Is Chocolate Toxic to Your Pets?

March 2015 - Pet Poison Prevention Month

Is Chocolate Toxic to Your Pets

I can't tell you how many people have asked me if chocolate is toxic to thir pets.  My answer is always, well it depends.  It certainly can be and has caused deaths in dogs previously.  March is Pet Poison Prevention Month and I thought I would start off with discussing chocolate toxicity in dogs.

Of all candy, chocolate is one of the most toxic.  In 2011, the hotline received more than 1,100 calls involving mostly dogs and chocolate.  Dogs love the smell of chocolate….hey, don’t we all?   Another interesting fact is that the darker the chocolate, and more bitter, the more poisonous it is.  The most toxic chemical in chocolate is methylxanthines, which is similar to caffeine, and dark chocolate has a more heavy concentration of it.  A 50lb dog can only ingest 1 oz of dark chocolate and be very sickened by it.  However, the same dog may have to eat up to 8 ozs of milk chocolate to become ill by it.  

White chocolate, on the other hand, has very low concentrations of methylxanthines and will rarely cause toxic poisoning.  As we baby proof our homes, it’s important to pet proof them as well, during any holidays.  Keep all candies and décor out of the reach of your pets to avoid any issues.  Nothing sucks worse during the holidays than having to rush your pet to an emergency animal hospital.

Signs and Symptoms of Chocolate Toxic Poisoning:

· V & D

· Lethargy 

· Increased Thirst

· Agitation

· Elevated HR

· Seizures (in severe cases)

If your pet has consumed any type of toxins and is showing symptoms, call your vet or:

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Hotline

(888) 4ANIHELP (426-4435)

There is a charge for this call, but it includes all follow-up calls as necessary 

in critical cases, and will contact their vet if requested.

Teri Ann Tate is an Instructor for Pet CPR and Equine First Aid.  She teaches throughout AZ and Southern California.  She is also a certified EMT; an Emergency Animal Medical Tech I (EAMT I); certified Large Animal Rescue Tech II (LART II); and a certified Wilderness EMT (WEMT).  She runs a pet care business, Comfy Pets of AZ and has a passion for animals as well as the great outdoors.  To learn more about her business and classes, go to http://www.comfypetsofaz.com

Paper Shredders - Danger to Pets!!!!!

It's January again and we find ourselves going through all of our documents and receipts to prepare for tax season.  This is the time that we use the most convenient item in our household to destroy the papers that we no longer need.
Did you know that a simple paper shredder can be very dangerous to your pet(s) or child?  A curious dog trots over to the paper shredder to check it out and all of a sudden as your pet is licking the top of the shredder (dogs lick to get the scent) the dog's tongue is pulled into the shredder.  There are documented articles on pet owners facing this particular medical emergency issue.  

If you find your pet's tongue in a shredder:

• Unplug it immediately
• Try to get the tongue out, but only if it doesn't do more damage
• Transport to vet (along with the top of the shredder if need be) immediately

Dogs have bitten off their tongues trying to free themselves, which of course makes it even more dire of a medical emergency.  Yes, dogs have learned to adapt without a tongue to eat and drink, but why should they.....if the shredder was unplugged or turned off in the first place, there would be no medical emergency that a pet owner would have to face.

Pet owners have to think of their home as they would with a baby/toddler in the house.  In my home, I have to "Willa-Proof" everything...nothing on counters.....all appliances turned off, etc., because I have a dog that gets bored so easily.
So, at this moment, walk over to your paper shredder and turn it off or more importantly unplug it.  After all, a dog can accidentally turn it back on with his/her nose.  

I wouldn't wish this type of medical nightmare on any animal or child.

Dogs get Heat Stoke too

Living in Arizona during the summer can definitely have it's challenges, for humans as well as our pets.  For example, when I am out dog walking I must make sure that I have plenty of water for me, as well as the K9. I always wear a hat when outside and there are times I will wear a special heat scarf that gets wet and keeps me cool. 

Dogs cool themselves by panting.  Larger dogs, as well as bulldogs, Pekingese and other short-nosed dogs are more susceptible to heatstroke even in moderate temperatures. 

