Seasons Greating from the Staff at North Yonge Veterinary Hospital!

While enjoying all the wonders and delights of the season, remember what is delectable to us may be dangerous to our pets. New treats, chews and table scraps may cause stomach upset or changes in bowel movements. Tinsel, bulbs, and ribbons attract a lot of attention form our pets, but are not safe for any pets to play with or chew on.

Please be advised our regular hours have been adjusted for the holidays as follows
Dec 24 (8am - 1pm) 
Dec 25, 26, 27 (Closed)
Dec 28, 29, 30 ( 8am - 7pm)
Dec 31 (8am - 1pm)
Jan 1 & 2 (Closed)

The Veterinary Emergency Clinic of York Region will be open outside of the hours posted above if your pet needs immediate attention.

Dr. Gary Arzem and Associates
North Yonge Veterinary Hospital
17725 Yonge St. Unit 18
Newmarket, On
Phone: (905) 830-0437
Fax:  (905) 830-0217
info@northyongevet.com

Chocolate is a big part of this season and a great treat for guests, however it is not a favourable treat for dogs. Different sources of chocolate can cause different toxic reactions ranging from vomiting to abnormal heart rhythms. Chocolate mixed into a treat with a high fat content can cause pancreatitis, a lethal metabolic disease in dogs. Low levels of chocolate can cause a temporary but very unpleasant gastro intestinal upset including vomiting and diarrhea.   

Chocolate toxicity in dogs is caused by a reaction the theobromine found in chocolate.  Darker chocolates, such as baking chocolate have the highest concentrations of theobromine, whereas chocolate flavour has very low levels.  Theobromine can cause a variety of reactions including

·         Vomiting

·         Diarrhea

·         Abdominal pain

·         Hyperactivity

·         Tremors

·         Seizures

·         Abnormal rate rhythm

·         In severe cases – death

It is important to contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your dog has ingested chocolate of any kind. When you bring your dog in for treatment remember to bring the wrapper or ingredient list of the chocolate your dog ate. It is also important to note how much chocolate your dog consumed for appropriate and effective treatment.

North Yonge Veterinary Hospital

Website:  www.northyongevet.com

Phone:     905 830-0437  

Email:      drarzem@northyongevet.com

Dr. Gary Arzem – Newmarket and Aurora Veterinarian

New pet food brands frequently enter the market offering everything from novel proteins to organic vegetarian meals for pets. Deciphering the truth beyond the marketing can be overwhelming. Some pet food brands run campaigns like politicians defaming popular brands and claiming a host of health benefits with their food. The truth is there are many brands and foods that are safe and healthy for our pets – the trick is to know what to look for. Your local veterinarian can be a valuable resource in helping you choose the best food for your pet.

Below are three key areas to be aware of when reading the labels and looking beyond the clever marketing; what by-products really are, the nature of preservatives and organic labelling.

By-products

Although many people have come to associate the word ‘by-products’ with ingredients to avoid, in actuality by-products are important ingredients to insure that our pets are receiving a complete and balanced food. By-product means any other piece or cut that are not included in the original cuts. For example liver is considered a byproduct, it is also a valuable source of Vitamin A. Bone is also considered a byproduct, but it is a necessary ingredient to provide a natural source of calcium. Although liver, heart and tongue may not seem a delicacy for you, they are important natural sources of protein, minerals and vitamins. To ease concerns regarding the quality of by-products it is helpful to know hair, horns, teeth and hooves are NOT included under the label ‘by-product.’  In addition the FDA bans the use of any cows that have tested positive for ‘Mad Cow Disease’ and also ban the use of spinal cords and brains from older animals which have an increase risk of being diseased.

