By Dr. Patty Khuly, vetstreet.com
I spent four hours one day last week trying to clean motor oil off a patient whose owner had tried to use the slick substance to kill mange. It was a fundamentally bad idea - and not just because motor oil is probably more dangerous to dogs than it is to mange mites. Turns out the poor dog wasn't even infected with mange in the first place.
See Also: 10 Dangerous Human Foods for Pets
Every once in a while, I have to treat a patient whose owner's best intentions, coupled with a disregard for modern veterinary medicine, have combined to produce a spectacularly bad medical crisis - like these eight unfortunate scenarios.
1. Poison Purges
I've seen owners try lots of interesting oral "drenches" for poisonings, like pouring a mixture of olive oil and milk down the ailing pet's throat to force vomiting. In one notable instance, a patient who'd just bitten a bufo toad arrived thoroughly drenched in this concoction. Unfortunately, his lungs had been drenched, too, and he later died of aspiration pneumonia.
2. Parasite Dips
Where should I begin? The motor oil for mange was just a warm-up when it comes to homemade methods of treating parasites. Consider Pine-Sol, vinegar, Clorox, turpentine and linseed oil. One poor Maltese who I'll never forget came in tinged purple after she'd been dunked in a linseed oil/gentian violet dip for fleas. She didn't die, but I don't think the magenta hue in her snowy white fur ever quite went away.
3. Torching Ticks
Yes, really. This was perhaps the most impressively stupid example of pet remedies gone wrong that I've ever witnessed: Imagine a dog with weepy red sores all over her body. When I asked what was up with the crazy sores, I was told that the ticks had been "particularly bad" that week. Apparently, this owner's approach to removing ticks involved a bottle of rubbing alcohol and matches.
See Also: 4 Popular "Working Dogs" to Get U.S. Postage Stamps
4. NSAID No-No's
The human-only versions of NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen sodium, constantly top pet poison lists - and not just because animals have a tendency to get into our stashes of candy-coated pills. Apparently, our willingness to medicate our pets with non-pet-specific drugs is killing them with "kindness."
5. Feline Acetaminophen Toxicity
It's long been known that this drug is a bad idea for cats. Yet people still think it's "safer" than other drugs for their cats. Well, nothing says really sick (or really dead) cat like a dose of acetaminophen, because felines are not able to break down the drug properly, which leads to a deadly blood disorder called methemoglobinemia.
6. Guarding Against Fleas With Garlic
Garlic - especially the raw variety - has a reputation for toxicity in pets. Pets who ingest too much of it get a nasty form of anemia. But this doesn't stop owners from believing that they can repel insects like fleas by giving animals excessive amounts of the stuff, which would presumably create an everlasting garlic odor.
See Also: Bad Pet Behavior - Training Issue or Medical Problem?
7. Parasite Cures
I recently had a client who explained to me that her pets did not need the harsh drugs that "all veterinarians" recommend for preventing parasites. A morning dose of salt, "a few days in a row every so often," was all that was needed to keep the wormy things at bay. After chatting up a vet friend on the subject, he informed me that turpentine was once employed throughout Greyhound racing kennels to deworm dogs. The product was billed as Jacksonville Jazz. Scary.
8. DIY Pesticide Applications
One of my colleagues, an oncologist, recently told me about a sad case of lymphoma in two young dogs, which was almost certainly the result of a chronic application of DDT in the owner's small yard. He'd had some of the old stuff in his shed, and he figured that it could work for his pets' tick infestation. For his sake, I hope he used gloves and a mask.
With all this in mind, let me say this one more time, please talk with your vet before treating your animal.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Holiday Hazard How to keep your pet safe
From the Willamette Valley Animal Hospital - Thank you.
Lights, decorations, good food... every year, as we celebrate the holidays, we fill our homes with seasonal cheer for ourselves and our families. However, what may seem beautiful and harmless to us may pose hidden dangers to our pets. Don't let an emergency spoil the festivities! Below are some common holiday hazards for dogs and cats and ways to prevent them.
Dangerous Foods -The following can be toxic to pets: chocolate, raisins, grapes, macadamia nuts, garlic, onion, alcohol, caffeinated beverages, bread dough, and sugar-free candy and gum containing the artificial sweetener xylitol.
Regular Foods -Despite tradition, bones should never be given to pets. Even beef, ham, and other "regular" foods that are not considered toxic can cause illness in pets. If your pet is a moocher, keep a saucer of his regular treats on the table to offer when he asks. He probably won't know the difference!
