Pets and Electronic Cigarette Dangers

Electronic cigarettes are becoming popular in our culture as an alternative to cigarette smoking. Please be mindful with your pets around the e-cig cartridges or fluids. There are many kinds of electronic cigarette varieties but please keep them far away from your pets reach. The link below explains the story of the first dog in the UK to die after coming into contact with the owners e-cig refill fluid.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/dog-dies-after-coming-into-contact-with-ecigarette-9139535.html

Back-to-School Toxicity Dangers For Pets

Every August, the Animal Poison Control Center sees an increase in backpack-related toxicities. One of the most common complaints we hear is than an owner's dog or cat got into a child's backpack and ingested something problematic, and the yearly top toxins list always includes human medications.

Here are some tips on what to watch out for in the back-to-school season.

BACKPACKS
These often become receptacles for anything and everything including:

• Gum (contains xylitol) 
• ADHD medications 
• Albuterol inhalers
• Over-the-counter medications
• Illicit drugs and synthetic marijuana

LUNCH BOXES 

Along with backpacks, lunch boxes attract items that are unhealthy for pets: 

• Grapes
• Raisins 
• Onions
• Macadamia Nuts
• Old/Moldy food 

ATOMOXETINE

Human medications are the most common exposure in our patients, and you will likely run across a medication in your practice that you've never encountered before. 

Atomoxetine is a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor used to treat ADHD in humans. This article can tell you more about this medication, signs of ingestion in pets, and how to best treat them. 

Source: ASPCA 2013 http://www.aspca.org/blog/battle-backpack-back-school-safety-tips-pets

Pets & Easter Egg Hunts

Easter egg hunts are so much fun for kids, and sometimes even for adults! Finding that brightly colored egg stuffed with a surprise is exciting! But don't forget the dangers of failing to find an egg that's been stuffed with candy. Your dog leads with their nose, and if you don't find it, your pet might! Consider stuffing your eggs with something safe for pets this year. If Fido finds them, he'll be less likely to break them open and eat what's inside.