Preservatives

Consumers and some scientists have questioned the safety of certain synthetic preservatives such as BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole), BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), or ethoxyquin. Many pet food manufacturers have transitioned to using mixed tocopherols (vitamin E) and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) as natural preservatives. The shelf life is not as long when using these natural preservatives, so be sure to read the labels carefully on the food you buy or contact the company to find out how long the food is good for after opened. Once opened, the oils in the food begin to degrade and rancid oil in pet food can cause higher liver enzymes and diarrhea. If your pet turns their nose up at food they previously enjoyed, it may just be that the kibble at the bottom of the bag has turned rancid, or perhaps it was a bad bag. Our pets have a much keener sense of smell than we do and are able to detect the subtle changes in the food composition sooner than we can.

Natural and Organic

Pet foods labels “Natural,” “Holistic” or “Organic” lead consumers to believe that the product does not include additives and that the ingredients are healthier for pets. Unfortunately in most cases these are just marketing ploys. There are no legal definitions for these claims with respect to pet food.   It is best to look for a statement which tells consumers that the food meets the standards of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), or Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CMVA) in Canada for the appropriate life stage (puppy/kitten, adult, senior). This ensures that the company has tested to food in feeding trials and the clinical research demonstrates the food provides complete nutrition for the life stage of a particular food.

Resources:
http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/how-to-read-a-dog-food-label
CMVA Pet Food Standards http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1680572/
AAFCO Pet Food Standards http://www.aafco.org/

Spring cleaning and preparing for summer means more than just planting seeds and bringing out the summer wardrobe.  It signals pet owners that it is time to begin a parasite prevention program for the coming season. The latest recommendations from researchers in the field, suggests that pets should remain on parasite prevention against fleas, heartworm and intestinal parasites year-round for maximum protection. This can easily be accomplished with a veterinary prescribed, monthly parasite prevention chewable tablet or topical application.

Heartworm

 Regardless of whether your pet is on a year-round program or just seasonal, it is still important to test for heartworm annually. Although the preventative medication is very effective, and certainly prevention is easier and more economical than treatment, it does not protect 100%. Some doses may be missed or not absorbed properly which also lessens the effectiveness. To ensure it is safe for your pet to be on a preventative medication, have your veterinarian perform a heartworm blood test annually.

Heartworm is transmitted through mosquitoes to your pet, where adult worms cause significant and irreversible damage. Symptoms may include coughing, difficulty breathing, fatigue and ultimately an untimely death. Prevention should begin in pets as young as 4-8 weeks, please contact your veterinarian to discuss prevention options and testing.

Fleas

Fleas can be pesky not just for our pets, but for pet owners as well.  Once an infestation has been established – which doesn’t take long at all, it can take up to 6 months before the fleas are gone – and without at least a full year of prevention re-infestation is likely to occur. Fleas are not only a threat to the outdoor pet – pets that only sit on the porch are also at risk, and if there is even just one pet in the house that goes out – other indoor pets in the house may be affected.

Prevention is key in controlling fleas, and is easily accomplished through monthly preventative medications.  Preventive medications prescribed by your veterinarian are extremely safe to use and easy to administer for the majority of pets.

Intestinal Parasites

An often overlooked assortment of parasites are the ones we don’t see... Intestinal parasites. This category of parasites can be troublesome not only for our pets, but for people as well. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to owners, especially susceptible are children, elderly, pregnant women and people that are immunosuppressed.  Since it is very difficult and often impossible to see or know if your pet has these parasites it is important to have fecal tests done at least once a year.

Intestinal parasite such as hookworm, roundworm and whipworm can be easily prevented in conjunction with heartworm and flea prevention treatment programs monthly. Ask your veterinarian to help you select the best prevention program to protect  your family and your pet.

Ticks

Reports of tick bites in canines through Ontario have been on the rise over the last decade and with that an increased risk of Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases.  Some areas have been more heavily effected than others including areas along Lake Erie from Windsor through London and Norfolk, as well as Toronto, and Kingston areas. Besides Tick borne diseases, infections from the site of the bite are also of concern. Be sure to ask your veterinarian if tick prevention is recommended for the area you live in, and if you plan on traveling through Ontario it is important to call your veterinary office to find out if the area you are traveling to is a high risk area.

Prevention is the key to protecting pets and people from fleas/ticks, heartworm and intestinal parasites. Please contact your veterinarian to discuss the best prevention program for your pet.

