2023_NorthStarVets_Pets_Digital_Issue

NIBBLES & BITS
your dog away from the table, Fido
may inevitably gobble up some table
scraps. Keep in mind that table scraps
and treats should not comprise more
than 10 percent of a dog’s daily caloric
intake. If a dog is on a special diet, a
veterinarian should be consulted before
any special treats are introduced.
Is there anything safe for dogs to
enjoy from your plate? In general, most
fruits—including apples, bananas,
pears and strawberries—and vegetables
are safe in moderation for dogs. Plain
turkey—without trimmings like stuffing
and gravy—is also typically safe, although
turkey skin, bones and drippings
can be a choking hazard, so be careful.
If an emergency situation does arise
and your pet begins to choke, examine
your pet’s mouth, if you can do it safely.
If a foreign object is visible in your pet’s
mouth or the back of their throat, use
something like kitchen tongs to try to
dislodge it.
You can perform abdonimal thrusts if,
and only if, you can see the object in the
back of your pet’s throat and you can’t
dislodge it any other way.
First, grasp your pet around the
waist and place your hands or fists just
behind and under the ribs. Then, compress
your hands upward and inward in
a few short, quick bursts. Next, check
your pet’s mouth to see if the object
has been dislodged. Even if the object
is dislodged, have your veterinarian
examine your pet.
SOME FOODS TO AVOID
Chocolate
Chocolate can cause agitation,
hyperactivity and varying
degrees of gastrointestinal
signs. Heart arrhythmias,
neurologic disturbances and
death are also possible if
a dog eats too much.
Meat skin, bones
and drippings
They are choking hazards.
Foods with
grapes and raisins
While the toxic dose of grapes/
raisins remains unknown and
seems to vary widely between
pets, a single grape has been
known to cause kidney failure
in susceptible animals.
Definitely not worth the risk!
Macadamia nuts
Macadamia nuts are toxic.
Winter
and Holiday
DANGERS
• WATCH OUT FOR THAT TREE!
Christmas trees can be very
hazardous to pets. Trees are often
sprayed with numerous harmful
pesticides, leak sap that can cause
stomach upset, and shed needles
that can cause vomiting and
intestinal blockages. Of course,
drinking the water from the tree
stand can also cause serious
illness. Glass and other types of
decorative ornaments can be
hazardous as well.
• BE CAREFUL WITH TINSEL
Tinsel can pose significant danger
to pets if ingested, resulting in an
intestinal obstruction called a linear
foreign body. A linear foreign
body occurs when something
stringy wraps around the base
of the tongue or anchors itself
in the stomach so that it cannot
pass through, potentially slicing
through the rest of the intestines.
• WATCH THOSE CORDS
Electrocution can happen when
pets chew on electrical cords. This
can cause pain, burns, irregular
heart beat, respiratory distress,
impaired consciousness and
death. Unplug decorations when
not in use and when pets aren’t
supervised.
PHOTOGRAPHS: JESSICA-LOAIZA/MOCKUP GRAPHICS/UNSPLASH
HELPFUL HINT:
ASPCA
Poison Control
If your pet has a microchip, you
can enroll it with Home Again—
even if the device isn’t a Home
Again-brand microchip. In addition
to all the benefits that come with
the annual membership, you get
free consultations with the
ASPCA Poison Hotline
for as long as the
membership is active.
Call the hotline at 888-426-4435.
aspca.org
Baked goods
Sugar isn’t good for
your pets, so avoid pies,
desserts and baked goods.
Foods with seeds and pits
Fruit pits can cause
gastrointestinal obstructions
requiring emergency surgery.
Onions and garlic
These can cause damage to
the red blood cells, resulting in
hemolytic anemia in animals.
For a full list, visit aspca.org
• HOLD THE SALT
Salt-based walkway deicers can
be harsh on pets’ paws, leading
to irritation and burns. Wipe
your pets’ paws when they come
indoors. Additionally, eating these
chemicals can be highly toxic.
Consider using pet-friendly deicers
on your walkway.
• KEEP YOUR PET AWAY
FROM ANTIFREEZE
Antifreeze is extremely poisonous
and can cause severe damage if
your pet ingests it. Clean up any
leaks or spills with products containing
propylene glycol to keep
your pet from getting sick.
Pet Perspective 29