Over-eating fruit can be a cause of stomach upset but there are
some fruits that have a more sinister side to them. Apple, apricot,
cherry and peach seeds or stones contain cyanide and can have
varying toxic effects on pets. Peach stones are also large enough
to cause an obstruction in the small intestine requiring an
operation to remove them.
Grapes, sultanas and raisins are unsuitable treats for dogs
as they can cause kidney failure. Some dogs are more
susceptible than others, but all dogs should see the vet
if they have eaten any of these items.
Be cautious when feeding ‘human food’ to pets. Items
containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can be toxic to
pets; even small amounts can cause low blood sugar
levels, resulting in sickness, weakness, fits and in
some cases, liver failure. Xylitol can be found in
baked goods, sweets and chewing gum.
Onions contain a substance that can be the cause of a type of anaemia
where the red blood cells are destroyed. Raw or cooked onions, even in
small amounts, have the potential to cause this problem and can be
found in a wide variety of dishes and sauces, onion salt is often found in
gravy granules. Do not reach for nuts to reward your pets either -
almonds, pistachios, walnuts, macadamias and pecans are all relatively
high in fat which can cause digestive upsets, macadamias can also
cause temporary loss of use of the back legs!
A different kind of toxic treat can be found in a seemingly innocent
bunch of flowers, for example all parts of lilies are toxic to cats. A cat
can brush past a lily and then groom the toxic pollen from their fur.
The most important thing to remember is not to wait for clinical signs
of poisoning to develop - seek veterinary advice immediately if you
think your pet has eaten something toxic. As you may see from the
items listed above, your five items of fruit and vegetables a day isn't
always such a good thing!
D
iabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes)
is the most common hormonal
disease seen in dogs and second most in cats; with an
estimated 1 in 300 going on to develop this condition during
their lifetime. Whilst diabetes in pets is not as common as it is in
people (1 in 30 people develop the condition in the UK), there is
growing evidence to suggest that the number of diabetic pets is set to
rise as pets live longer and the number of overweight pets increases.
Just as in people, pets with diabetes are not able to produce enough
insulin or alternatively their bodies do not allow them to use the
insulin they produce. Insulin is vital as it allows sugar in the blood to
enter cells, allowing the body to function normally. If this process is
disrupted, diabetes results with potentially severe consequences.
Could your pet have
Diabetes
without you knowing...
Kindly supplied by MSD Animal Health
xic Treats
Most pet owners now know that chocolate can be
toxic to dogs, causing nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea,
abnormal heart rhythms and occasionally death, but
there are many other ‘toxic treats’ lurking at home.
Shona MacFarquhar BVMS MRCVS
Chapelfield Veterinary Partnership
The good news is that diabetes in pets is readily treatable and with
correct insulin therapy and diet, diabetic pets can lead a long and
healthy life.
As with many diseases, early diagnosis is really important. Signs that
your pet may be at risk of diabetes include; drinking too much water,
urinating too much, weight loss (despite an increased appetite) and
lethargy. However, these signs are not always that obvious and can
be easy to miss. The disease is also more likely to be seen in older
pets (over the age of six years) and certain dog breeds are much
more predisposed to develop the condition.
To find out more please contact your veterinary surgeon or
visit
www.petdiabetesmonth.co.uk
rks
obias
l
Hiding (most common
sign in cats)
l
Urinating
l
Defecating
l
Chewing
l
Panting
l
Pacing
l
Trying to escape (digging,
jumping through windows
or running away)
l
Drooling
l
Seeking the owner
l
Not eating
l
Ignoring calls
l
Trembling or shaking
l
Barking constantly
medicines that relieve anxiety are available - you can discuss with
staff at your practice to identify what is most suited to you and
your pet. There are medications that are natural products, for
example herbal products and pheromones, so we don't have to
use strong sedatives.
Ideally, in the longer term, we need to change how our pets respond
to the noise by getting them used to it. This is a lengthy process but
is well worthwhile so have a chat to staff about what is involved.
It's too late to consider desensitisation for this year so on the
night, or nights that we expect fireworks there are a few things
to do as well as using some form of medication. Try to block
the noise with the TV and radio and draw the curtains. Create
a safe haven where they may feel more comfortable, and
more secure such as an indoor kennel. Try to remain
calm yourself. Your pet recognises your moods and
responds to them so try to be positive. Make sure
you go for walks before the bulk of the noise
commences and before it gets dark.
So, there are many things that you can
do to help your dog or cat cope with
the stress that arises from fireworks,
taking some time to reduce their
fear may reduce stress for both
you and your pet.
by
Andrew Turkington,
VetMB, MA, MRCVS
Parklands Veterinary Group
Remember, Remember
it's not just November!
Different animals may display
different signs of noise phobias
which include: