Trimming your cat's nails |
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Before the trim, the lethal claw is extended. Notice the red where the vein is located. |
| These cat claw scissors are the ultimate in feline accouterments. Ordinary people nail trimmers work just as well. |  |
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After the trim. Nice and blunt now, and not quite so lethal looking. |
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CHOCOLATE (Drug class: Methylxanthines)It often surprises pet owners to discover that for animals, chocolate is poisonous in sufficient dosages. Specifically it is the drugs in chocolate, theobromine and caffeine (of the drug class methylxanthines), that are toxic to pets. Only a moderate amount needs to be eaten by an animal, typically a dog, in order to be poisonous (approx. 1/2 oz. of baking chocolate per pound of body weight and less in some animals). With the poison in this case being so appealing, overdose is not a rare occurrence. Poisonings of this type typically occur during the holiday seasons of Easter, Christmas and Halloween. Depending on their appetite and the specific ingredients contained in the recipe, some dogs have ingested a toxic dose of chocolate by eating an entire pan of brownies or another chocolate dessert, particularly one containing baking chocolate. Fortunately, the animal frequently vomits soon after which reduces the amount of poison in the stomach available to act on the body and decreases the toxicity somewhat. If clinical signs are seen, these can include vomiting, excessive urination, hyperactivity, fast breathing, weakness and seizures. While rare, death can occur, usually due to the adverse action of methylxanthines on the heart. Many people unknowingly feed their dogs chocolate treats (candy bars, cookies, etc.) without obvious illness resulting; the lack of clinical signs is due only to the relatively low dose of methylxanthines in small amounts of milk chocolate. It is certainly better for your pet to stick to treats he or she will like just as much (freeze-dried liver pieces come to mind — yummy!) and avoid chocolate-containing treats where the dog is concerned. Also be aware that an accidental overdose of cake, bars, etc. containing chocolate can pose a significant risk to a dog. If this should happen to your pet, make note of the amount of chocolate used in the recipe, the approximate amount eaten by your pet and give your veterinarian a call to determine if the dose was sufficient to cause any problems. |
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ANTIFREEZEPoisoning by antifreeze, or ethylene glycol, is one of the most common small animal toxicities, particularly up here in the cold north. Every year do-it-yourself motorists get out the gear needed to winterize their vehicles, including antifreeze. Unfortunately, this poison has a sweet taste and spilled or leaked antifreeze is lapped up by many dogs and cats in quantities sufficient to cause severe sickness and even death. It takes only about 1/2 teaspoon per pound for a dog to get a toxic dose of ethylene glycol, the active ingredient in antifreeze, and less for a cat. Although the poison affects both the animal's neurological and kidney function, the most severe damage usually involves the kidneys. Clinical signs in affected animals include depression, incoordination, vomiting, and seizures. The best way to combat antifreeze poisoning is by preventing the animal from having the opportunity to drink the poison. Keep all containers tightly closed when not in use and clean up spills immediately. It should be noted that this toxin affects people as well as pets and that small children are also at risk for ethylene glycol poisoning. There is currently a new product on the market (one trade name is Sierra™) which claims to be safer than other brands of antifreeze. This product contains propylene glycol as its active ingredient. If ingested, it can still cause the nervous system injury resulting in incoordination and possibly seizures but does not cause the more frequently fatal kidney damage. It is clear using such a product would pose less of a health hazard. The best advice remains, however, to always use any potentially toxic product carefully to prevent accidental poisoning in the first place. |
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ACETAMINOPHEN (Tylenol™)Tylenol is, of course, the human over-the-counter analgesic medicine used to relieve pain. In people, after the pills are taken, the ingredients are broken down in the body by enzymes in the liver. In people, Tylenol is generally a safe and useful painkiller. Cats, however, have less of the enzyme required to detoxify the drug following ingestion. As a result, there are many dangerous metabolites, or break-down products of acetaminophen that bind to red blood cells and other tissue cells, resulting in the destruction of these cells. There may also be direct damage to tissue cells from the painkiller. As little as one regular strength tablet (325 mg) can poison a cat to the degree that it can develop noticeable clinical signs of illness. Two extra-strength tablets are likely to kill a cat. Dogs (particularly small dogs) are also susceptible to significant tissue damage from as little as two regular strength Tylenol and repeated doses increase the risk significantly. Signs develop quickly and can include salivation, vomiting, weakness and abdominal pain. Due to the significant toxicity to pets in relatively minimal dosages, the recommendation is clear — Tylenol should not be given to dogs or cats. Other, safer, drugs are available for pain relief; talk to your veterinarian about your own pet's specific needs. |
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GARBAGE/FOOD POISONINGThis is primarily a problem of dogs and cats that roam freely around the farm or neighborhood with easy access to "road kill," garbage cans, etc. However, any animal that eats decaying, rotten carcasses or other food material (i.e., left-over hamburger) that has been contaminated by bacteria and bacteria-produced toxins is susceptible to this poisoning. The toxicity of the rotten food lies largely in toxins produced by bacteria in the food material which are then delivered in the meal to the dog or cat and cause severe gastrointestinal upset. Clinical signs can include vomiting, diarrhea (which may be bloody), fever, abdominal pain, and weakness. Severely affected animals can go into shock and even die as a result of the absorbed bacterial toxins. For those animals who are not restricted in their activity it is impossible to prevent possible garbage poisoning (as well as the all too common "hit-by-car" injuries which are a much more common and deadly risk for free-roaming animals). However, if your animal has "escaped" and you suspect he or she has gotten into something very unappetizing (frequently the odor of the meal is obvious even before the pet throws it up!) be aware that this type of poisoning can be quite serious and follow up with your veterinarian if you see any signs of illness (repeated vomiting, lethargy, depression). |
