your pet for further care. Either way, you never want to give your animal medicine without talking to a professional.

In many cases, your pet may only have a few hours before something critical happens. But sure to think clearly and make decisive decisions.

How to Handle a Choking Pet

Another first aid tip you should know is how to deal with a choking pet. We all know that sometimes, our furry friends eat more than they can handle or chew on something that they shouldn’t. When that happens, you should be able to do something to alleviate your pet from choking.

If your pet is choking and clearly in distress, you should first try to see if you can see the object in the pet’s throat. Depending on the size of your pet, you might be able to open their mouth and actually see the object that is choking them.

If you can clearly see and grip the object, then proceed with that and pull the object from the throat. But be aware that your pet may be more likely to bite when it’s in choking distress. If you are unable to remove the object or your pet collapses, you should try to lay it on its side and strike the rib cage with the palm of your hands 3 to 4 times.

Pet Safety and First Aid During Hot Days

During hot days, it’s particularly important to keep your pet’s safety in mind. If you suspect that your beloved pet is suffering from heat stroke, remove them from the heat as best and fast as you can. Place a cool or cold wet towel around its neck and head without covering the eyes, nose, or mouth. Switch out the towel regularly until you are able to get your pet to a vet for medical attention.

Handling a Bleeding Wound

For external bleeding, it is best to muzzle your pet to help you better treat the wound. Press a gauze pad over the wound to help to control the bleeding, and make sure that you apply pressure in order to get it to stop. You may also want to consider using an eye dropper to help flush the wound from any dirt and debris. And again, seek medical attention if you are unable to get the bleeding to stop, or the wound is large, because it may require further medical care. When in doubt, calling your vet is never the wrong choice.

Suspecting a Seizure

Lastly, if you suspect your pet is having a seizure you shouldn’t put your hands near its face. Instead, make sure that you remove any objects around the pet so it doesn’t get hurt. You should time the length of the seizure because it’s very important information to give to your vet when you call them. After the seizure has stopped, be sure to call your vet and ask for further instructions on what to do with your pet.

These tips are important to internalize for any pet owner, and in some cases can be the difference between life and death. Just like it’s important to know first aid for humans, the same is equally true about your pets. To learn more about how to properly take care of your pets in an emergency, please contact us.

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13 Common Pet Emergencies That Need Immediate Attention

Tucson Veterinarian — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 20:57:59 +0000

Having a pet is a commitment. Most people misunderstand the most common pet emergencies, and don’t call for help until it’s too late. Understanding and keeping a list of the most common emergencies that require a veterinarian’s attention will help keep a pet healthy for a long time.

1. Severe Bleeding

This is the number one emergency because too many people believe an animal’s first aid can be done at home. If bleeding is severe or lasts more than five minutes, it must be checked by a vet. The fur could be hiding a bigger problem, or the animal might need stitches to heal without infection. The cut could be deeper than it appears, or there could be internal bleeding that needs surgery.

2. Choking and Difficulty Breathing

As with humans, it’s never a good idea to “wait and see” when an animal cannot breathe. Never try to clear the airway, and learn animal CPR to keep the animal safe. Take the vet to emergency care, even if CPR helps the animal breathe again, to make sure the animal is safe. A vet is the best trained person to make sure the animal does not have internal damage that caused the breathing issues.

3. Blood from Extremities

If there is blood in sputum, vomit, excrement, nose, ears, eyes, or mouth, it’s important to find out why. Perhaps the animal was injured while out of your sight, and needs emergency procedures to live. Blood should never be taken lightly. Seek emergency care immediately if blood is found coming from an animal. There could be unseen internal injuries.

4. Inability to Toilet

If the animal has pain in urination or defecation, or can do neither, it’s important to find out why. The animal could have an issue larger than you can handle, and may need a doctor’s care. Animals often do not express pain, so an ongoing issue can progress to a life threatening problem without your knowledge.

5. Injury to Eyes

An animal’s eyes are structured differently than a human’s eyes. If the eye is injured, there could be internal damage to structures close to the brain. Asking a vet for help will save your pet further harm.

