Heat Stroke (Parked Cars)
Heat stroke is a threat everywhere.  Surprisingly, the condition is not most frequent in the summer. Rather, it’s most common in the spring or the fall, when the weather is changing. In the middle of July, most owners know better than to leave their pet in a parked car or outside for long periods. During spring, fall, or even winter, some misjudge how hot it actually can get in the yard or car, especially when the temperature is less than 80 degrees.

A pet’s temperature can increase quickly and dramatically if your pet becomes excited, often within 15 minutes. Signs of heat stroke include fatigue, disorientation, pet feeling hot to the touch, and excessive salivation.

If you suspect that your pet is overheated, immediately wash him down with cool water. Take him to your veterinarian ASAP, since Heat Stroke is a serious pet emergency and is potentially fatal.

Allergic Reactions
The Upstate New York area is host to many plants and insects that cause allergic reactions in your pets. Routine vaccines may also cause reactions.

Typical signs of an allergic reaction are skin redness and itching. Other signs include swelling of the muzzle and area around the eyes, as well as wheals or hives. If your pet shows these signs and vomits as well, he could be experiencing life-threatening anaphylaxis, or shock. Go to your veterinarian immediately.

Holiday Hazards

Chocolate
Just as we love chocolate, so does your dog. But chocolate can poison your dog.
In general, your dog should avoid chocolate all together. The toxic level of milk chocolate is about 1 oz for every pound of body weight. If your pet should ingest baker’s chocolate (used for cooking,) ¼ oz per pound of body weight is toxic.

Signs of poisoning include vomiting and diarrhea, and neurological signs like disorientation and excitability. The stomach empties in about 2-3 hours after ingestion. If your pet has ingested the chocolate in this time frame you may induce vomiting. Call your veterinarian for instructions.

Tinsel and “Stringy” Foreign Bodies
Cats love strings and tinsel. Not only for play but as a delicious snack. Sometimes owners notice these items protruding from the cat’s rectum. Never pull on such objects in an attempt to remove them. Cut the string or tinsel off as close to the rectum as possible. Contact your veterinarian for instructions.

“Big Dog/Little Dog” & “Good Cat/Bad Cat”
Many little dogs think they are big dogs. (Sort of like people.) Unfortunately they may tangle with a real “bigger dog”. Even small wounds should be treated immediately as they may need a drain. Also cats who roam outside often come home with a wound from tangling with the neighborhood bully. Even small cat wounds needs to be cleaned and medicated, to prevent infection and the need for a drain. Call your vet for advice.

Hit by Car & Other Violent Traumas
When a pet has been hit by a car it should always be seen immediately by a veterinarian. Even if the victim is conscious and seemingly OK, there may be hidden damage. In addition to the physical exam, lab work and radiographs should be performed to rule out unseen damage. Also, your veterinarian will give anti-inflammatory and other medications to reduce pain and assist healing.

Seizures
A seizure can be range from momentary loss of normal consciousness (causing a dazed or disoriented look) to a Grand Mal seizure where the pet’s limbs are rigid, the front paws are paddling, his mouth is salivating, and teeth are clenching. A seizure that lasts a few minutes is cause for concern and should be investigated by your primary care veterinarian. Should your pet have a seizure lasting more than a few minutes, or have multiple seizures, seek immediate veterinary care.

Lameness
If your pet is unwilling or unable to put weight on a limb, a bone fracture or a bone popping out of joint (luxation) could be the cause. If your pet comes up lame, keep him from walking, immobilize the limb, and seek veterinary care as soon as possible. A luxation, such as one on the hip, needs to be reduced immediately by your veterinarian for the best outcome.

Eye Problems
A good pet owner should never ignore any eye problems. Serious complications can result from even minor injuries or problems. Also, an abnormal appearance of the eyes can also indicate bigger systemic problems with your pet.

Coughing/Labored Breathing
These symptoms can mean anything from a kennel cough (tracheitis), to asthma (especially in cats), to a heart problem. Immediate veterinary care so that you and your pet can get some sleep in the case of kennel cough, or save your pet’s life in the case of asthma or a heart problem.

Poisoning – Plants, Medications, Other Substances

Antifreeze
A very small amount of antifreeze can be fatal, particularly in cats. Typically pets are exposed when a car radiator leaves a spill in the garage or driveway. The best treatment is prevention. Unfortunately, antifreeze toxicity is rarely diagnosed before it is too late.