Our dogs can burn their pads on the hot cement/road, so it's important that you not go for long walks during the middle of the day.  In Arizona, the heat index rises between 2 pm - 7 pm, so try to walk your K9 very early morning or after 7 pm.  You can test out the sidewalk by putting your palm on it or your barefoot.  If it's too hot for you, then it's too hot for your pooch.

You can also purchase a "Kool Collar" by www.fillmewithice.com.  You fill up the collar with ice and put on your dog.  I have a couple of doggie clients that used this collar while on our walks, and it makes a great deal of difference.

A normal temperature for a dog is 101 to 103 F.  A dog is in heat exhaustion when the temperature is between 103-105 F.  If the temperature continues to rises (over 106 F), the dog will go into Heat Stroke, where the internal organs literally starts cooking themselves and will need immediate medical care, or may die.

If you pet is outdoors, please make sure:

• Clean water every day (if you wouldn't drink it, why would you make your pet drink it?}
• Shaded area (under the carport or a doggie house) with a blanket off the hot ground
• Feed twice a day to make sure that your pet is getting enough calories

Signs & Symptoms for Heat Stroke:

• Uncontrollable panting
• Rapid Heart Rate
• Foaming at the mouth
• Depression
• Lethargy
• Agitation
• Vomiting 
• Loss of Consciousness
• Tongue & Gums can start out as Bright Red.  However, the longer the dog is suffering from the heat, they will turn Blue or Grayish due to lack of oxygen
• CRT longer than 2 seconds

What to do if your dog is suffering from Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stoke:

• Bathe or hose down the pet with cool water (DO NOT IMMERSE IN A ICE BATH)
• Place the pet in a cool, well-ventilated space
• Wrap in a wet, cold sheet or towel
• Prepare to treat for shock
• Use a digital thermometer to get a core temperature (make sure you write down the vitals, so you can relay to your veterinarian).
• Get your dog immediately to a veterinarian (know where you emergency vet hospitals are located in case your vet is closed).  The vet will most likely have to give your pet IV therapy to cool down

Remember, our pets are family, so treat them as such.

NEVER LEAVE YOUR PETS OR CHILD IN A CAR

TEMPS CAN REACHED 150 DEGREES

If you would like to learn more about what to do in an emergency, take a Pet CPR and First Aid class by Pet Tech Instructor, Teri Ann Tate

www.comfypetsofaz.com

Heartworms in Dogs

April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month:  

Heartworms in Dogs

What is heartworm disease?

ANSWER Heartworm disease is one of the major health problems of dogs in the United States and throughout the temperate and tropical areas of the world. As well as being found in dogs and other species, it is now being found in cats in ever increasing numbers. The disease develops when a pet becomes infected with parasites called Dirofilaria immitis that are transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Heartworms are “foot long” worms that live in the heart and major blood vessels of the lungs. Heartworm disease is spread by mosquitoes to dogs and cats as well as other animals, such as foxes, coyotes, and wolves, which act as reservoirs and help spread the disease. While dogs can be infected with just a few to hundreds of worms, cats generally have low worm counts. Even one or two heartworms, however, can be life threatening to a cat. While there is a treatment for infected dogs it is time consuming and costly. There is NO treatment approved for cats so prevention is critical. Heartworm infection often leads to severe lung disease and heart failure and can damage other organs in the body as well.

Is only my dog at risk for heartworm infection? What about cats, ferrets, or wildlife?

ANSWER Heartworm infection primarily affects dogs, but infection also occurs in cats. In fact, diagnosis in cats is on the rise. Ferrets, as well as other mammals, such as wolves, coyotes, foxes, and even sea lions, can be infected with heartworms. Outdoor pets are at greatest risk for infection, especially in regions of the world with high mosquito populations. However, even indoor pets become infected by heartworms as infected mosquitoes can, and do, get into houses. In addition, the disease has been found in all 50 states.

How big is my pet's risk for heartworm infection?