6. Eating Poison

Many things that are fine for humans are toxic for animals. Items such as antifreeze, multivitamins, chocolate, pest poison, and more are very dangerous. They are also items an animal will ingest willingly. Learn what items are poisonous to your pet and call a vet emergency service immediately if you suspect your animal has ingested any poisonous substance.

7. Seizures

If an animal seizes, vet attention is required immediately. Staggering also falls under this category. These activities indicate a problem with the brain, and the animal needs immediate help. A vet can assess the situation, and might require more tests to find out how to best help the animal.

8. Lameness and Broken Bones

It’s never a good idea to allow an animal to “heal” when he or she displays leg issues. Allowing this to happen will cause the animal unnecessary pain later in life. Avoid these issues by taking the animal to the vet and help him or her live a longer, healthier, happier life.

9. Pain and Anxiety

As stated above, pets will not tell their humans when there is pain. If an animal is exhibiting signs of pain, it has progressed to a severe state and the animal must see a vet right away. Another method of expressing pain or illness is anxiety. If your normally happy dog suddenly snaps at your hand or does not welcome visitors, there might be a physical issue. Call a vet right away to have the animal evaluated to check for any possible pain. If you can pinpoint the area of the pain, it will help the vet’s diagnosis. Note the animal’s change in behavior and anxiety activities as well, as these notes will also help the vet.

10. Heat Stroke

As more stories of animals left in cars surface, so does the awareness of heat stroke. If an animal is suffering from heat stroke, he or she must see a vet immediately. Some signs of heat stroke are:

panting excessively
dark or bright red gums
dry tongue
staggering, stupor or seizures
bloody diarrhea and/or vomiting

11. Severe Vomiting/Diarrhea

Many people like to wait these out, but either of these items in their severity will cause dehydration and death quickly. It’s important to find out why the animal is having this reaction. Take the animal to the vet, and try to remember what the animal has eaten. Consider any poisons the animal may have encountered using the poison list mentioned above. The information you can provide about your pet’s most recent activities will help the vet find out what’s wrong.

12. Refusal to Drink

An animal will drink consistently. If the animal has had nothing to drink in the past 24 hours, despite available water, take the animal to the vet. It’s important to understand your animal and keep the water dish clean, but even if the dish is dirty, an animal will eventually drink from it. Any refusal to do so over 24 hours is an indication of an emergency situation.

13. Unconsciousness

This item seems obvious, but some pet owners may think their animal is simply sleeping. If the animal cannot be roused from a sleep, contact a vet right away. The animal may have passed out. The vet will need to evaluate the animal to find out what could be happening to make the animal lose consciousness.

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Common Household Poisons and Toxins

Tucson Veterinarian — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 20:54:00 +0000

Within our homes are dozens of substances and food products that, while safe for human use and consumption, are toxic or deadly for our pet companions. While many of these dangers are obvious and avoidable, there are some items we might not consider a danger — until a beloved pet is suffering and needs emergency care. The ASPCA reports over 150,000 calls per year to their poison control hotline.

Avocado

Infographics and articles abound warning pet owners of the dangers of avocados, but they fail to discuss how and why avocados pose a threat. For cats and dogs the avocado fruit itself is not harmful; the real danger is the possible ingestion of the large pit, a possible choking or intestinal obstruction hazard. For smaller animals such as birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, and certain farmyard animals such as cows, goats, and horses, the real danger is a compound called persin. Persin is extremely toxic to these animals causing respiratory distress, fluid around the lungs and heart, liver and kidney failure, and sudden death. Pet birds will also show an inability to perch if suffering from persin toxicity.

Bread Dough

When ingested, unbaked dough will expand, ferment, and release large amounts of carbon dioxide and alcohol into the bloodstream. This process will rapidly cause a bloated stomach, followed by twisted stomach (known as gastric-dilatation volvulus or GDV), and alcohol poisoning. If your pet is showing signs of bloat or GDV including a distended stomach, racing heart, vomiting or non-productive retching, immediate intervention is needed. As the fermentation produces alcohol, it is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream causing intoxication, dangerous drops in blood pressure and body temperature, seizures, and respiratory failure.