Additional Information can be found at

www.petsmagazine.ca

www.petsandparasites.org

North Yonge Veterinary Hospital

Website:  www.northyongevet.com

Phone:     905 830-0437  

Email:      drarzem@northyongevet.com

Dr. Gary Arzem – Newmarket and Aurora Veterinarian

Planning a holiday?
Ensuring your pet’s comfort and care is our top priority. We offer comfortable boarding for dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets and pocket pets. All of our guests receive daily exercise and a lot of attention from all of our staff.

To keep our guests as comfortable as possible, felines and pocket pets are housed in a separate area from our canine clientele. A variety of accommodation sizes are available for canines, from small breeds to extra-large sized dogs. All suites are cleaned and disinfected daily, more frequently if they become soiled. Litter pans are cleaned frequently through the day as needed to maintain a clean and comfortable environment. Soft comfortable bedding is provided, as well as appropriate litter for your pet.  High quality food is provided to all our guests; however you are welcome to bring your pet’s favourite food.

For the protection of all our clients, we require all boarding pets to be up to date on their vaccinations prior to admittance and they must be on a veterinary prescribed flea prevention. Flea prevention upon arrival is available for those who are not on a regular flea prevention program.

We are happy to answer any questions you may have and provide tours of the facility upon request. Feel free to call us at (905)830-0437 or email info@northyongevet.com

Dr. Arzem will be making his second guest appearance on the Rogers Television program "Your Pet, Your Vet" this Sunday. Tune in at 5pm for an open forum discussion about pets and pet care.

Feel free to call in and have your name added to the "Your Pet, Your Vet"  promotional prize draw.

As our pets pass through different stages of development changes are to be expected.  By the time our pets have matured in to seniors we have developed a significant bond with them. We have a greater understanding of each other’s needs and how to communicate to one another. They have become more than just the family dog or cat, they have become a part of our family.

* Please note that the highlighted hyper-links will take you to pages with more information on the subject highlighted.

To best support our beloved pet’s changing needs, it is important to understand the changes they are going through. Most of us understand that cats and dogs age differently than people do.  Below is an age comparison chart outlining the difference between human years and pet age. As you can see the larger the breed, the faster the dog will age.  Pets are generally considered senior at 9 years for cats and small breed dogs, or 7 years for medium to large breed dogs. (Extra large dogs – Great Danes, St. Bernard... are considered Senior at 5 years)

By the time your pet reaches their golden years they will need to visit the vet at least twice a year for a check up including blood and urine testing. Many pets are great illusionists and will hide discomfort and illness until the disease is very progressed, making the only way to detect early signs of through these tests.  Just as with people who are in their senior years, pets face many of the same health concerns. Some breeds of dogs are very prone to cancer (Cancer is the number one cause of death in dogs in North America), where as other breeds are prone to hip dysplasia or vision impairments.

·                To support a pet with Hip Dysplasia, decrease the amount of jumping, ask your veterinarian about supplements.

·                To support a pet with Hearing Loss, train your pet to respond to hand signals in addition to voice commands

·                To support a pet with Vision Loss, avoid surprising your pet by letting them know you are near – to avoid spatial confusion refrain from redecorating with new or moved furniture

·                To support a pet with Arthritis, talk to your veterinarian about pain management and supplements for comfort

·                To support a pet with Hypothyroidism, talk to your veterinarian about appropriate diet and medication

·                To support a pet with Cancer, groom frequently to catch growths early, if cancer is diagnosed discuss treatment options with your veterinarian

·                To support a pet with Cognitive Disorders, effective medication is available ask your veterinarian for information

·                To support a pet with Change in control of bladder/bowels and frequency in need to evacuate, offer frequent visits to the yard, move the litter box closer to where your cat likes to hangout, avoiding stairs or obstacles

In addition to monitoring health with physical exams, blood and urine testing as well as at home daily grooming, senior pet’s should have their teeth examined.  For a younger and healthy senior a dental cleaning may be recommended, at this time any cavities or abscessed teeth can be dealt with.  Poor oral hygiene or infections in the mouth can lead to a variety of other health problems including heart failure.

