In the warm summer, it’s important to keep your pet protected from hot weather and related hazards, even if they don’t seem to mind the heat. Pets can often seem happy and healthy, even though they aren’t feeling their best. To help you enjoy the summer safely with your furry best friends, our animal hospital would like to offer some friendly reminders about potential heat-related dangers. If you have any questions or concerns, contact your Colma veterinarian for guidance and we’ll be glad to help.

Heatstroke in Dogs & Cats

Heatstroke can affect pets, even more so than us! Pets don’t sweat the way humans do. Instead, they cool themselves by panting, and sweat only minimally from their paw pads. This method is far less efficient, and puts pets at a higher risk for heat exhaustion and heatstroke. If not addressed quickly, heatstroke can be fatal, so it’s important to recognize the signs:

• Heavy panting
• Drooling
• Reddened gums and tongue
• Lethargy
• Vomiting/diarrhea
• Seizures
• Collapse

If you notice any of these signs after your pet has been outside in a warm environment, it’s best to contact your veterinarian immediately for advice and instruction.

How to Help Your Pet Stay Cool and Hydrated

• Help your pet stay hydrated by keeping a fresh supply of water always available to them.
• On hotter days, limit your pet’s time outdoors. While your dog may still need to use the bathroom outside, make sure to keep their exposure outdoors to a minimum. If they need to be outside any longer, make sure they have plenty of water, some shade to rest in, and even a kiddie pool with a few inches of water to relax in.
• Take your dog’s walks earlier in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the hottest time of day.
• Don’t let your dog walk on pavement on warm days. The asphalt can heat up to levels that burn paw pads and even elevate your dog’s body temperature.
• Never leave your dog in a parked car. Even cracking the windows is not enough to keep your pet cool. Within a few minutes, the temperature within can become unbearable (and dangerous) for your pet

For more pet heat safety tips, ask us at your next visit, or call us at (650) 756-1753!

At Colma Animal Hospital we take Halloween pet safety very seriously, because we know that there are always a few hazards lurking among the tricks and treats. To keep your curious dog or cat out of trouble this holiday, take a moment to plan ahead with the help of our safety tips below!

Keep the Candy Out of Reach

Candy is a Halloween staple—for humans, that is. Don’t leave any candy sitting where your pet can grab it, and throw wrappers away immediately. Here are some of the more dangerous types of candy you need to keep away from your pet:

• Candy corn, which is high in sugars and can cause severe stomach upset
• Chocolate, which in addition to lots of sugar, contains theobromine and caffeine, which can cause dangerous heart arrhythmias and high blood pressure
• Raisins, often covered in chocolate, can cause kidney failure and should be avoided at all costs
• Wrapped candy and hard candy, which are both choking hazards for pets
• Sugar-free gum and candy, which contain xylitol, a sugar substitute that can lower your pet’s blood sugar significantly and cause seizures (in sufficient quantities, xylitol can be fatal)

Decorate Responsibly

Nothing establishes atmosphere like decorations, but certain kinds can cause problems for households with pets. These include:

• Candles
• Fake spiderwebs and the little plastic spiders that are often placed in them
• Strands of lights and electrical cords
• Candy centerpieces/displays
• Plastic window decals
• Balloons and balloon strings
• Masks or life-size figures that could frighten your pet

Additional Tips

Candy ingestion and choking hazards aren’t the only threats to your pet’s safety.

• If Halloween is a difficult time due to your pet’s anxiety, one way you can help is to keep them in a closed room with their bedding, toys, and food and water, in addition to some background noise (music or TV) to help them calm down. Crate-trained pets do especially well if they can retreat to their crate and curl up—for crate-trained pets, the crate can feel like a safe place.
• Frequently opening and closing your front door for trick or treaters can tempt your pet into bolting. Keep a good eye on them and if possible, have a friend or family member hold onto your pet when the trick or treaters come calling.
• Don’t leave your pet outside if you can help it. Black cats are frequently targeted for pranks, but any pet can be at risk.

Pet separation anxiety occurs when your pet (most often dogs) feels fear and anxiety with being left alone. This condition can be triggered by a traumatic loss of a home and family in the dog’s past, or it can be as simple as a change in schedule, such as the kids going back to school. Sadly, due to the behavioral problems that come with this condition, it is one of the leading causes of pets being surrendered to shelters. Yet, separation is easily treatable with a bit of patience, love, and counter-conditioning.

Does Your Pet Have Separation Anxiety?

