Friday December 18, 2009
Antifreeze is necessary to keep cars from freezing in the winter and overheating in the summer. The sweet taste of antifreeze is attractive to pets and children.
Acute cases of antifreeze toxicity (when an animal consumes antifreeze) often present as if the animal is intoxicated with alcohol.
This is an emergency situation, and life threatening within hours. Please see your veterinarian immediately. Success of treatment depends on quick treatment. Low toxicity propylene glycol antifreeze is available. Please check your local automotive store for availability and details.
Related Reading
Photo: Radiator Antifreeze by evelynishere on Flickr
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Thursday December 17, 2009
My daughter asked if the cats and dogs would have stockings and gifts this year. Considering that I am barely organized to shop for human friends and family (who might actually notice that it is the holidays and gifts are typically exchanged at this time), I answered no. The pets receive little goodies throughout the year, and they love them when they get them.
Fast forward to me doing some holiday shopping the other day. I added in a few extra stockings for the pets. Some little presents are sure to follow. In this case, I was shopping for my kids as much as my pets, since the kids love presenting the presents to the pets. Plus, it keeps the pets entertained and out of trouble while we enjoy the festivities.
Do you buy holiday gifts for pets?
Please vote in the poll and share your reasons/opinions/gift buying tips below in the "comments" section.
Related holiday and pet resources
Photo: Christmas Cat by dierken on Flickr
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Wednesday December 16, 2009
Forum member mannysown62 writes: "We have a 1 year old beagle. He's an indoor dog although we let him out on occasion to do his business. We bathe him at least once a week, maybe twice, depending also what he's been doing when he goes outdoors.
Even though he gets a thorough bath, his paws always seem to smell. I even put some extra shampoo and scrub gently into paws but that doesn't help. Can someone give me some suggestions please?"
Photo: Paws of an American Staffordshire by Sarah Basford on Flickr
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Tuesday December 15, 2009
Raisins and grapes are very toxic to dogs and possibly cats. Some dogs love eating raisins and grapes and will seek them out. Pet owners have used even raisins as a "healthy" treat for their dogs. This is not advised however, as grapes and raisins may cause potentially fatal kidney failure in dogs and cats.
Ahna Brutlag DVM and Justine A. Lee DVM DACVECC of Pet Poison Helpline share a raisin toxicity case report in a three year old female Labrador dog that survived raisin toxicity with aggressive emergency and supportive care.
Related Reading
Tell us: Share your story of the worst thing your pet has eaten
Photo: Raisins by babbagecabbage on Flickr
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