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See it from your pet’s point of view!
by John Robb DVM
We share our homes with our animal companions. They live in the same environment we do. Yet many times we change or introduce new things into that environment without considering the impact on our pets. Let me give you a few examples. During the holidays, especially Christmas time, we have parties. Naturally we set up food items to be consumed by our guests. The pets see those same items as food also. The only difference is they will consume all of it while your back is turned.
I owned a veterinary emergency clinic for just over a year. On Christmas day we saw 35 animals for food poisoning – mostly chocolate poisoning. One dog vomited over 60 wrappers of candy bars. Fortunately we saved most of them although two died.
Just today I received a call from a former client who now has a pet-sitting business. “Hey Doc got any ideas how I can help this lady I pet sit for? Her cat is 5 years old and in kidney failure. Seems she brought home an Easter Lilly and the cat ate just one leaf. The doctor gave her an estimate of $700.00 to hospitalize the cat and treat it but told her it would take a miracle to recover. Any suggestions?” The point here of course is not to put an Easter Lilly in the house if you own cats since they are highly toxic.
A third example has to do with prednisone. Prednisone is a common drug used to treat a myriad of diseases in many species of animals including people. One of the side affects is an increased appetite in our pets. Normally Fido would not jump on the counter and consume food items, however due to this side effect of prednisone he did. Unfortunately he is a small dog and consumed an entire chicken – fat, bones, and all. He not only developed bloat but also pancreatitis. In spite of the vet’s best efforts he did not make it. The prednisone was given to treat skin allergies.
The point I am making here is many “accidents” can be prevented if we ask a few questions from our pet’s point of view? First and foremost assume like children they will eat anything we introduce. Safeguard your pets if you are throwing a party. Those holidays where chocolate and other candies are more available are particularly dangerous. Any plants brought into the home must be able to be eaten by pets without poisoning them. When pets are put on medications know the side affects and safeguard against them. Remember pets are like children and they like to get into everything. An ounce of prevention, by seeing your home from your pet’s point of view, will go along way towards a long and happy life for your beloved pet.
Source:
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John Robb, DVM
the movement: www.ProtectthePets.com
the blog: www.protectthepetsblog.com
the practice: www.farmingtonvet.com
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