Chocolate

Many pet owners are aware of the hazard posed by chocolate, but are unaware of the quantities or types of chocolate that are the greatest threat. Theobromine is a methylxanthine compound very similar to caffeine that is present in chocolate. Darker chocolate has a higher concentration of theobromine with baker’s chocolate and baking cocoa posing the biggest threats. Pet poison control hotlines report that 95% of emergency calls and veterinary visits due to chocolate consumption are for dogs; smaller dogs often have to be treated for obstructions due to consuming the wrapper on a chocolate as well. Signs of methylxznthine poisoning include diarrhea, vomiting, hyperactivity, seizures, and abnormal heart rhythm. Untreated, progressively severe symptoms can lead to death.

Detergents

Corrosive burns due to detergent exposure are particularly common in cats. A cat might walk across spilled detergent, liquid or powder, that was not cleaned up immediately and then ingest it later while grooming. Drooling, visible burns on the paws or mouth, vomiting, lethargy, and respiratory distress may all be present. Immediate veterinary attention is required as internal damage may be severe.

Diisocyanate Glues

Commonly sold under the brand name Gorilla Glue, diisocyanate glues as well as other wood and construction glues, pose a large poisoning risk if ingested. Interaction between these glues and stomach acids causes a chemical reaction turning the glue into a rapidly expanding foam. The foam solidifies in the stomach and intestinal tract requiring surgery to remove the foreign body. Gastrointestinal distress symptoms caused by glue ingestion include vomiting, retching, drooling, distended stomach, and loss of appetite. This is an emergency situation and requires immediate intervention.

Grapes

There is no known cause of the toxic reaction from ingesting grapes, raisins or currants; however, it is known that dogs –and possibly cats and ferrets as well — can suffer severe, acute kidney failure after eating any type of grape or raisin containing product. Unlike other foods, the toxicity of grapes does not appear to be dose-dependent; even very small amounts can be injurious to some animals while others are not affected until a large dose is consumed. Veterinary care will include decontamination via induced vomiting or activated charcoal, kidney function monitoring, and often aggressive supporting care tactics.

Liquid Potpourri

While using a small burner or simmer pot to heat liquid potpourri or wax melts may seem like an easy and safe way to scent your home, it has been found to be a danger to pets, particularly cats. The scent is often enticing enough for a curious cat to take a couple licks, and that is all it takes to cause severe chemical burns in the mouth, esophagus, and stomach. A high enough dosage will also lead to difficulty breathing, vomiting, tremors, weakness, and possible organ damage.

Nicotine

Many non-smokers brush this danger off as it isn’t a substance in their home, but if your pet is allowed outside at any time, it may encounter and consume dropped cigarette butts. Consumption of nicotine gums pose a double danger to dogs as many brands are sweetened with xylitol which is also toxic. Nicotine raises both heart rate and blood pressure, and in sufficient quantities can cause neurological damage. Many animals will attempt to self-decontaminate (often by ingesting grasses or other stomach irritants) or may spontaneously vomit, but it is safest to have a veterinary evaluation in case further decontamination, IV fluids, or other medication is necessary to stabilize your pet.

Tea Tree Oil

Often touted as a natural wonder-drug for humans for its antibacterial, anti-fungal, possibly anti-inflammatory and anti-parasitic properties, tea tree oil should never be used on pets. Also known as melaleuca oil, it is sold in several concentrations with 100% oil resulting in severe poisoning with as little as 7 drops and fatalities with as little as 10ml. Both cats and dogs show similar symptoms when exposed such as weakness, tremors, loss of balance or the inability to walk, coma, and death.

No matter how carefully you guard against accidental poisoning, you need to be prepared in the event it occurs. Proper preparation for an emergency situation will increase the chances of your pet’s survival and return to good health. Build a pet first aid kit, have a list of important phone numbers including animal poison control and your veterinary clinic, and keep a pet transport handy(if applicable) to be able to respond swiftly in any emergency.