Some of the signs of separation anxiety can also be symptoms of disease or illness. If you notice any change in your pet’s behavior, it’s important to first visit the veterinarian before you chalk it up to pet separation anxiety. Once your vet clears your pet of any underlying medical condition, you can go on to treat separation anxiety properly. Signs your pet suffers from anxiety when they’re alone may include:

• Attempts at escape, which often include signs of digging near doors and windows and claw marks on the frames.
• Destructive behavior such as tearing up furniture, pillows, a pair of shoes, etc.
• Pacing in a circular pattern or a straight line (a camera set up is the best way to capture this action).
• House soiling, which can sometimes simply be a sign of poor house training or that your pet was left alone for too long.
• Barking and howling excessively, which will very likely be reported by your neighbors.

Reducing Your Pet’s Separation Anxiety

To help your pet cope with their fear of being alone, there are several steps you can take to counter-condition their behavior. These include:

• Exercising your pet before you leave for the day. A tired dog is much less likely to get upset about you leaving!
• Give your pet a special treat that they only get when you leave. This may include a Kong stuffed with peanut butter, a rawhide bone, or some other food they love. Be sure to take it away (whether it’s finished or not) once you come back home.
• Likewise, you can also give your pet a favorite toy that they love to play with. Again, take this away the moment you come back home, so they only associate it with being alone.
• Desensitize your dog to your “going away” cues like grabbing your keys and purse, or the kids grabbing their backpacks. Start to do these things randomly without leaving the house. Pick up your keys and sit on the couch; leave the kids’ backpacks by the door on a Saturday, etc.
• Downplay leaving and coming home. Giving your dog too much attention when you’re about to leave and when you return will only reinforce their fear of being alone. Give a small, brief farewell and don’t give them much attention when you come home until they’ve calmed down.
• If your pet suffers from severe anxiety, please make an appointment at our animal hospital. Your veterinarian can prescribe an appropriate anti-anxiety medication to help keep them calm while you continue to reduce their anxiety with counter-conditioning.

Contact us at 650-756-1753 for more information about pet separation anxiety or to make an appointment!

It might sound like common sense to protect your pet from hot weather and related hazards, but it’s easy to take those things for granted, especially when your pet is healthy and happy most of the time! Our animal hospital would like to offer some friendly reminders to help you stay aware and alert to potential heat-related dangers for your pet. If you have any questions or concerns, just contact your Colma veterinarian for guidance and we’ll be glad to help.

Pets Can Get Heatstroke

Heatstroke isn’t just a human problem—it’s a pet problem, too. See, pets don’t sweat the way humans do when they need to keep cool. Instead, they pant continuously, and sweat only minimally from their paw pads. This difference puts pets at a higher risk for heat exhaustion and heatstroke, conditions in which the body overheats. Heatstroke can be fatal if the signs, including heavy panting, drooling, red gums and tongue, and collapse, are not addressed quickly.

How to Help Your Pet Stay Cool and Hydrated

• First, your pet needs fresh water at all times—ice cubes aren’t really necessary; just make sure that your pet has a constant supply and is drinking enough throughout the day.
• While it’s usually best to keep your pet inside with the air conditioning on hotter days, we know that circumstances may require them to be outside for a certain amount of time. If this is the case for you, see that your pet has adequate shade and shelter from the sun, along with a sufficient quantity of fresh water nearby. You can also add a few inches of water to a kiddie pool (if you have one) for your pet to wade or sit in to help them cool off, or soak a towel in cool water and place it on your pet while they relax in the shade.
• Don’t take your dog on walks in the middle of the day when the sun is high and the pavement is baking. Instead, opt for the early morning or evening when the ground has had time to cool. Hot pavement can burn paw pads, and the waves of heat close to the ground can cause your pet’s body temperature to rise (if the pavement is too hot for your bare feet, then it’s definitely too hot for your pet to walk on).
• If your pet is traveling with you in the car, NEVER park the car, turn it off, and then leave your pet inside. Opening the windows will not do enough to keep your pet cool, and within a few minutes the temperature within can become unbearable (and dangerous) for your pet.
• Wherever you go with your pet on a warm day, make sure to bring along water for them to drink.

Cats often become reclusive and hide when they are not feeling well, which makes knowing when they need to be seen by your veterinarian a challenge. They have unique signs of emergency conditions that often go unrecognized by owners. Some injuries are obvious, such as a cat with an open wound, while others have more subtle signs that can be equally dangerous if left untreated. Knowing signs of illness is crucial in determining when to seek emergency care for your cat. Below is a list of some of the most common cat emergencies and their signs.

