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6 Thanksgiving Treats You Can Share with Your Pets!

11/19/2020

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Posts by: 
Dr. Justine A. Lee, DVM, DACVECC

As Thanksgiving approaches, accidental poisonings often occur in dogs (and less commonly cats) – that’s because they often get into the delectable human foods while table or counter-surfing! To be safe, make sure to keep your dog crated or your cat locked out of the kitchen while you’re preparing your Thanksgiving feast. More importantly, satiate your dog or cat with non-toxic treats. Of course, not all Thanksgiving foods are dangerous. And it’s a holiday for your pets too, right? With that in mind, here are 6 safe treats you can give your dog or cat this Thanksgiving.
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As long as your dog or cat doesn’t have any food allergies, it’s safe to feed a small amount of turkey breast. Ideally, we want to avoid any fatty snacks (such as trimmings, turkey skin, gravy, etc.), as this can over-stimulate and inflame the pancreas, resulting in life-threatening pancreatitis. Keep in mind that certain breeds such as Miniature Schnauzers, Yorkshire Terriers, and Shetland Sheepdogs are especially predisposed to pancreatitis, so meat snacks are a big no-no in these three breeds.
 Also a big no-no for any breed—bones. Bones are sharp and can result in an esophageal foreign body, gastrointestinal upset, or rarely, a foreign body obstruction! More importantly, keep that darn piece of yarn/string that is wrapped around the turkey out of reach – this is often accidentally ingested by dogs and cats directly from the garbage, and can result in a life-threatening linear foreign body obstructionwhen ingested.
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Most vegetables are a great snack for dogs, including broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, celery, green beans and sweet potato. As long as the vegetables aren’t covered in anything too fatty (e.g., gravy, butter, etc.), they provide a low-calorie, high-fiber snack for dogs and make them feel more full. If you’re feeding sweet potato (especially if it’s cooked with marshmallows), make sure there’s no sugar-substitute on it (containing xylitol).
A small piece of bread is a safe snack for dogs, as long as it’s baked appropriately. This provides a relatively low-calorie filler for your dog. More importantly, keep unbaked bread dough out of reach – if accidentally ingested by dogs, the yeast and sugar can result in carbon dioxide  and ethanol formation in your dog’s stomach; this can result in secondary hypoglycemia (e.g., low blood sugar), bloat and even alcohol poisoning!
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Serving smoked salmon as an appetizer? A small amount can be safely given to your cat or dog as a nice, healthy treat.
Serving a cheese plate? A small amount of cheese is fine. While dogs and cats are often intolerant of lactose, there is a minimal amount in cheese (versus milk), so go for it.
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Alright, I’ll admit it – even I give a small amount of turkey stuffing to my pets as a snack. The breadcrumbs and savory meat flavor is a huge hit, and while it does contain some fat, it’s generally safe in small amounts. Just make sure that there aren’t any raisins or currants in it, which can result in acute kidney injury when ingested. [Editor's Note: Also be sure to avoid giving your pet stuffing with onions or garlic.]This Thanksgiving, show thanks for your friendship by giving asmall treat to your four-legged friend. Keep in mind, all in moderation – if you overdo any of these snacks, it can result in gastroenteritis (such as vomiting or diarrhea)! 
If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian – they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets.​

Reviewed by: 
Elizabeth Schooley, DVM, MS, DACVIM
Reviewed on: 
Monday, October 5, 2020
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What Does Your Dog’s Urine Color Mean?