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5 Tips to Promote Fire Pet Safety in Your Home

Tucson Veterinarian — Mon, 20 Jun 2016 20:51:08 +0000

Many people who have pets understand that they quickly become part of the family. Unfortunately, many people don’t understand the importance of fire pet safety, in fact, it is mistakenly believed that pets will simply follow us out the door if there is danger. It is far more common for a pet to have a safe place within the home and go to that place when he or she is afraid. This means that, if there is a fire, an animal is more likely to stay in the house than to leave through an open door or window. Firefighters often find family pets in a burned home, frozen in their final moments. It’s important to make sure this does not happen to your pets.

1. Use a Pet Sticker on Your Home

Veterinary offices or fire departments often offer pet stickers for a home with pets. This is a simple sticker that simply says, “Save My Pet”, with an area to fill in the number of pets, type of pet, and pet name. The main reason pets die in fires is because they are missed by firefighters who don’t know the pet exists. If a homeowner is away and a fire happens, the firefighters will look for the pet when they arrive at the scene. It’s also a good idea to list your pet’s “safe place” so the firefighters know where to look for the animal. If there is not room on the sticker for all the information, add information on a separate sticker. Typically, a family can receive as many stickers as needed for the home, especially from the animal’s veterinarian.

2. Learn How to Pet Proof a Home

Just as a child must have a safe environment, so must an animal. Make sure all open flames are extinguished before leaving. An animal can easily knock over a candle and cause a fire to spread quickly. Train the pet to sleep in one specific area, such as a pet bed, so the animal can be picked up if you must leave quickly in a fire. Watch your pet when he or she gets scared of situations, and allow him or her to hide. This will reveal the pet’s “safe place”, and it will help you find him or her in an emergency. It will also help you tell the firefighters where to look. When the family practices fire drills, include the pet. Designate a person to grab each pet, and practice with the pet at least once a month. Keep the plan consistent and practice often. Remind the responsible person to look first in the animal’s bed, then in the animal’s safe place. If possible, keep the animal’s sleeping area close to the safe place, to avoid moving through too many areas of the burning home.

3. Treat Smoke Alarms Differently

It’s always wise to change the batteries in the smoke alarm twice a year, and make sure they work once a month. However, when dealing with pets, you must treat the smoke alarm as a source of fear. While humans understand that the smoke alarm is a source of safety, it will scare animals who don’t understand its purpose. Remember to care for it, make sure it works, and understand that when it goes off, your animal will retreat to his or her safe place. You may have to look for the animal in his or her bed, then in his or her safe spot. Again, if these areas are close to each other, the task will move faster.

4. Inquire About Pet Oxygen Masks

Veterinarians and emergency personnel have realized that smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide are as deadly to pest as it is to humans, despite the animal living closer to the ground. In response, a number of organizations are providing pet owners with oxygen masks specifically for an animal’s muzzle. It’s important to ask if the emergency personnel has this option for your pet as he or she is transported to the veterinarian’s office. The provided extra oxygen is just as important to your pet as it is to you, and it increases the pet’s chances of survival. If the local emergency departments do not carry this equipment, consider raising funds to help them get the equipment. Alternatively, keep a bag with the equipment inside near your escape route to grab on the way out of the building.

5. Understand Your Pet

It goes without saying that we love our pets and we know their personalities. However, it’s important to learn what your pet will do when he or she is frightened. It’s also important to remember that your pet is an animal of instinct. If he or she is safely outside the home, there is still a chance he or she will go back inside. The safe place mentioned before is all your pet will remember, and will return to that safe place if allowed. This means that, if he or she hides in the tub during a scary thunder storm, he or she will run back into the burning house to get into the tub, despite the danger. Make sure to hold your pet tightly to avoid this situation. Understand your pet, reassure your pet, and remember that he or she can feel your fear. Your pet will be as anxious as you are, so keeping him or her safe is an extra challenge in the face of a fire.

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