March Newsletter

Dear Pet Parents,

March is Pet Poison Prevention Month, making it the perfect time to ensure your home is safe for your furry friends. Every year, thousands of pets suffer from accidental poisoning due to common household items. Knowing what’s dangerous and how to act quickly can save your pet’s life.

🏡 Common Household Toxins

Here are some everyday items that can be harmful to pets:

🌿 Toxic Plants: Lilies, sago palm, azaleas, and tulips can cause severe health issues in pets if ingested.

🧼 Cleaning Products: Bleach, laundry detergent, and disinfectants can irritate your pet’s skin, mouth, and stomach.

🍫 Human Foods: Chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, xylitol (found in sugar-free gum and peanut butter), and alcohol are highly toxic to dogs and cats.

💊 Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen) and certain human prescriptions can be fatal to pets.

🚨 Emergency Plan for Poisoning Situations

If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, follow these steps:

1️⃣ Stay Calm & Act Fast – Identify the substance and the amount your pet consumed. 2️⃣ Call Your Veterinarian Immediately – Time is critical. If after hours, contact an emergency vet clinic. 3️⃣ Call the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) for expert guidance. 4️⃣ Do NOT Induce Vomiting unless directed by a vet, as some substances can cause more harm coming back up. 5️⃣ Bring the Packaging – If possible, take the toxin container with you to the vet for reference.

🏥 Preventative Measures

✅ Store all medications and cleaning supplies in secure cabinets.

✅ Be mindful of foods and plants accessible to your pet.

✅ Use pet-safe cleaning products when possible.

By staying informed and proactive, you can help keep your pet safe and healthy. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.

Vet Term of the Month

Acute toxicosis in pets occurs when an animal is exposed to a harmful substance in a short period of time, leading to rapid and often severe symptoms. This condition can be caused by a variety of toxic substances, including household chemicals, plants, medications, or foods that are harmful to pets. Symptoms can vary depending on the type of toxin and the pet's size, but common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, seizures, or difficulty breathing. Immediate veterinary care is essential for treating acute toxicosis, as prompt intervention can help prevent serious health issues or even death. It's crucial for pet owners to be aware of potential toxins in the environment and seek veterinary attention if they suspect their pet has been exposed. 

Who to call? Pet Poison Helpline! Your vet suggests calling the helpline BEFORE calling our office. They can provide quicker tips and advise if the Emergency Vet is needed. 

WARNING!! Bath bombs can be extremely harmful if a dog ingests them. We recently treated a case where two dogs got into a batch. One required intensive care at AAVEC and had to stay for several days. The other developed pneumonia as a result. It's important to keep bath bombs and other potentially toxic items out of reach of pets to prevent such dangerous situations.

Medication of the Month

Credelio Quattro is a monthly chewable tablet that provides broad-spectrum parasite protection for dogs. It starts killing fleas within four hours and protects against common tick species, heartworms, and intestinal worms like roundworms and hookworms. Designed to be both effective and palatable, it’s easy to administer with food. This prescription-only medication is suitable for dogs eight weeks and older who weigh at least 5.5 lbs. This is a great alternative to Nexgard Plus! 

Products we are loving for our pets

A Ring camera or other home monitoring system can be a valuable tool in preventing pet poison emergencies. By keeping an eye on your pet remotely, you can catch them in the act before they get into something dangerous, whether it's a toxic plant, food left on the counter, or an open cabinet with cleaning supplies. Motion alerts can notify you of unexpected activity, allowing you to intervene quickly by calling a family member or rushing home to prevent a potential poisoning incident. With real-time video access, pet owners can ensure their furry friends stay out of harm’s way, even when they aren’t home.

In addition to monitoring, using a crate can be an effective way to prevent your pet from accessing hazardous items when you’re not around. Crate training provides a safe and controlled environment, reducing the risk of poisoning accidents. When used properly, a crate can be a comforting space for your pet while keeping them protected from household dangers.

Need a suggestion of where and what to buy? Check out these Dr. Bailey-approved cameras and crates!

TIPS!

Registering your pet’s microchip with our practice is a simple yet essential step in keeping them safe. A microchip is only effective if it’s linked to accurate contact information, allowing us to quickly reunite you with your pet if they ever get lost. By registering your pet’s microchip with our practice, we can help ensure their details are up to date and accessible when needed. If you’re unsure whether your pet’s microchip is registered correctly, we’re happy to check and update it for you. Contact us today to make sure your pet’s microchip is properly linked to you!