Lilies
Plants in the Lily family are deadly to cats.

Medications
Cat owner should not keep Tylenol (acetaminophen) in the house. It is very toxic to cats. Do not use any product that contains Benzocaine. This drug alters blood so it cannot carry oxygen.

Marijuana and Mushrooms
Should your pet ingest either of these substances, seek immediate veterinary attention. Be honest with your vet about the situation. Veterinarians are not the police and are only concerned about your pet’s welfare. Otherwise, your veterinarian will eventually figure out the cause of the pet’s illness anyway but waste precious time in giving proper treatment.

Snake Bites
Toxic Snake Bites ... Timber Rattle Snake (south eastern part of the state, Lake George and along the southern tier in western NY) , Cooperhead (Lower Hudson Valley south of Kingston)  Massasauga ( Eroniously called the Pygmy Rattler) found west of Syracuse.

Dogs often get bitten when exploring in woods or poking their nose into bushes. Typical signs of bite are expressions of pain, prominent swelling of the site, along with moderate bleeding.  Your pet may also show neurological symptoms such as disorientation. 

 

Speedy treatment is crucial to survival.  The sooner your pet receives antivenin, the better the outcome.  
 

Holiday Safety Tips for Pets:

New Year's brings in a brand new year filled with the promise of hope, prosperity, health, and happiness. But be alert to any pet hazards such as fun noise-makers and confetti which can very easily pose a serious threat to your pets' sense of well-being and health. Noise-makers can frighten your pet causing the pet to bolt out an open door window, or leap to a percarious area in search of safety. Confetti can be ingested, wreaking havoc to the digestive tract.

 

Caution: Those adorable holiday costumes for your pets may be cute at get-togethers or in family photos, but pet owners should be wary of costumes which have rubber bands to keep them securely in place on the pet. If rubber bands are accidently left on the pet after the fun of dressing up is over, the pet could chew off and swallow them, causing choking and/or intestinal injuries. And, too, the bands can become embedded into the pet's flesh.

 

Valentine's Day is a day of romance and love, renewing old friendships and making new. Please don't forget the hidden dangers to your pets in those wonderful boxes of candy gifts and lovely bouquets of flowers your beloved one gives you. Check here for a listing of toxic and non-toxic plants.

 

Don't leave the candies out - most animals love the sweet taste, especially chocolate. Chocolate is often fatal to animals, especially cats, if consumed in a large quanity and/or over a period of time.

 

Easter has its hazards of pets nibbling the colorful Easter "grass" used in baskets and other decorating. The goodies tucked in the baskets can create havoc to a pet's digestive system as well - chocolates, teeny Easter toys, plastic items, etc.

 

St. Patrick's Day brings the jolly Irish out in us all. Remember during your festivities, animals and alcohol DON'T mix. Alcoholic beverages are toxic to our pets.

 

July the Fourth in the United States brings picnics, backyard cookouts, family gatherings, and the sense of pride to be living in a free country with so many privileges most other countries aren't able to enjoy. But for our pets, the Fourth is also a day of terrible mishaps and even abuse related to fireworks. Please keep your pets indoors during the holiday and watch traffic at doorways. The sudden loud noises and flashing colors can cause your pet to run away in terror. A carelessly thrown firecracker or other firework could result in a disfiguring or maiming tragedy. And as old as time, there's always the evil animal abuser who gets his thrills from harming those who are smaller, weaker and totally defenseless.

 

Make sure all pets are inside during the night the youngsters are Halloween trick'r-treating, especially black pets, to avoid the heartbreak of hideous "pranks." In fact, during the entire month of October, all black pets should be kept indoors. The safest thing for both you and your animals is to keep them indoors unless you are supervising their outdoor activities with them on a leash.

 

On the night of Halloween trick'r-treating, keep your pets away from the doors leading to the outside. Place them in a secluded room away from the noise and activity of the trick'r-treaters. As you are greeting your guests, the animal could become frightened and make a rush for the door as you are handing out the treats.

 

The foil wraps on candies can cause internal injuries if swallowed - the foil can be like a razor as it is swallowed and ingested. Keep all candies and their wrappers in a secured place.