11/9/2020

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Posts by: 
Dr. Ernie Ward, DVM
Dog Checkups & Preventive Care

Liquid gold. That’s the nickname for urine I was taught in veterinary medical school. We learned urine could provide us with such valuable insight into a  patient’s health, that it was worth its weight in gold. We also learned that the color and consistency of urine, from light yellow to black and clear to cloudy, signaled health or illness. If you’ve ever pondered what your dog’s pee color meant, here’s a description of your dog’s urine spectrum.
What is normal urine color for dogs?
The normal color of urine from a healthy dog or cat is transparent yellow. Veterinarians sometimes refer to this color as “straw yellow,” “pale gold,” “amber,” or “clear yellow.” The most accurate way to assess urine color is to examine it in a clear plastic or glass container against a white background. Urine is made as a normal result of metabolism and removal of cellular wastes. Normal urine is sterile and the color can vary depending on what your pet has recently eaten or drunk. If you’re wondering why urine is yellow, it’s due to the presence of a substance called urochrome which is excreted by the kidneys.
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What do different shades of yellow mean?
The intensity of yellow color in normal, clear urine indicates the concentration or dilution of urine. In simplest terms, dilute urine is associated with increased water excretion and concentrated urine correlates with less water. Dilute urine will be almost colorless while highly concentrated urine is bright yellow, amber or honey colored. Minor daily variations in yellow shouldn’t alarm you. Persistent color changes lasting more than a couple of days should be brought to your veterinarian’s attention. Colorless or bright-yellow urine can also be associated with certain medical conditions. In general, yellowish urine is normal.   

What if my dog’s urine is dark yellow?
It’s not unusual for a dog’s urine color to be dark yellow. However, if your dog has dark or bright yellow urine, especially after a long day outdoors, it could signal a need to consume more water.

What if my dog’s urine is dark enough to look orange?
Dark yellow is typically normal in most pets. If the urine is more orange, it may be associated with a condition known as icterus or jaundice. Orange urine may be the result of:
  • Damaged red blood cells
  • Liver disease
  • Severe dehydration
  • Bile duct problems
  • Gallbladder problems
  • Pancreatic problems
If your pet has orange colored pee, additional blood and urine tests need to be performed immediately.

What if my dog’s urine is red, pink, red/brown, or red/orange urine
Red or pink urine is often caused by a urinary tract infection. Many times you will also notice the urine is cloudy or turbid. Other reasons for reddish urine include feline lower urinary tract disorder, cystitis, bleeding or clotting diseases, trauma and cancer. Red urine clearly indicates your dog needs additional diagnostic tests to determine the cause of color change.

What if my dog’s urine is brown to black
Brown to black urine can signal something serious has happened. The dark color can be due to blood cell damage releasing hemoglobin, muscle damage from trauma, or toxins such as onions, garlic, zinc, or acetaminophen (Tylenol®).  
   
If your dog’s urine changes color, seek veterinary help
If your dog’s urine changes hue, call your veterinarian. A simple urinalysis will determine if your dog requires additional tests, and appropriate treatment. You’re most likely to observe color changes associated with uncomfortable urinary tract infections (UTI’s) and painful cystitis. The sooner you treat, the less discomfort your loved one will suffer.  

Next learn why your veterinarian might want a urine sample from your dog >>
If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian -- they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets.

References:
  1. Clinical Veterinary Advisor – Dogs and Cats Third Edition, Etienne Côté DVM, DACVIM Editor-in-chief. Elsevier 2015 pp. 1272, 1440-1441
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Dog Kidney Disease Articles

    Have you checked your dog's urine lately?

    The best urine sample is a first morning mid-stream catch. Using a ladle can make catching easy, but transfer to a clear container to properly visualize urine color.
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Our Top Pet Health Tips for Autumn

11/3/2020

87 Comments

 
Posts by: 
Matt Henry, Lifestyle Contributor
Keep your furry friends healthy and happy this fall!
Dog Checkups & Preventive Care