ANSWER Many factors must be considered even if heartworms do not seem to be a problem in your local area. You may travel with your pet to an area where heartworms are more common and not even know it. Heartworm disease is spreading to new regions of the country each year. Stray and neglected dogs and certain wildlife such as coyotes, wolves, and foxes can be carriers of heartworms. Mosquitoes blown great distances by the wind and the relocation of infected pets to previously uninfected areas all contribute to the spread of heartworm disease. This happened following Hurricane Katrina when 250,000 pets, many of them infected with heartworms, were “adopted” and shipped throughout the country! The safest thing to do, and the best insurance against infection, is to administer a year-round heartworm preventive as directed by your veterinarian.

How is heartworm disease transmitted from one pet to another?

ANSWER Adult female heartworms living in an infected dog, fox, coyote, or wolf produce microscopic baby worms called microfilaria that circulate in the bloodstream. When a mosquito bites and takes a blood meal from an infected animal it picks up these baby worms, which develop and mature into “infective stage” larvae over a period of 10 to 14 days. Then, when the infected mosquito bites another dog, cat, or susceptible wild animal the infective larvae exit the mosquito's mouth parts and are deposited onto the surface of the animal's skin. The infective larvae can then actively enter the new host through the mosquito’s bite wound. Once inside a new host, it takes approximately 6 months for the larvae to mature into adult “foot long” heartworms. Once mature, heartworms may live for 5 to 7 years, and because of their longevity, each mosquito season can lead to an increasing number of worms in our pets.

Pet CPR and First Aid 2014 Schedule

2014 Pet CPR, First Aid and Training Schedule

We now have our 2014 schedule up on our website, through August.  Here are a few notes to consider:

March 8th Class - Laveen is full (no registration will be allowed)

April 11th (Friday) in Laveen has 1 Spot Opened

April 26th (Saturday) in Fountain Hills has 5 Spots Opened (bigger classroom)

Laveen:

Saturday May 31st

Sunday June 7th

Saturday July 12th

Saturday August 9th

Fountain Hills:

Saturday April 26th

Saturday June 28th

Saturday August 23rd

Morning Session 8 am - 1 pm

Pet CPR and First Aid

Afternoon Session 2 pm - 5 pm

Pet Dental; Sr. Petizen; AZ Wildlife & Your K9

Bonus Topic: Teri Ann is the only instructor that offers a bonus topic:  AZ Wildlife & Your K9.  This class focuses on the wildlife of AZ and how you may have to deal with medical situations out on our beautiful desert trails.  This portion of the day is very popular and several students, from referrals, have flown in from out of state just to attend this class for this topic.

To register for one of our classes, go to:

Pet CPR and First Aid Registration

Pet Tech Instructor - Teri Ann Tate

Teri Ann has been a Pet Tech Instructor for two years now and has enjoyed teaching her students on what to do in case of an emergency, as well as wellness for your pets.

Teri Ann holds several medical certifications, including:

Pet Tech Instructor (PTI)

Emergency Medical Tech (EMT)

Wilderness Emergency Medical Tech (WEMT)

Emergency Animal Medical Tech I (EAMT I)

Large Animal Rescue Tech II (LART II)

AZ Search & Rescue (AZSAR)

Teri Ann has been working as a pet sitter since 1999 (first in Texas) and brought her business to Cali in 2001 and then back to AZ, where she is a Native, in 2006.  She enjoys taking care of all kinds of animals, including domestic and farm animals.

Teri Ann has two dogs of her own, as well as her horse, Hazi.  She lives in Laveen and her business area covers the Baseline Corridor and South Mountain.  South Mountain Park, which is the largest city park in the nation with over 17,000 acres, is her training mountain for trail running and hiking.  

Teri Ann also owns and operates Doggie Doo Adventures, where she takes a dog out of the dog house and out into nature.  She offers hikes in South Mountain, as well as strolls around Lake Alvord in Laveen.  Two to three times a year she offers an all-day field trip.  Field trips include playing in the snow in Flagstaff or playing on the obstacle course or diving into the lake at Cosmo Dog Park.

Teri Ann spends a lot of her time volunteering with the Medical Rescue Posse of the Maricopa Sheriff's Office, as well as trying to devote as much time in helping Mingus Manor with raising funds for Senior Pets that no one wants.

