Solano Animal Clinic

       'Tis the Season Health Care Tips    

            

              Antifreeze Poisoning
           Antifreeze has a pleasant taste. Unfortunately, very small amounts can be lethal. As little as one teaspoon 
           of antifreeze can be deadly to a cat; less than four teaspoons can be dangerous to a 10-pound dog.
           Thoroughly clean up any spills, store antifreeze in tightly closed containers and store in secured cabinets.
           Automotive products such as gasoline, oil and antifreeze should be stored in areas that are inaccessible 
           to your pets. Propylene glycol is a safer form of antifreeze. Low Tox brand antifreeze contains propylene 
           glycol and is recommended to use in pet households. If you think your pet has consumed antifreeze, 
           contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-4-ANI-HELP) right away!

              Liquid potpourris are popular household fragrances commonly used during the holiday season.
           Pets are often exposed to liquid potpourri by direct ingestion from simmer pots or spills, or by rubbing
           against leaky bottles or simmer pots containing the potpourri, or from spilling the containers upon themselves. 
           Oral exposures result following grooming. Exposure of pets to some types of liquid potpourris can result 
           in severe oral, dermal and ocular damage.

           Ice melting products can be irritating to skin and mouth. Depending on the actual ingredient of the ice
           melt and the quantity, signs of ingestion would include excessive drooling, depression, vomiting or even
           electrolyte imbalances.

              Chocolate is a Toxin 
           Be careful during the holiday season. Chocolate is very dangerous. The size of your pet, the type of
           chocolate, and the amount of chocolate consumed determines the severity of symptoms. The symptoms
           of chocolate poisoning ranges from a mild stomach upset and mild hyperactivity to severe pancreatitis
           and seizures. Treatment for your pet will be determined by the severity of the symptoms. In mild cases, 
           treatment is usually not necessary. However, in more serious cases, the pet may have to be given 
           antibiotics, antiemetics, anticonvulsants and intravenous fluids. 

              Feeding Fatty and Spicy Foods can cause mild upset stomachs to severe pancreatitis
           During the holidays, we tend to overindulge and overeat. We also tend to share our holiday foods
           with our pets. This can prove to be dangerous, especially when feeding our pets foods that do not
           normally eat. Feeding them unusual foods can cause gasteroenteritis and pancreatitis. Symptoms 
           vary with severity, from a mild stomach pain and mild diarrhea to severe gastric bleeding and shock. 
           The more fatty or spicy the food, the higher the risk of amage to your pet. Take caution when sharing
           your holiday cheer and foods.

              Poinsettas
           It was once believed that poinsettas were extremely toxic to domestic pets. However, while they can
           cause upset stomachs as most domestic plants found within the household, it is no longer thought to be
           extremely toxic. This does not mean that your pet should be allowed easy access to these 
           plants. Should your pet ingest the plant, closely monitor your pet for any symptoms of illness.

              Christmas Decorations
           Keep tinsel and ribbons out of reach. These string type foreign bodies, if ingested, can cause intestinal
           obstruction. Cats, no matter how old, enjoy playing with these items. Many cats had had emergency
           surgeries to remove these items, and if found too late, die. 

              Freezing Temperatures and Frostbite
           All pets should be given proper housing to protect them from cold temperatures less than 32 degrees. 
           The very young and very old are the most susceptible when exposed to extremely cold temperatures. 
           The pads of the feet, the tail, and the tips of the ears are most likely affected. The skin becomes pale,
           then reddens, and becomes hot and painful to touch. Swelling can occur. If a pet experiences frostbite,
           take to a warm place immediately. Thaw the areas slowly. Do NOT apply hot appications and do NOT 
           rub or massage frozen tissues. This will cause further damage and loss of tissue. Warm the affected 
           areas by using warm moist towels that are changed frequently. Discontinue warming as soon as the 
           affected tissues become flushed. Wrap the pet in a blanket to conserve its body heat. Antiseptic 
           cream like neosporin may be used to protect the skin once the skin is thawed. Take your pet to a
           veterinarian to determine the extent of the damage and further treatment.