We treat our dogs like Family. We spoil them. We give them treats. But sometimes we do not realize that the digestive systems of our companions are not compatible to our own. They can eat raw, semi-spoiled meat with little ill-effect, a meal that would likely send us crawling to the porcelain commode, if not the local emergency ward…We can eat chocolate & onions, (though rarely together) foods that have the potential of serious side effects to pets. Here are some resources and articles that explain some of the foods & medicants that can be toxic to pets, some of the mendicants we can safely use from our medicine cabinets, and some resources on Natural Medicines.
REMEMBER:
When in Doubt, Get Thee to a Vet
That's why they go to school.
This page gives a few links to toxicity and animals -
http://www.midtownanimalclinic.com/poison.htm
Here are a couple of plant poison pages for dogs:
http://www.dogpack.com/health/poisonplants.htm
http://www.courteouscanine.com/poison.htm
Pet Owners Guide to Small Common Animal Poisons
http://www.avma.org/pubhlth/poisgde.asp
Also this might be a good site to bookmark –
rec.pets.dogs: Canine Medical Information -
found at
http://www.landfield.com/faqs/dogs-faq/medical-info/part2
Here is another page - probably a better article than the one posted below:
http://www.theperfectpet.com/onion.cfm
Then if you want to get technical about the Onion-Heinz Body Anemia read
this link:
http://users.loa.com/~phause/HouseBun/9803-07/msg00010.html
And
here is an article about onions and dogs - found at
http://www.erinet.com/ghost/onion.htm
Just Say "NO" to Onions!
By Dr. Wendy Wallner Whirlwind Boxers
Onions are toxic to dogs. The toxicity is dose dependent, so the bigger the
animal, the more onion need be consumed to cause a toxicity. Onion toxicity
causes a Heinz body anemia. Heinz bodies are small bubble-like projections
which protrude from a red blood cell and can be seen when the cells are
stained. This "bubble" is a weak spot in the red blood cell and,
therefore,
the cell has a decreased life-span and ruptures prematurely.
If numerous red cells are affected and rupture, anemia can result. It is a
form of hemolytic anemia. Onions are only one of the substances which can
cause Heinz body anemia. Other substances such as Acetominophen (Tylenol) and benzocaine-containing topical preparations can also cause Heinz body
anemia in the dog.
The toxic effect of the onions are the same whether the product is raw,
cooked or dehydrated. The hemolytic episode usually occurs several days
after onion ingestion (lowest hematocrit around day 5 post ingestion). Daily
feeding of onions could have a cumulative effect due to ongoing formation of
Heinz bodies versus a single exposure with a wide gap until the next
exposure, allowing the bone marrow time to regenerate the prematurely
destroyed red cells.
The cat is even more susceptible. Recently, Gerber began to add onion powder
to all its meat baby foods. They are labeled as "better tasting".
Since baby food is often used in sick cats that are not eating (to stimulate their
appetites), there was concern that the onion powder would cause a Heinz body anemia in these cats. Within a week or two of the change, there were
numerous reports of Heinz body anemia in cats receiving Gerber baby food in
their diets.
I strongly recommend NO ONIONS for dogs. There is no benefit and certainly
the potential to cause harm.
Copyright 1997 Wendy Wallner, DVM
We generally have medicants around the house that we CAN
use on our pets. It’s a good idea to keep some of these products handy
in case
of an emergency. A First Aid Kit compiled and stored in a lunch box can be a
life saver for your pet in an emergency.
The following is a list of human medications commonly found in the household. These same products can be used with pets.
|
Product |
Canine Dosage |
Common Use |
|
Buffered Aspirin |
5 mg per pound every 12 hours |
pain relief, anti-inflammatory |
|
Vitamin B |
1/2 to 2 ml subcutaneously every 24 hour |
used as an appetite stimulant |
|
Benadryl |
1 to 2 mg per pound body weight every 8 hours |
treat allergies, itching, reaction to insect stings, etc. |
|
Chlorpheniramine |
4 mg every 12 hours |
treat allergies, itching, etc.. |
|
Dramamine |
up to 50 mg every 8 hours |
used to reduce car sickness |
|
Hydrogen Peroxide |
3% 10 ml by mouth every 15 minutes |
used to induce vomiting after accidental ingestion of a poison |
|
Epinephrine |
1:1,000 1/10 to 1/2 ml intramuscular or subcutaneously |
used to treat reactions following insect stings bites or medications |
|
Pepto Bismol |
1 tsp. per 5 pounds every 6 hours |
used to relieve vomiting or stomach gas, diarrhea |
|
Di Gel Liquid |
up to 4 tbs. every 8 hours |
antacid and anti-gas |
|
Maalox |
Same as Di Gel |
antacid and anti-gas |
|
Mineral Oil |
up to 4 tbs daily |
used to eliminate constipation |
|
Kaopectate |
1 ml per pound every 2 hours |
for diarrhea |
|
Tylenol (acetaminophen) |
NOT RECOMMENDED |
|
|
Ibuprophin, Motrin, Nuprin |
NOT RECOMMENDED |
|
|
Imodium |
follow child dosage |
for diarrhea |
The following are common antibiotics prescribed by veterinarians. Listed is the usual dosage and indications. Please follow the advise of your veterinarian when using antibiotics.
|
Product |
Canine Dosage |
Common Use |
|
Amoxicillin |
5 mg per lb every 12 hours |
Used to fight bacterial infections |
|
Ampicillin |
10 mg per lb every 6 hours |
Used to fight bacterial infections |
|
Tetracycline |
10 mg per lb every 8 hours |
Used to fight bacterial infections |
|
PEN BP-48 (each ml - 150,000 units Penicillin G. Benzathine and 150,000 units Penicillin G. Procaine) |
1 cc per 20 lbs every 48 hours subcutaneously |
Used to fight bacterial infections, with added pain relief |
|
Procaine Penicillin 300,000 units per ml |
1 ml per 30 lbs subcutaneously |
Used to fight bacterial infections with added pain relief |
|
Erythromycin tablets |
5 mg per lb every 8 hours |
Used to fight bacterial infections |
To take your pet's temperature use a rectal thermometer. Put some kind of lubricant on the tip (Vaseline, oil, etc.). Carefully insert the thermometer about 1 inch into the rectum. Keep the thermometer in place for 60 seconds, then remove it and read the temperature. Most dogs and cats have temperatures between 101 and 102 degrees F.
To check pulse you can often feel the heart beat by placing your hand on the chest behind the front legs, or by feeling for a pulse along the inside of the back upper leg. The animal's color can be assessed by looking at the gums or tongue. Signs to be aware of are a marked lack of color, or blanching of the gums or tongue. This is a shock indicator. The respiration rate can usually be observed by watching the chest.
First Aid Kit Materials and Usage
1. Hemostat or tweezers - ( use to pull out thorns or as a clamp). Hemostats are like fine locking pliers or clamps. They are excellent for grabbing onto things like sticks, thorns, ticks, or anything else that may be caught in your pet's mouth or skin.
2. Thermometer - ( normal temp in dogs and cats is 101 to 102 degrees F). A low temperature can indicate a very sick animal or hypothermia. In either case it is very important to warm the animal. A high temperature can indicate infection or hypothermia. Temperatures above 106 or 107 degrees can cause brain damage to your pet.
3. Water - Fresh water should always be available for drinking as well as flushing wounds and cooling overheated animals. Putting cool water on your pet's footpads is a good way of cooling her/him down.
4. Styptic powder - This is most useful for stopping bleeding caused by torn toenails.
5.
Bandage material - . A variety of bandage
materials can be used to cover wounds to keep them clean, to provide pressure
to help stop bleeding, to cover an injured area so your pet doesn't lick or
scratch at it, to act as a temporary tourniquet or muzzle (even docile animals
will snap hard if in pain), or to stabilize or protect a body part.
1 roll cast padding or soft bandage
1 roll adhesive tape or 'sticky' bandage
1 roll "VetWrap"
Gauze squares
1 roll gauze (can be used for tourniquet, muzzle)
6. Syrup of Ipecac - ( use 1 teaspoon per 10 lb. dog to induce vomiting). If your dog does swallowed something poisonous, the best treatment is to get it out of the stomach, UNLESS it is something irritating or caustic. Two of the most common poisons seen by veterinarians are rat poison and antifreeze. Ingestion of either of these is an emergency.
7. Artificial Tears or Contact lens solution- for rinsing eyes, and to clean & flush wounds
8. 325 mg BUFFERED aspirin - (use 1 per 50 lbs for sore muscles, pain). This is very effective for reducing inflammation from sore muscles or joints. It can help alleviate your pet's discomfort if injured. Not all dogs should take aspirin. Dogs may usually have aspirin every 8-12 hours. Cats are very sensitive to aspirin and should never be given aspirin more than once every 72 hours. Tylenol is poisonous to cats. Check with your veterinarian before giving any medications.
9. 25 mg Diphenhydramine HCl) - This works well in reducing allergic reactions to insect bites. These reactions can be serious if a pet is stung in the mouth, since swelling could block the windpipe. Check with your veterinarian before using this medication.
10. Whistle - (to signal for help if hiking). If you or your pet is injured, you may often need this to attract help.
11. Triple Antibiotic Ointment - ( for cuts and scrapes ). This helps your pet avoid infection, as does bandaging.
12.
