Atlantic Ave Magazine - October 2018

misc | ask the petxpert
BY Bill Piechocki and Dr. Diane Sudduth, DVM
How Can I Tell If My Pet
Is Addicted To Drugs?
As pet parents, we can sense when our pet is not feeling well.
They have a lower interest in their food, are sleeping more
and maybe have a bit of trouble getting up or down. We worry
about our pets and constantly watch over them because of their
inability to verbalize their discomfort except through their physical
signs and their body language. As stewards of our pets’ health we
run to our local veterinarian for an evaluation and tests.
After a round of testing which usually reflects normal healthy
levels, the veterinarian dispenses your pets’ medicines, focusing on
the most visible symptom. Their discomfort in getting up and down
is most likely age-related joint pain so the veterinarian will most
likely prescribe a pain reliever.
As a common approach in many of our articles, it is imperative
to understand the causes, ask plenty of questions and seek more
natural solutions. Most prescription drugs come with warnings
about common side-effects. Our issue is that our pets cannot express
those effects to us.
A very popular prescribed pain relief drug given to our dogs is
Tramadol. While it is touted as a fast-acting painkiller, it does have
adverse side-effects as do most pain medicines. It is incumbent for
us as pet parents to understand that these are NOT approved by the
FDA for use in pets, therefore there is no real dosage recommendations
or proper warnings.
Adverse events listed for these drugs can vary from addiction,
gastrointestinal problems (vomiting and diarrhea); allergy type
symptoms (rashes, thinning coat and runny eyes); neurological
symptoms (seizures, tremors, lack of coordination, and anxiety).
Studies also show long-term effects on liver and kidney function.
In addition, we must look at the addictive nature of these drugs.
Since many of us can be a bit forgetful when it comes to drugs and
supplements, what do our pets experience when they do not have
their medicine on time? Are they experiencing the same withdrawal
symptoms as we would? How do these withdrawal symptoms
affect other body systems? What can you as a pet parent do to support
your pets’ withdrawal symptoms when you decide on a more
natural approach?
Why do we expose our pets to all these assaults of synthetic
chemicals and drugs that can negatively impact their lives? There
are natural approaches that can prevent and mitigate most healthrelated
challenges. First and foremost, we need to know how a
body functions naturally and healthy. This understanding of their
physiology is necessary to provide your pet with the proper nutritional
tools to heal itself. We must also avoid things that do impact
the living cells negatively and that have known adverse effects.
You as your pets’ guardians must do your homework. Except for
immediate emergencies, research any drugs or procedures before
accepting them. Learn to identify real emergencies from events
that are just the body readjusting itself back to health.
Bill Piechocki, nutritionist and Dr. Diane Sudduth, DVM are partners in Fiesta
Pet Deli in Pompano Beach, FL, and co-hosts of the PetHealthCafe.com
radio show. Our 40 years in the animal field has provided us unparalleled
vision and information which we pass to our clients daily. We can be reached
at www.PetHealthCafe.com or 800-940-7387. Call us for a free consultation
or stop by Fiesta Pet Deli, we would be more than happy to help.
SEND YOUR QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS FOR OUR PETXPERT TO: PETS@ATLANTICAVEMAGAZINE.COM
these pets are available for adoption
21287 Boca Rio Road,
Boca RaTON, FL
561-482-8110
www.tricountyhumane.org
chewie
sweets
molly
A NO-KILL animal shelter.
Open Tues - Sun
11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
This adorable boy is rarin’ to go to his forever
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Our Cat Room is re-opened and full of amazing,
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What a cute fluffer! Molly is a happy Poodle who
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and wants to spend it with YOU. How can you
possibly deny that pretty face?
All animals are up-TO-date
on vaccinations and
heartworm tested.
Adoption fees $110 and up.
108 | OCTOBER 2018 | www.AtlanticAveMagazine.com