Happy Easter - Pet Safety

Happy Easter everyone.  As we hide our Easter eggs for the big hunt today, for the kids of course, not us adults :-) we need to make sure that we keep the scene safe for our furry friends.  

Chocolate: Chocolate can poison your dog or cat.  The darker the chocolate, the more toxicity it has and the more damage it can do.  See our March blog on the dangers of chocolate to learn the signs and symptoms and what to do in an emergency.

Easter Lilies: Easter Lilies is a tradition in many households, as well as churches.  However, the Lily is very dangerous to your cat.  The leaves in the lilies contain toxins that can cause severe kidney damage.  Day lilies and tiger lilies are also dangerous.  Remember, cats love to climb, so be very care in selecting your spot for this plant.  Eating just one leaf from this plant can cause severe poisoning in a very short period, minutes to hours after ingestion. 

• S/S: Not eating; vomiting; lethargic (the toxins are beginning to effect the kidneys)
• Rush to the vet....do not wait to see if your cat gets any better, because he/she will not.  In fact, within 5 days kidney failure will result in death

Easter Grass: Easter grass (plastic) is non-digestible to your pet and can get caught in the intestines, which may lead to blockage and possible perforation.  

Easter Toys:  Remember, to keep any small toy out of your pet's reach.  It may cause choking and blockage if your pet swallows the toy.

As always, have fun with your family during Easter, but remember to safe-proof your home for your pets, as well as small children.  After all, a trip to the emergency room or veterinarian on a holiday is never fun for any of us.

Blogger Teri Ann Tate runs a pet care service and is a Certified Pet Tech Instructor (Pet CPR, First Aid and Pet Care Classes); Certified Emergency Animal Medical Tech I (EAMT I); Certified Wilderness First Responder (WFR); Large Animal Rescue Tech II (LART II); and will be going for her certification as an EMT in the fall of 2013.

Chocolate can be very toxic to your pets

March - Pet Poison Prevention Month

Candy Dangers to Your Pets

Did you know during the week of Halloween, the Pet Poison Hotline is the busiest by over 12%?  Most calls are regarding their pet(s) eating Halloween candy or décor.  However, the #1 emergency issue is their dog eating chocolate.

Of all candy, chocolate is one of the most toxic.  In 2011, the hotline received more than 1,100 calls involving mostly dogs and chocolate.  Dogs love the smell of chocolate….hey, don’t we all?   Another interesting fact is that the darker the chocolate, and more bitter, the more poisonous it is.  The most toxic chemical in chocolate is methylxanthines, which is similar to caffeine, and dark chocolate has a more heavy concentration of it.  A 50lb dog can only ingest 1 oz of dark chocolate and be very sickened by it.  However, the same dog may have to eat up to 8 ozs of milk chocolate to become ill by it.  

White chocolate, on the other hand, has very low concentrations of methylxanthines and will rarely cause toxic poisoning.  As we baby proof our homes, it’s important to pet proof them as well, during any holidays.  Keep all candies and décor out of the reach of your pets to avoid any issues.  Nothing sucks worse during the holidays than having to rush your pet to an emergency animal hospital.

Signs and Symptoms of Chocolate Toxic Poisoning:

· V & D

· Lethargy 

· Increased Thirst

· Agitation

· Elevated HR

· Seizures (in severe cases)

If your pet has consumed any type of toxins and is showing symptoms, call your vet or:

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Hotline

(888) 4ANIHELP (426-4435)

There is a charge for this call, but it includes all follow-up calls as necessary 

in critical cases, and will contact their vet if requested.

Teri Ann Tate is a Pet Tech Instructor and teaches Pet CPR, First Aid and Pet Care Classes in Arizona.  She is also a certified Emergency Animal Medical Tech I (EAMT I); certified Large Animal Rescue Tech II (LART II); and a certified Wilderness First Responder (WFR).  She runs a pet care business, Comfy Pets of AZ and has a passion for animals as well as the great outdoors.  To learn more about her business and classes, go to http://www.comfypetsofaz.com