New Treats and Toys -Even a pet-safe treat can cause stomach upset if it is new to your pet. Offer only one of these at a time (ideally, separated by a few days). If your pet becomes ill after eating a holiday treat, it will be easier to trace the source and discontinue it. Also, check new toys for sharp edges, pieces that can be chewed off, or other potential hazards.
Plants -Hazardous plants include mistletoe, some evergreens (including some types of pine), and holly bushes and berries. Try to keep these plants away from pets, or at least supervise pets when dangerous plants are nearby.
Decorations Tinsel, tree ornaments, ribbons, string, and garlands are some items that can be dangerous if eaten by pets. Keep these items away from pets — especially when pets are unattended. Don't forget to cover any electrical cords or keep them out of reach.
Fire and Carbon Monoxide -Monitor pets near fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, candles, and portable heaters. Also, don't forget to check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are functioning properly. Space heaters, furnaces, and idling cars (in a garage) can increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning in pets and humans.
Christmas Trees - Monitor your pets when they are around your holiday tree. Pets may eat the needles (even from artificial trees) or drink water from the base of the tree, which can be toxic (especially if there are preservatives in it). Keep electrical cords and decorative lights out of reach, too.
In many cases, if your pet has eaten or drunk something toxic, warning signs will include gastrointestinal problems, such as vomiting and diarrhea. Other signs may include tiredness and lack of appetite, especially in cats that have eaten lilies. If your pet shows any of these signs, or if you think he or she has eaten something dangerous but is not showing any signs yet, please call us right away. Treating your pet as soon as possible is essential!
We will be glad to answer any questions you have about your pet's health. Let's work together to make sure your entire family has a happy, healthy holiday season!
Lights, decorations, good food... every year, as we celebrate the holidays, we fill our homes with seasonal cheer for ourselves and our families. However, what may seem beautiful and harmless to us may pose hidden dangers to our pets. Don't let an emergency spoil the festivities! Below are some common holiday hazards for dogs and cats and ways to prevent them.
Dangerous Foods -The following can be toxic to pets: chocolate, raisins, grapes, macadamia nuts, garlic, onion, alcohol, caffeinated beverages, bread dough, and sugar-free candy and gum containing the artificial sweetener xylitol.
Regular Foods -Despite tradition, bones should never be given to pets. Even beef, ham, and other "regular" foods that are not considered toxic can cause illness in pets. If your pet is a moocher, keep a saucer of his regular treats on the table to offer when he asks. He probably won't know the difference!
New Treats and Toys -Even a pet-safe treat can cause stomach upset if it is new to your pet. Offer only one of these at a time (ideally, separated by a few days). If your pet becomes ill after eating a holiday treat, it will be easier to trace the source and discontinue it. Also, check new toys for sharp edges, pieces that can be chewed off, or other potential hazards.
Plants -Hazardous plants include mistletoe, some evergreens (including some types of pine), and holly bushes and berries. Try to keep these plants away from pets, or at least supervise pets when dangerous plants are nearby.
Decorations Tinsel, tree ornaments, ribbons, string, and garlands are some items that can be dangerous if eaten by pets. Keep these items away from pets — especially when pets are unattended. Don't forget to cover any electrical cords or keep them out of reach.
Fire and Carbon Monoxide -Monitor pets near fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, candles, and portable heaters. Also, don't forget to check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are functioning properly. Space heaters, furnaces, and idling cars (in a garage) can increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning in pets and humans.
Christmas Trees - Monitor your pets when they are around your holiday tree. Pets may eat the needles (even from artificial trees) or drink water from the base of the tree, which can be toxic (especially if there are preservatives in it). Keep electrical cords and decorative lights out of reach, too.
In many cases, if your pet has eaten or drunk something toxic, warning signs will include gastrointestinal problems, such as vomiting and diarrhea. Other signs may include tiredness and lack of appetite, especially in cats that have eaten lilies. If your pet shows any of these signs, or if you think he or she has eaten something dangerous but is not showing any signs yet, please call us right away. Treating your pet as soon as possible is essential!
We will be glad to answer any questions you have about your pet's health. Let's work together to make sure your entire family has a happy, healthy holiday season!
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Kitty needs home
If you or someone you know, is interested, please call Patricia Clark (503-310-1020) for more information. Thank you for looking.
--Marcia
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Hurricane Irene and Animals
Dear Friend,
As Hurricane Irene struck the East Coast, the Animal League deployed Emergency Rescue units and ensured the safety of over 800 animals. We were able to pull animals in need out of harm's way and provide support to shelter partners and evacuees during the storm.