Rescue Remedy - ( give 2 drops on
tongue every 5-15 minutes in case of shock or trauma). This is a human
homeopathic
remedy used to treat stress or shock. This can be used any time an animal is
stressed or injured.
13. Arnica - ( give 2 drops on tongue every 15 minutes for muscle injury and other trauma). A homeopathic remedy that is very safe for your pet.
14. Antiseptic solution - for flushing wounds (hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine). Use this to clean out wounds before applying antibiotic ointment and bandaging.
15. Scissors - Use to cut bandages, fur, and foreign objects. A knife is also very useful. Have a blunt-edged and a sharp-edged pair on hand.
16. Blanket - Animals often go into shock when injured. A blanket will help keep them warm. It can also double as a stretcher.
17. Instant hot and cold compresses-for pain relief, and the reduction of swollen tissues.
18. Sterile cotton or cotton balls-for absorption, sterilization, packing wounds.
19. Rubber bulb ear syringe - used for flushing eyes, ears, wounds
20. Hydrogen Peroxide – used as a topical antiseptic, and also can be used as a purgatoric in the event that Syrup of Ipecac cannot be used.
21. Duct Tape-can be used in lieu of adhesive bandages, as long as there is cotton or gauze beneath. A patch of duct tape applied on either side of a gash can be sewn together in place of a butterfly bandage, or as an emergency stitching job.
22. Tea Tree Oil- an effective fungicide & antiseptic.
23. Nylon Stockings-can be used as emergency muzzles, or stockings to cover bandages.
24. Cotton swabs (ie. Qtips)- good for small areas.
25. Rubbing Alcohol- to sterilize instruments or small areas of skin
Some
of the material here from
The Veterinary Mall http://www.veterinarymall.com/info/firstaid.html
and Pet First Aid Kits http://www.afn.org/~afn26752/firstaidkit.html)
In today’s society herbal alternatives have been making a strong come-back. Some of the products that we use can also be used for our companion animals. ALWAYS check to make sure that the product you intend for your Companion is safe for them. Remember, our body chemistries are different. Also, be aware that just like regular medicants, homeopathy and herbals can have distinct inter-reactions. Here are some links to resources and information about Natural Medicines.
Holistic
and Alternative Veterinary Medicine
(from Dr. Foster & Smith Pet Education site. This site also has some good resource
articles regarding weight issues, as well as general health. )
http://www.PetEducation.com/alternative.htm
Home Vet Natural Pet Care
http://www.homevet.com
Natural Holistic Pet Care
http://www.naturalholistic.com
PetSynergy Holistic Veterinary Medicine
http://www.petsynergy.com
Black Kat Herbals
http://members.tripod.com/~BKHerbs
Animal Apawthecary
http://www.petsage.com/index.html
One of the most overlooked health risks for your Companion is weight. Overweight animals can suffer lower immune systems, put undue stress on organs, and affect your pet’s Quality of Life. Underweight animals can suffer from lowered and/or stressed immune systems, and can be signs of more serious illnesses.
How to Check if Your Pet is Overweight
|
1. |
Check that your pet’s ribs are easily felt but not visibly sticking out. This indicates that your pet is at a desirable weight. |
|
2. |
Look at your pet from above. Some indentation between the rib cage and the hips, depicting an hourglass shape, indicates that your pet is at a desirable weight. |
|
3. |
Check your pet’s belly. If the belly of a dog or cat protrudes, the pet may be overweight. (A protruding belly on a cat is called an apron.) |
|
4. |
Feel your pet’s hips. Anything more than light fleshiness indicates that your pet is above normal weight. |
|
5. |
Always consult a veterinarian before putting a pet on a diet. Your veterinarian can recommend a special diet appropriate to your pet, and can examine your pet to rule out the possibility that a serious medical condition is causing the obesity. |
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Tips: |
|
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Regular exercise helps your pet lose weight. |
|
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A dog or cat’s weight at 1 year of age often reflects the animal’s optimal body weight, although this is not true of pets that are already obese at 1 year. A veterinarian can provide weight guidelines. |
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Warnings: |
|
|
Visible ribs or excessive thinness could be a sign of hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) in pets, especially in those over 12 years of age. Consult a veterinarian if your pet is chronically underweight. |
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It's crucial not to let your pet become overweight - it could lead to hepatic lipidosis (a fatty liver). |
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Thanks to eHow for the Above Table ( http://www.ehow.com http://www.ehow.com/Center/Center/0,1005,10,FF.html ) |
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~Here's Some Information on Diet & Nutrition~
Responsible Ownership of Companion Animals includes Veterinarian care. We have many choices available to us for our companions. With choices, comes the responsibility to research the best alternatives. I hope this is a helpful resource. Remember, a Healthy pet is a Happy pet.