Macadamia Nuts are Toxic to Dogs

As a veterinarian, I caution people about giving human food to dogs. That’s because dogs and people metabolize food differently. Macadamia nuts, raisins, grapes and sugar-free gums are some of the human foods that are toxic dogs. Although the exact mechanism for the toxicity is not known, it is thought to be from a serotonin …

Chocolate Toxicity In Pets

Chocolate is one of the most common toxicities I see, especially around Christmas and Valentine’s Day. Pets climb counters to get to candy dishes and desserts. They also rip open boxes of chocolates wrapped as gifts. One of my patients, a cocker spaniel, ate a 5 pound box of dark chocolate that was left under the …

This Is Why Your Dog Needs A Dental With Anesthesia

Dental disease is the most common problem I see in dogs and cats. During physical examination, I look for large accumulations of tartar, inflammation of the gums, masses, fractured teeth and other problems. Pictured below is the mouth of a dog before having a complete oral examination including dental X-rays and treatment. See the severe accumulation of tartar …

Firestarter Logs Are Dangerous For Pets

With the return of cold weather, stores are stocking firestarter logs again. Although this product is great for the fireplace, it can be dangerous for pets. Firestarter logs are not toxic per se, in that they do not directly poison an animal who ingests it. (Please note that logs that burn with special colors may …

5-fluorouracil and Pets

5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is an anti-cancer medication commonly prescribed by dermatologists to treat basal cell carcinoma and actinic keratosis on the skin of humans. Unfortunately, this medicine is highly toxic to animals. Pets develop gastrointestinal and neurologic symptoms. Gastrointestinal signs include vomiting, bloody diarrhea, intense abdominal pain and sometimes, sloughing of the intestinal lining. The neurologic …

Battery Toxicity in Dogs

With more and more battery powered gadgets in our homes, battery ingestion is becoming a bigger and bigger problem. The family comes home to find their remote control chewed into several pieces, the battery is missing. Unfortunately, batteries are very dangerous.  Alkaline dry cell batteries ( 9-volts, D, C, AA, etc) and button or disc batteries …

Call the Pet Poison Helpline for Toxin Information

One of the great resources available to pet owners and veterinarians is petpoisonhelpline.com.  Their number is (800) 213-6680.  For a small fee (around $40) you can receive 24/7 assistance if you have concern that your pet has come in contact with toxins.  Upon receiving your case number, please provide it to your veterinarian who can call and …

Ingested Batteries Are Harmful to Pets

Everything these days seems to have some sort of battery.  Smoke detectors, hearing aids, computers, mobile phones, remote controls and even car keys all have batteries. Unfortunately, batteries are extremely toxic to animals. Most batteries contain a strong acid or alkaline material that will burn any tissue it contacts. Some batteries emit an electrical current …