•Before the hurricane, we deployed 5 Mobile Emergency Rescue units throughout Long Island, NY to take animals out of shelters in areas where the storm’s impact was expected to be most severe. We sheltered and cared for these animals at our Port Washington, NY headquarters during the storm.
•We deployed our largest Mobile Rescue unit to an emergency shelter for people and families that were forced to evacuate. When that first unit was quickly filled with animals, a second Mobile Rescue unit was quickly deployed to that location to care for close to 100 animals.
•Since the storm passed, we have safely reunited every pet we housed, at the emergency evacuation shelter, with their families.
•Through the tireless work of our staff and volunteers, the 650 homeless animals in our care, along with those rescued from our shelter partners, are safe and doing very well.
Our Emergency Rescue Teams continue to be ready to assist shelter partners impacted by Hurricane Irene.
Only through your vital support can we continue to act at a moment's notice to help save animals' lives.
Please donate today so we can continue to respond natural disasters,
national emergencies or whenever animals are at risk.
As Hurricane Irene struck the East Coast, the Animal League deployed Emergency Rescue units and ensured the safety of over 800 animals. We were able to pull animals in need out of harm's way and provide support to shelter partners and evacuees during the storm.
•Before the hurricane, we deployed 5 Mobile Emergency Rescue units throughout Long Island, NY to take animals out of shelters in areas where the storm’s impact was expected to be most severe. We sheltered and cared for these animals at our Port Washington, NY headquarters during the storm.
•We deployed our largest Mobile Rescue unit to an emergency shelter for people and families that were forced to evacuate. When that first unit was quickly filled with animals, a second Mobile Rescue unit was quickly deployed to that location to care for close to 100 animals.
•Since the storm passed, we have safely reunited every pet we housed, at the emergency evacuation shelter, with their families.
•Through the tireless work of our staff and volunteers, the 650 homeless animals in our care, along with those rescued from our shelter partners, are safe and doing very well.
Our Emergency Rescue Teams continue to be ready to assist shelter partners impacted by Hurricane Irene.
Only through your vital support can we continue to act at a moment's notice to help save animals' lives.
Please donate today so we can continue to respond natural disasters,
national emergencies or whenever animals are at risk.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Animals Rescued From Tornado Zones in Alabama
North Shore Animal League America recently deployed two Emergency Rescue Teams to assist our shelter partners in need in tornado-ravaged areas of Alabama.
One rescue team has already rescued 78 homeless animals that were already in shelters before the storm. This will help with overcrowding by opening up space for displaced animals that continue to arrive including those being sought by their owners.
Our second rescue team is still at work in Alabama to rescue even more animals that need homes.
Only through your support and donations can we be ready to help in these times of need. Together we can always be ready to save as many lives as possible.
Please support the Animal League's Emergency & Disaster Rescue Program
One rescue team has already rescued 78 homeless animals that were already in shelters before the storm. This will help with overcrowding by opening up space for displaced animals that continue to arrive including those being sought by their owners.
Our second rescue team is still at work in Alabama to rescue even more animals that need homes.
Only through your support and donations can we be ready to help in these times of need. Together we can always be ready to save as many lives as possible.
Please support the Animal League's Emergency & Disaster Rescue Program
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Happy Valley dog alerts owner to neighbor’s fire
Credit: Clackamas Fire
Happy Valley dog alerts owner to neighbor’s fire
by Jeff Thompson, kgw.com Staff
kgw.com
Posted on January 6, 2011 at 8:20 AM
Updated today at 8:21 AM
HAPPY VALLEY, Ore. – A Happy Valley dog spotted a garage fire across the street and alerted his owner, who called 911. Crews were able to stop the fire from spreading to the house.
Just before 1 p.m. Thursday, Clackamas Fire crews responded to a mini-van on fire, parked outside a Happy Valley home.
The fire had scorched the outside of the garage doors, but it was extinguished by the responding engine company before it spread to the home.
A neighbor across the street from the home had called 911 after her Labradoodle, Oscar, alerted her with his relentless barking. She came downstairs and found Oscar staring out the window at the fire.
“Because of Oscar’s actions, someone noticed the fire before it spread to the home from the mini-van,” said Steve McAdoo, with Clackamas Fire. “Many times, house fires go unnoticed during the daytime hours due to people being away at work and school.”
The damage to the house was minimal, but the mini-van was apparently a total loss.
One person who was home at the time of the fire was treated on scene for respiratory problems and transported to a local hospital.
The cause of the fire is still being investigated.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
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