 

Other holiday treats, alcoholic beverages, rich, fatty food scraps and bones can be harmful or toxic to pets. Keep your pet on his regular diet and caution visitors against giving your pet "special treats."

 

Supervise all candles - pets are attracted to the bright "lights" in a darkened room. Not only could they receive serious burns, but they could knock the candles over, spilling hot wax onto furniture and carpeting. Don't leave candles unattended for their sake and for the obvious fire hazards.

 

All other decorations should be carefully placed so that the pets can't pull or scratch off any small pieces to swallow.

 

Cover or tack down electrical cords.

 

Pets' highly sensitive noses pick up scents before humans can. Therefore, don't be surprised when Fluffy and Fido are underfoot in the kitchen while Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday goodies are being prepared. Watch those hot containers filled with turkey and ham drippings. The pets can easily tip them over causing severe scalding and burns to themselves.

 

Don't feed pets the cooled drippings either. Human seasonings aren't good for pets, plus the fact that the rich stock and drippings can easily upset pets' digestive systems.

 

Though it's so tempting, don't give your pet large quanitities of cooked turkey and ham during the holidays. Again, human food is too rich; overfeeding of human food can cause additional health problems and feeding human food will often lead to unsatisfactory eating habits when given pet food at their regular mealtimes. Consumption of human food can also result in pitiful begging, an aggravating habit hard to break, when the family sits down for meals.

 

BONES ARE DANGEROUS! Please, please don't feed your pets bones, especially poultry bones. Poultry bones splinter easily - each year thousands of pets are treated for consumption of splintered bones, causing pain and sometimes death.

 

Increased activity and visitors during the winter holiday season can upset your pet's routine. Try to keep your pet on his regular schedule for feeding and exercise and be sure the pet gets plenty of love.

 

If you are planning to take your pet with you when visiting friends and relatives during the holidays, be sure to contact them in advance to find out if your pet is welcome. Because of the excitement during the holidays, it might be best for you and your pet to board your pet or hire a reputable pet sitter.

 

The lovely bubbling holiday lights are moderate to lethal toxicity, depending on the amount of fluid (methylene chloride) inhaled or ingested.

 

Please do not use angelhair (spun glass) - low toxicity; can cause irritation of the eyes, skin and gastrointestinal tract. Artifical snow and snow flock also has low toxicity - dry particles are inert; however, toxicity from inhalation can occur if spayed directly in the mouth.

 

Hang your treasured ornaments higher on the Christmas tree. Use wooden, medal, resin-cast or the like on the lower branches in case curious little paws want to play with bright and colorful ornaments. Tinsel isn't toxic, but if ingested, intestinal obstruction and choking are potential problems...please don't use.

 

The beauty of the fireplace colors (fire salts) is breath-taking on a cold winter's evening - moderate toxicity; symptoms are gastrointestinal irritation with vomiting and a variety of other manifestations, including convulsions.

 

Resist the temptation to tie ribbons around pets necks for the holidays. The pets can tighten ribbons resulting in choking or hang themselves if the ribbon is caught on an object.

 

Keep gift ribbons and bows out of sight to prevent chewing and swallowing.

 

Replace metal ornament hooks with tightly knotted fabric 1/4 inch ribbons, light-weight twine or yarn to slip easily over the branches of the tree.

 

Keep all pets securely indoors during firework displays. The frightening noise and the danger of exploding fireworks are hazardous to your pet.

 

A number of Christmas season plants are poisonous to pets if nibbled or eaten: ivy - moderate to very toxic, all parts; holly - moderate to very toxic, especially the berries and leaves; mistletoe - very toxic, all parts, especially the berries; Christmas greens such as balsam, juniper, cedar, pine and fir - all parts have a low level of toxicity; hibiscus - may cause vomiting or bloody diarrhea if ingested; and poinsettias - leaves and stems low in toxicity. This is not a conclusive listing...there are many more toxic plants. An additional listing of both non and toxic plants can be located here. It's wise to keep plants out of your pets' and children's reach.

 

Please do not give any animal or any pet of any age as Easter and Christmas gifts. Remember the first weeks of a new life or a sudden change in an adult pet is extremely traumatic for them. Instead, give gifts of pet supplies, food, and accessories. Then after the hustle and bustle of the holidays, the loved one can make a selection of the selected pet of their choice to bring home to peace and quiet for the pet. This will also provide the happy new pet owner time to spend with his/her new life-time commitment. Follow this link and this one for more details.

