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Winter Care for Animals
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With the arrival of the winter months and holiday season,
there are additional health hazards which are of concern for
animals; some are potentially fatal. A few of these health
risks could be brought into the home inadvertently, thereby
increasing a pet's possibility of exposure. To keep the
season safe, protect animals from contact with or ingestion
of the following:
1. Antifreeze - this mixture contains ethylene glycol, a
product that can cause lethal kidney failure and metabolic
acidosis (accumulation of acid in the blood and body
tissues) if ingested. It has a sweet taste that attracts
animals and can be toxic in small doses (i.e. 1-2
tablespoons can produce toxicity in a medium-sized dog).
Antifreeze can be toxic even when diluted in water.
At least one brand of antifreeze is available that uses
propylene glycol for the active component as an alternative
to ethylene glycol. Larger quantities of the propylene
glycol-based antifreeze usually have to be swallowed to
produce toxicity as compared to ethylene glycol-based
antifreeze. Additionally, propylene glycol-based antifreeze
does not metabolize in the animal's system to form products
that cause kidney damage; however, it can still cause
illness and death via metabolic acidosis.
An antidote is available for antifreeze poisoning, but early
recognition of ingestion and immediate intensive treatment
are imperative for the survival of the animal. The best
medicine, though, is to prevent animals from being in
contact with this toxic substance by having antifreeze
changed by a professional who knows how to properly dispose
of it. If individuals change their own antifreeze, they
should not drain it into the sewer or leave it setting out
in a pan for any amount of time (all it takes is a few
seconds for an animal to ingest it).
2. Baking chocolate - this form of chocolate contains a
higher concentration of stimulant (theobromine) than regular
chocolate. A 1/4 pound can be toxic if eaten by a small dog,
such as a poodle.
3. Mistletoe - the berry of this plant is the most toxic
component, especially if it is chewed instead of swallowed
whole. If the berry is ingested in sufficient quantity, it
can cause gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms,
including convulsions.
4. Poinsettia - whether or not this plant is toxic has been
debated for years. The most recent findings are that it
contains no toxic chemical. However, as with any plant that
an animal is not accustomed to eating, it can cause diarrhea
and vomiting (a protective mechanism to eliminate the
foreign substance). Animals tend to be attracted to
poinsettias, so it is a good practice to keep these plants
out of their reach.
5. Ivy - this plant is not acutely toxic, but it can cause
gastrointestinal upset if ingested.
6. Christmas cactus - this plant is nontoxic, but it can
cause vomiting and transient diarrhea if consumed.
7. Tinsel - cats in particular are attracted to playing with
Christmas tree tinsel. If ingested, it can cause an
intestinal blockage or intussusception (prolapsing of one
part of the intestine into the cavity of an immediately
adjoining part). If indoor cats are present, it would be
prudent to avoid using strands of tinsel. It would also be
advisable to place breakable ornaments at the top of the
tree. An investment in shatterproof ornaments might also be
worthwhile.
8. Glow jewelry1 - dibutyl phthalate is a chemical contained
in glow-in-the-dark jewelry, which are popular items at a
variety of festivities. Although the chemical may have the
potential to cause death via respiratory paralysis, cats
generally will only ingest a minimal amount due to its
unpleasant taste and the fact that only a small amount of
the chemical is present in the jewelry. Cats that have
bitten into the jewelry may exhibit heavy salivation,
hyperactivity, and aggressive behavior, but they typically
recover within minutes. Immediately after a cat happens to
ingest this chemical, it helps to feed it small quantities
of milk, canned food, or tuna juice to dilute the chemical
in its mouth. Wash off any drops of the chemical that might
be on the cat's coat and flush the cat's eyes with water if
there has been ocular exposure. There is no known antidote
for dibutyl phthalate; cats that have ingested large
quantities should be closely monitored and given supportive
treatment if warranted.
9. Cold - the U.S. Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service's Animal Welfare Act recommends that ambient
temperature should not drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit,
especially when sick, aged, or young animals are present.
Additionally, animals should always be provided with
adequate protection and shelter from the direct effect of
wind, rain, or snow. Remember, animals in Texas are not
acclimated to cold weather, so they must be protected from
extreme weather conditions accordingly.
If you know or suspect that an animal has ingested any of
the above items (1-8), immediately consult a veterinarian,
animal emergency clinic, or poison control center.
The Central Texas Poison Center can be reached at
1-800-764-7661 (1-800-POISON-1). The ASPCA National Animal
Poison Control Center (Click), can be reached at
1-888-4ANIHELP-(1-888-426-4435) and/or (900)443-0000
Thanks is given to Dr. John C. Haliburton, Head of
Diagnostic Toxicology for the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical
Diagnostic Laboratory in Amarillo, for his assistance and
expertise in preparing this article.
1Rosendale, ME. Veterinary Medicine 1999;August:703. Pam
Wilson, RVT, MEd, CHES
Program Specialist
Texas Department of Health
Zoonosis Control Division
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Summer Care Tips for You and Your Pets Top
Summer is a time for both you and your pet to enjoy the
sunshine and outdoors, but along with the fun, the season
also offers up situations that can endanger your pet. By
taking precautions, you can decrease the chance that
disaster will happen. Animal Control offers these tips for
pet owners to keep their furry friends safe this summer:
· Don't leave pets in parked cars for any period of time.
Every summer, animals left in parked cars suffer brain
damage and die from heatstroke. On a warm day, even with the
windows cracked, the temperature in a car can reach 120° in
a matter of minutes. Dogs and cats can't perspire and can
only dispel heat by panting and through the pads of their
feet. If you see an animal in a parked car during the
summer, alert the management of the shopping mall or grocery
store. If the owner does not return promptly, call local
animal control or the police.
It is very dangerous, and in some states illegal, to drive
with a dog in the back of a pick-up truck. Not only can
flying debris cause serious injury, but a dog may be
unintentionally thrown into traffic if the driver suddenly
hits the brakes, swerves, or is hit by another car. Dogs
should ride either in the cab (in a crate or wearing a seat
belt harness designed for dogs) or in a secured crate in the
bed of the truck.
Summer is often a time when people fertilize their lawns and
work in their gardens. But beware: Plant food, fertilizer,
and insecticides can be fatal if your pet ingests them.
Dog bites rise during the summer months when people and
their pets spend more time outside. Spaying or neutering
your dog reduces the likelihood that he will bite and
provides many other health benefits.
Make sure your pet is always wearing a collar and
identification tag. If you are separated from your pet, an
ID tag may very well be his or her ticket home. · Check with
your veterinarian to see if your pets should be taking
heartworm prevention medication. Heartworm disease, which is
transmitted by mosquitoes, can be fatal in both dogs and
cats.
Pets and pools can equal disaster. Prevent free access to
pools and always supervise a pet in a pool.
Provide plenty of water and shade for your pets while
they're enjoying the great outdoors so they can stay cool.
If you plan on traveling with your pet during the summer,
take the time to prepare for your furry friends in advance.
Many airlines have summer pet embargoes, and most trains and
ships do not allow pets other than service animals.
Pets need exercise even when it is hot, but extra care needs
to be taken with older dogs, short-nosed dogs, and those
with thick coats. On very hot days, limit exercise to early
morning or evening hours. Keep in mind that asphalt gets
very hot and can burn your pet's paws.
Another summertime threat is fleas and ticks. Use only flea
and tick treatments recommended by your veterinarian. Some
over-the-counter flea and tick products can be toxic, even
when used according to instructions.
Pets can get sunburned too, and your pet may require
sunscreen on his or her nose and ear tips. Pets with
light-colored noses or light-colored fur on their ears are
particularly vulnerable to sunburn and skin cancer.
Don't take your pets to crowded summer events such as
concerts or fairs. The loud noises and crowds, combined with
the heat, can be stressful and dangerous for pets. For your
pet's well being, leave your pet at home. Be especially
aware of these threats during holidays, such as the Fourth
of July.
For More Information Contact: Contact your local Animal
Control or Animal Shelter
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