Ahhh, Fall! This time of year means football, crisp air, colorful foliage and even, depending on where you live, a little bit of snow. It’s a great time to get outside with your pet; for a dog, there’s nothing like a romp in the leaves, while for cats, midday sunbeams have never felt better as the days get shorter and the nights get colder. When it comes to keeping your pet healthy and helping him enjoy fall to the fullest, there are some things to keep in mind. Read on for our top fall pet tips.
#1. Watch out for ticks in fall
Just because fall is here doesn’t mean that ticks aren’t still lurking. In fact, according to the University of Rhode Island, many species of ticks are active even into the winter and can survive the first frost. Here are some tips to keep your pet tick-free this fall:
  • Don’t let ticks cozy up. Eliminate their favorite environments, such as leaf and garden litter, where ticks can sometimes survive even into winter.
  • Check for ticks frequently.
  • Continue using tick control and repellent products, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors with your pet enjoying activities like hiking, camping, or hunting.
  • Ask your veterinarian about regular screening for tick-borne infections. (The Companion Animal Parasite Council recommends screening annually for tick-borne infections.)
[Learn about tick disease in your area.]
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#2. Beware rat poison and other rodenticides
Fall is the time of year when mice, rats, and other rodents start to scurry for warmth. And where do they find it? You guessed it – your home!
Be careful when it comes to mouse traps and rodenticides like rat and mouse poison. Nobody wants an infestation of mice, but many poisons that are currently on the market can be very harmful to dogs and cats. Direct ingestion can be deadly.  Make sure you talk to your veterinarian about methods of pest control that are safe for your pets.
Even if you don’t have a rodent problem or choose to deal with mice and rats humanely using live traps, you never know what methods your neighbors are using. The carcasses of rodents that have been killed by rodenticides can also be dangerous, so if you see the telltale tail dangling from your pet’s mouth, make sure he drops it and keep an eye on him, and if you think your pet has eaten any of the rodent, contact your veterinarian immediately.
#3. There is a fungus amongus!
In some regions of the country, fall is just as wet as spring. That means that more mushrooms dot backyards and forest floors. While most mushrooms are perfectly safe, there’s a small percentage that are highly toxic to our furry friends (and to us!). Check out this handy guide from the ASPCA to stay informed about toxic mushrooms, and if you think your pet has gobbled up a toxic mushroom, contact the ASCPA  Animal Poison Control Center immediately!
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#4. Feed your pet right
It’s getting colder out there, and cool temperatures mean more energy is needed to stay warm. You’ll probably need to feed your pet a bit more food – food generates body heat, so pets who spend a lot of time exercising outdoors need to eat more than in the summer. However, don’t start dishing out more food just yet – make sure you talk to your veterinarian first, as every pet’s needs are different.
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#5. Watch out for antifreeze toxicity
In preparing for the winter months ahead, people tend to use fall to winterize their cars. This often involves changing fluids such as antifreeze, which can be deadly for pets. Consider this: one to two teaspoons of the stuff can kill a 10-pound dog! Less can kill a 10-pound cat.1
Part of the problem is ethylene glycol, a substance in antifreeze that has a sickly-sweet smell that entices pets to lap it up. That’s why it’s important to clean up spills immediately and make sure your pets steer clear of the garage while you’re working on your vehicle. Read our in-depth article to learn more about the dangers of antifreeze and other automotive fluids.
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#6. Beware chocolate and hearty foods
The fall and winter parallel our holiday seasons, when we ramp up our intake of hearty, heavy foods and sweets. It’s important to make sure your pets don’t get into any foods that can make them sick; for dogs, this means chocolate, grapes, and raisins are off limits because they are toxic.
Just because some foods aren’t technically considered toxic to pets doesn’t mean they’re safe. Rich, high-fat foods can cause stomach problems such as diarrhea and gastroenteritis and even more serious conditions like pancreatitis. Also, think about small food items that can be choking hazards, like turkey bones around Thanksgiving.  Talk to your veterinarian to make sure you know what’s safe and what’s not.  
#7. Be careful with decorations
Holidays mean decorations! But be careful about leaving irregularly shaped objects and trinkets around the house. While you might like to get into the seasonal spirit, dogs and cats do too – in the form of sampling, say, decorative gourds or other fall props. Eating strange objects can be dangerous and lead to foreign body obstruction. Learn what to watch for, including symptoms, in our in-depth article about foreign body ingestion.
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If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian – they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets.
​
Reviewed by: 
Robert M. DuFort, DVM, DACVIM
87 Comments

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