Urethral Obstruction

This is a condition in which a cat, usually male, is unable to urinate due to a blockage in the urethra (the tube leading from the urinary bladder to the outside environment).

Cats will show a sudden onset of restless behavior, which includes frequent trips in and out of the litter box. They will often attempt to urinate in unusual places such as in a bath tub or on a plastic bag. You may notice a very small stream of urine that contains blood. More often than not, despite a cat’s straining, there may be no urine or even just a drop produced. In later stages of the obstruction, cats may cry loudly, vomit, and become lethargic.

You should consider these signs a serious emergency and seek veterinary care immediately. There are reports of cats developing kidney failure and dying within 12 hours after the onset of signs. Expect your cat to be hospitalized at least 36 hours for treatment of this condition. Veterinary treatments may include a urinary catheter, intravenous fluids, and pain management. Female cats are less likely to become obstructed due to their wider urinary tract.

Toxicities (Poisoning)

The combination of their curious nature and unique metabolism (the way their body breaks down chemicals) makes cats vulnerable to toxins. Owners are often unaware that their home contains multiple products that are poisonous to felines. The most common cat toxins include antifreeze, Tylenol, and rat or mouse poison.

The signs your cat displays depends on the type of poison he or she has encountered. Antifreeze will often cause wobbliness or a drunken appearance first, then progresses to vomiting/weakness as the kidneys fail. Tylenol may cause an unusual swelling of the head and changes the cat’s blood color from red to chocolate brown. Rat or mouse poison interferes with blood clotting so you may see weakness from internal blood loss or visible blood in the urine or stool.

Breathing Problems

Often, cats hide the signs of breathing problems by simply decreasing their activity. By the time an owner notices changes in the cat’s breathing, it may be late in the progression of the cat’s lung disease. There are several causes of breathing changes, but the most common are feline asthma, heart disease, or lung disease.

Foreign Object Ingestion

Many cats love to play with strings or string-like objects (such as dental floss, holiday tinsel, or ribbon), but those strings can be dangerous for your cat. When a string is ingested by a cat, one end may become lodged or “fixed” in place, often under the cat’s tongue, while the rest of the string passes further into the intestine. With each intestinal contraction, the string see-saws back and forth actually cutting into the intestine and damaging the blood supply.

Signs that your cat has eaten a foreign object may include vomiting, lack of appetite, diarrhea, and weakness. Occasionally owners will actually see part of a string coming from the mouth or anal area. You should never pull on any part of the string that is visible; instead, call your veterinary health care team immediately.

Surgery is usually necessary to remove the foreign object and any damaged sections of intestine.

Bite Wounds

Cats are notorious for both inflicting and suffering bite wounds during encounters with other cats. Because the tips of their canine, or “fang,” teeth are so small and pointed, bites are often not noticed until infection sets in, which is usually several days after the initial injury.

Cats may develop a fever and become lethargic 48 to 72 hours after experiencing a penetrating bite wound. They may be tender or painful at the site. If the wound becomes infected or abscessed, swelling and foul-smelling drainage may develop.

You should seek emergency care for bite wounds so your veterinarian can thoroughly clean the area and prescribe appropriate antibiotics. Occasionally, the wounds can develop large pockets called abscesses under the skin that require surgical placement of a drain to aid in healing.

Hit By Car

Cats that spend time outdoors are at a much greater risk for ending up in the emergency room. Being hit by a car is one of the most common causes of traumatic injuries, such as broken bones, lung injuries, and head trauma. You should always seek emergency care if your cat has been hit by a vehicle, even if he or she appears normal, because many injuries can develop or worsen over the following few hours.

Increased Thirst and Urination

Sudden changes in your cat’s thirst and urine volume are important clues to underlying disease. The two most common causes of these changes are kidney disease and diabetes mellitus.

Your veterinarian will need to check blood and urine samples to determine the cause of your cat’s change in thirst and urine. Having your pet seen on an emergency basis for these signs is important because prompt treatment increases chances for recovery. Exposure to certain toxins, such as antifreeze or lilies, will show similar signs, and delaying veterinary care can be fatal.