For those animal lovers who have allergies or feel that a house pet would be too much due to other health reasons or too long hours and hectic schedules of secular work, give a gift of sponsorship at a no-kill shelter. There are many needy animals needing additional care. One such organization is PetRescue.com, Inc. - Sponsor A Pet. Great inexpensive gift that will warm hearts through-out the year!

IMPORTANT: The time frame of six to eight weeks before Halloween each year is extremely dangerous for all animals, but especially so for cats ... even more frighteningly dangerous should your cat be black. Please, PLEASE take those few moments each day taking additional precautions to make sure your cat(s) or other pet(s) is/are safe during this holiday season. Follow and promote safety precautions for animals, especially black cats, during the Halloween season and throughout the year.
 

Top Ten Household Dangers for Pet Birds
With their small size, delicate respiratory system, and insatiable curiosity, pet birds face a wide variety of dangers from common household items.
 

Pet birds are extremely susceptible to a wide variety of household dangers. There are numerous reasons for this, including their small size, rapid metabolism, and sensitive respiratory systems. Of course, with parrots, there is also an intense curiosity and need to explore everything with their beaks. Owners need to be vigilant about protecting their birds from dangers throughout the home. 1) Poisoning Birds are susceptible to a wide range of toxic substances which can injure or  kill birds either by ingestion (eating) or inhalation (breathing them in). One of the most common toxicities in pet birds is insecticides sprayed in the home. Others include ammonia, bleach, oven cleaner, glues, nail polish remover, paint, perfumes,  heavy metals (e.g. lead and zinc). Poisonous plants are also a danger. 2) Non Stick Coatings (when overheated) This technically falls under poisoning but warrants a special mention because use of these products is very common. When overheated, the non stick coating emits fumes  that are very toxic to birds when inhaled. This coating is found on non stick cookware  but also waffle irons, bread machines, irons, ironing board covers, curling irons, space  heaters, blow dryers and more.   3) Open Water Toilets are the most common source of open water in the house, and it is all too easy for your pet bird to fall in and drown. Other water sources to watch for are sinks,  bathtubs, buckets, and water bowls of dogs or cats. The kitchen can also be a dangerous  place if there are hot pots of water on the stove. 4) Inappropriate Foods These range from those that are just unhealthy to those that might kill pet birds. Anything high in sugar or salt is inappropriate, as are fatty foods. More serious are things such as chocolate, which is toxic to many pets. Caffeinated or alcoholic beverages are also dangerous. Avocado should also be avoided (there is some debate about how toxic avocado is - better safe than sorry). 5) Electrical Cords Birds explore with their beaks, and exposed electrical cords pose a danger if bitten. Keep  cords and appliances away from the bird cage, and conceal cords as much as possible. Covering exposed cords with corrugated plastic tubing (available at hardware stores) may help reduce the danger. 6) Poorly Made Toys Even toys designed for parrots may not be safe for them. Make sure your parrots (especially larger ones) are not able to break off or remove any parts and swallow them.  Rope toys can also be dangerous if they are long enough to get tangles up in, and there  have been cases of parrots separating the strands on braided ropes, inserting their heads, and strangling as a result. 7) Ceiling Fans Ceiling fans pose a real danger to flighted birds - serious injuries have occurred when birds fly into them. Birds tend to be nervous with things moving above them, so may be stressed out by a ceiling fan running near their cage. 8) Windows, Doors, and Mirrors Windows and mirrors pose a danger to birds who might fly into them. Keeping wings clipped helps to alleviate this risk, although even clipped birds can try a run at a window or mirror. Of course, open windows and exterior doors leave a chance at escape. Even interior doors can be risky if the bird likes to sit on the top of an open door - the bird could be injured if the door is closed. 9) Other Pets While birds often live happily with other household pets, owners should always be careful when other pets are near the birds. The motion of birds can attract the prey instinct of cats and dogs, and an infected bite or scratch can quickly be  fatal to a bird. 10) Air Quality Birds are especially sensitive to contaminants in the air. Aerosol products of any kind should not be used around your bird. Cigarette smoke has been  implicated in respiratory disease in pet birds. Carbon monoxide is also dangerous to birds, so use a carbon monoxide detector in the home, and be careful not to run your vehicle in an attached garage.