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Canine Behavior Problems |
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IS IT HIM OR ME?Copyright 2000 Pet Care Information Center, University of Minnesota http://petcare.umn.edu/index.html There are running debates within the veterinary behaviorist community about whether undesirable behavior in dogs is a result of nature or nurture. Many behaviorists are strongly in the nurture camp, insisting that nearly all dogs can be turned into good pets with the right training and environment. Others lean to the nature side, insisting that dogs are born with most of their personality traits; training and environment will merely shape what is already there. Dogs are indeed born with certain characteristics that will be expressed to some degree regardless of how they are raised. Some dogs are more extreme in the expression of their inborn characteristics. However, nearly all behaviors can be accentuated or reduced, depending on how one interacts with the dog. While we do not know the exact mix of how much genetics versus environment contribute to a dog's disposition, we know environment will have a major impact on areas such as: confidence of the dog (rather than timid or fearful); social ability; response to directions trustworthiness; and manners. That said, most humans do not understand dog behavior from a dog's perspective. Furthermore, humans often reinforce wrong behaviors or inconsistently enforce desired behaviors. Different family members vary greatly in what they reinforce in a dog and how they do so. In no time, the dog is confused and the humans are exasperated. While it is true dogs are born with certain behaviors, if we fail to understand what to expect from our canine companions and fail to learn how to communicate consistently in a way that is understood, then we've failed, not Fido. After all, what you want is a dog that fits in with your household and lifestyle. What Fido wants is a clear understanding of what his human pack expects of him. You'd be surprised how rarely we articulate that clearly. We don't mean to fail him. We usually think we're doing the right things. We intend to do the right things. We just need a little bit of training ourselves. Dogs speak with their bodies. Unfortunately, humans are very good at misinterpreting what dogs are saying. For example, a dog that keeps trying to put his paw over your arm is saying: A. I like you. B. Please pet me. C. I want to dominate you. D. I have to go outside. Most people guess A and B. The real answer is C. This dog is trying to dominate you. Dogs express dominance to each other by putting their heads, paws or entire bodies over each other. So by gently placing your hand over your puppy's head and shoulders frequently, you let him know that you are the leader. That gives him a comfortable place in his family pack, which he craves. If you allow him to put those paws over you, and reward him by petting him, you've reinforced the idea that he is in charge and does not have to listen to you. A dog that urinates and/or defecates in your shoes is saying: A. I'm mad at you for taking my squeaky toy yesterday. B. I own this area and I'm going to prove it by marking it. C. I don't care what you say, the outside world is unsuitable for royalty like me. It's B. He is telling you he is boss and you are not supposed to be giving him orders. Marking a piece of your clothing or bedding often follows an attempt by you to correct your dog after letting him be in charge for a while. He is telling you to get back in line; he won't give up control easily. When your dog greets you, she slinks toward you with her head lowered and her tail tucked under her legs. As soon as you lean over her, she rolls on her back and keeps looking away from you. What is going on here? A. She's done something naughty and is looking guilty. B. She is a wimp. C. She's acknowledging your leadership and is soliciting attention respectfully. Instead of being grateful that they own a dog that has accepted their leadership, most folks are convinced this properly respectful dog has done something wrong and is acting guilty. Some owners will go on a rampage, looking for evidence, and often yell at the dog if they find anything amiss. By this time, the poor dog has no idea why you, the alpha dog, are yelling. As far as she knows, you are yelling at her for greeting you. So next greeting will be even more submissive, and the poor dog may even start urinating submissively on greeting to show that she is really no threat so alpha dog won't yell. And while she is home alone during the day, your dog may start getting anxious about whether alpha dog will yell again when he/she comes home, so she starts chewing on the couch pillows to relieve her anxiety, or may even have a bit of nervous diarrhea. Then alpha dog comes home, and, well, you know the rest. You have a 1-year-old Irish setter. You take her for a walk on a leash for thirty minutes every morning and 45 minutes every night. You walk fairly briskly. During the day, she is alone in the house. You now have to keep her in the bathroom because she has destroyed every other room in the house. Now she has started to lick her skin raw on one of her paws. What is happening? A. She is just a brat. Send her back to the breeder B. She is lonely and bored and needs a job. C. She knows this irritates me and she is doing it to be spiteful. D. She needs a lot more exercise. Both B and D are correct. This is a high energy dog, bred to go at a brisk pace for hours. She needs a job compatible with her high energy level. Walking by itself is inadequate exercise for her and most larger dogs. Your brisk walking pace is a slow plod to her. Dogs will develop a variety of behavioral and even health problems if they are not given a lot of vigorous exercise daily. Unfortunately, most urban owners fail to give their dogs the intensity of activity they need. Many behavior problems in dogs are linked to inadequate exercise! So what to do? Talk to your veterinarian, go to obedience training clubs, find out from veterinary and behavioral experts what normal behavior is for your dog and how to interpret what your dog is doing. That is the first step to getting your dog's behavior and your relationship with her back on track. Work with the experts or join an obedience training club to learn how to effectively communicate with your dog, how to prevent problems, and how to work through problems already existing. Your dog can be a delightful companion or a holy terror -- the choice is up to you. |
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Bradfordville Animal Hospital, 6714 Thomasville Rd., Tallahassee, Fl.
32312 |
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