Sudden Inability to Use the Hind Legs

Cats with some forms of heart disease are at risk for developing blood clots. These clots can sometimes lodge in a large blood vessel—the aorta—where they can prevent normal blood flow to the hind legs. If your cat experiences such a blood clotting episode (often called a saddle thrombus or thromboembolic episode), you will likely see a sudden loss of the use of his or her hind legs, painful crying, and breathing changes.

On arrival at the emergency room, your cat will receive pain management and oxygen support. Tests will be done to evaluate the cat’s heart and determine if there is any heart failure (fluid accumulation in the lungs). Sadly, such an episode is often the first clue for an owner that his or her cat has severe heart disease. In most cases, with time and support, the blood clot can resolve, but the cat’s heart disease will require lifelong treatment.

Upper Respiratory Infections

Cats and kittens can experience a variety of upper respiratory diseases caused by a combination of bacteria or viruses. An upper respiratory infections, or URI, can cause sneezing, runny nose, runny eyes, lack of appetite, and fever. In severe cases, it can cause ulcers in the mouth, on the tongue, and on the eyes. More often than not, severe cases are seen in cats that have recently been in multiple-cat environments, such as shelters. Small kittens, or kittens struggling to thrive, are also easily infected and may develop more severe complications, such as low blood sugar.

Sudden Blindness

A sudden loss of vision is most likely to occur in an older cat. The most common cause is increased blood pressure (hypertension), which may be due to changes in thyroid function (hyperthyroidism) or kidney disease. There are some cats that appear to have hypertension with no other underlying disease.

Sudden blindness should be treated as an emergency and your veterinarian will measure your cat’s blood pressure, check blood tests, and start medications to lower the pressure and restore vision.

If you notice a change in your cat’s eyes, whether he or she loses vision or not, you should consider this an emergency have your pet seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Disclaimer: This website is not intended to replace professional consultation, diagnosis, or treatment by a licensed veterinarian. If you require any veterinary-related advice, contact your veterinarian promptly. Information at cathealth.com is exclusively of a general reference nature. Do not disregard veterinary advice or delay treatment as a result of accessing information at this site.

SOURCE: http://www.cathealth.com/safety/top-ten-emergencies-in-cats

The veterinarians at Pet Poison Helpline receive hundreds of calls this time of year from pet owners and veterinarians concerning cats that have ingested Easter lilies.

“Unbeknownst to many pet owners, Easter lilies are highly toxic to cats,” said Ahna Brutlag, DVM, MS assistant director at Pet Poison Helpline. “All parts of the Easter lily plant are poisonous – the petals, the leaves, the stem and even the pollen. Cats that ingest as few as one or two leaves, or even a small amount of pollen while grooming their fur, can suffer severe kidney failure.”

In most situations, symptoms of poisoning will develop within six to 12 hours of exposure. Early signs include vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy and dehydration. Symptoms worsen as kidney failure develops. Some cats will experience disorientation, staggering and seizures.

“There is no effective antidote to counteract lily poisoning, so the sooner you can get your cat to the veterinarian, the better his chances of survival will be,” said Brutlag. “If you see your cat licking or eating any part of an Easter lily, call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline immediately. If left untreated, his chances of survival are low.”

Treatment includes inducing vomiting, administering drugs like activated charcoal (to bind the poison in the stomach and intestines), intravenous fluid therapy to flush out the kidneys, and monitoring of kidney function through blood testing. The prognosis and the cost – both financially and physically – to the pet owner and cat, are best when treated immediately.

There are several other types of lilies that are toxic to cats as well. They are of the Lilium and Hemerocallis species and commonly referred to as Tiger lilies, Day lilies and Asiatic lilies. Popular in many gardens and yards, they can also result in severe acute kidney failure. These lilies are commonly found in florist bouquets, so it is imperative to check for poisonous flowers before bringing bouquets into the household. Other types of lilies – such as the Peace, Peruvian and Calla lilies – are usually not a problem for cats and may cause only minor drooling.

Thankfully, lily poisoning does not occur in dogs or people. However, if a large amount is ingested, it can result in mild gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and diarrhea.

Other Dangers to Pets at Easter Time

Pet Poison Helpline also receives calls concerning pets that have ingested Easter grass and chocolate.

Usually green or yellow in color, Easter grass is the fake grass that often accompanies Easter baskets. When your cat or dog ingests something “stringy” like Easter grass, it can become anchored around the base of the tongue or stomach, rendering it unable to pass through the intestines. It can result in a linear foreign body and cause severe damage to the intestinal tract, often requiring expensive abdominal surgery.

Lastly, during the week of Easter, calls to Pet Poison Helpline concerning dogs that have been poisoned by chocolate increase by nearly 200 percent. While the occasional chocolate chip in one cookie may not be an issue, certain types of chocolate are very toxic to dogs. In general, the darker and more bitter the chocolate, the greater the danger. Baker’s chocolate and dark chocolate pose the biggest problem. The chemical toxicity is due to methylxanthines (a relative of caffeine) and results in vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, an abnormal heart rhythm, seizures, and possibly death. Other sources include chewable chocolate flavored multi-vitamins, baked goods, or chocolate-covered espresso beans. If you suspect that your dog ate chocolate, call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline immediately.

Spring is in the air and Easter is a wonderful holiday. Remember that your pets will be curious about new items you bring into your household like Easter lilies, Easter grass and chocolate. Keep them a safe distance away from your pets’ reach and enjoy the holiday and the season.

SOURCE: http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/pet-owners/seasons/easter/

Here are our top reasons why dental care is really important!

1. A pet with healthy teeth equals a pet with better breath!

2. Dental disease can actually lead to problems with your pet’s organs, such as the heart.

3. Retained baby teeth can cause problems in pets too! Did you know that full grown dogs have 42 teeth and full grown cats have 30 teeth? Before their adult teeth grow in, though, their baby teeth have to fall out. Sometimes, not all of the baby teeth want to come out. This can lead to problems like gum irritation and tartar buildup.

4. Caring for your pet’s teeth can prevent other health problems, saving you tons of money over the long term!

5. You need regular dental care and you brush your teeth everyday – why wouldn’t your pets? Your veterinarian and these handy videos can help you learn to brush your dog’s teeth and your cat’s teeth.

6. Did you know that 4 out of 5 dogs over the age of 3 years have some sort of periodontal disease? It can be caused by the buildup of plaque, so it’s important to go in for regular dental checkups and cleanings. Learn more about the importance of removing plaque from your cat’s teeth in our video, Why Is It Important to Remove Plaque On My Cat’s Teeth?

7. Pets that don’t get dental care can painfully lose their teeth – this can be terribly painful and cause serious health problems.

8. Your dog and cat are very good at hiding pain – you might never know that your pet has a serious dental problem until it’s very advanced. This is yet another reason it’s important to take your pet in for regular dental checkups.

9. Teeth wear out! Your pets are tough on their teeth. Learn the symptoms to keep your pet from experiencing the pain of severely worn teeth.

10. Learn more about the importance of dental care by visiting our dog dental-care centers and our cat dental-care centers.

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‘Tis the season to be jolly…you know the rest. The team at Colma Animal Hospital wants to keep this season jolly for you and your four-legged friend, which is why we have created the following holiday pet safety tips. We hope you and your pets have a wonderful holiday and prosperous new year!

Christmas Decorations

As you trim your tree and wrap those last-minute gifts, keep in mind that tinsel and ribbon can be dangerous to your pet, especially if you have a cat. Cats are especially attracted to the stringy, shiny nature of these decorations and are known to even eat them. This can result in intestinal blockage, which can often be corrected only with surgery. Other potentially dangerous decorations include Christmas lights, real Christmas trees, and mistletoe. Keep these decorations out of your pet’s reach, or consider some safer alternatives instead.

Toxic Table Food

As soon as your pet gets a whiff of that Christmas or New Year’s Eve dinner, they’re probably going to want a taste. Although some table food is safe and even beneficial to dogs and cats, there are others that are actually toxic to them. On the “toxic” list are foods that contain chocolate, raisins, grapes, macadamia nuts, onions, and the sugar substitute xylitol. If ingested, these foods can result in vomiting, diarrhea, or worse, possibly landing your pet in the emergency room. We know that’s the last way you want to spend the holidays, so always use caution before feeding your pet from the table.

Holiday Parties

Will you be hosting a Christmas or New Year’s party at your home? If so, don’t forget to consider your pet’s safety as you’re making plans. Leaving your pet out to interact with your guests might not be the best idea, especially if there are any young children present. Gauge your pet’s behavior to determine if you should keep them in a separate room or gated area, away from the festivities, or if it’s safe to leave them out. If you choose to leave your pet out, make sure your guests are aware of your house rules, such as feeding your pet from the table.

If you have any questions about these pet holiday tips for your dog or cat, feel free to give us a call at 650-755-0969, and a Colma Animal Hospital representative will be happy to assist you.