Excellent preventative care begins with diet. As puppies and kittens our pets received a special diet for their best health and growth potential. Now as seniors, pets require another change to their diet. At your pet’s senior exams your veterinarian will review their current health, weight, and the results of blood and urine tests. These are indicators of what your pet’s needs are. Some pets may require weight reducing food to reach their optimal health. Weight problems in pets are more than just a problem with how a pet looks. The extra pounds can instigate hip dysplasia, arthritis, and other health issues in both cats and dogs. There are also special diets for kidney disorders, urinary issues, heart problems, allergies, pancreas disorders and dental issues.  Veterinarians can assist you in selecting the appropriate food and quantity for your pet. 

The most important thing to remember is that seniors have many changes, challenges and enjoyment coming up. Keep you bond with your pet strong through daily grooming rituals and by paying close attention to their personal  habits.

More information

http://www.healthypet.com/PetCare/PetCareArticle.aspx?art_key=1973ee87-a0d7-4f77-a930-1824ffcf8eda

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=2037

http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/handling-the-problems-of-old-age-in-your-dog.html

To download a one page pfd colour poster listing the top Ten Toxic Plants, Medications, and Foods for pets click here.

Download Adobe PDF Reader

North Yonge Veterinary Hospital

Website:  www.northyongevet.com

Phone:     905 830-0437  

Email:      drarzem@northyongevet.com

Dr. Gary Arzem – Newmarket and Aurora Veterinarian

Almost 40% of pet poisonings are from common household substances. As previously mentioned our pets may not be able to discriminate between treat, toy and toxin.

With pets in the house we may feel the need to freshen-up the place with some potpourri or other air fresheners, these can be quite tempting and dangerous to pets. Rather than using a chemical based freshener that is left out for pets to play with, try sprinkling baking soda over the carpet 15 minutes before you vacuum, this acts as a deodorizer.

For appealing scents visit your local health food store and pick up a bottle or two of essential oils (Super Stores and many Pharmacies also carry essential oils). These are concentrates scents, you can choose the ones you like the most. Simply place a few drops of the oil in a spray bottle with water and mist in the room you want to freshen. If you mix up two or three different bottles you can change up the scent throughout the day – this keeps your house smelling fresh without having to increase the intensity of the scent.

To avoid poisonous rat bait try live traps. Rats and mice are very attracted to peanut butter, which is safe if a pet gets into it. The cleaning product conundrum can be solved using green cleaning methods. Many books at the library and on-line articles are dedicated to homemade cleaning products. There are also many non-toxic green cleaning products available from you local grocery stores or health food stores.  Essentially all you need is a few ingredients from the kitchen; vinegar, water, baking soda, lemon and salt. With these you can clean and disinfect just about every surface in your house. For other substances that are necessary (e.g. pool supplies), careful storage is necessary.

Other Poisonous Item Around the House & Yard

Liquid potpourri
Rat and mouse bait

Fabric softener sheets
Post-1982 pennies (due to high concentration of zinc)

Household Cleaning Agents
Antifreeze
Ice melting products
Toads, Slugs and Snails
Blue-green algae in ponds
Citronella candles
Cocoa mulch
Compost piles Fertilizers
Swimming-pool treatment supplies

*Please note these lists are for reference only and not complete. If you suspect your pet has ingested anything other than their regular diet food, please immediately contact:
 North Yonge Veterinary Hospital: (905)830-0437 17725 Yonge St. Unit 18, Newmarket
 Veterinary Emergency Clinic of York Region: (905)953-5351 1210 Journeys End Circle, Newmarket
Your Local veterinarian

Additional Resources
www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/

www.petpoisonhelpline.com

North Yonge Veterinary Hospital

Website:  www.northyongevet.com

Phone:     905 830-0437   Email:      drarzem@northyongevet.com

Dr. Gary Arzem – Newmarket and Aurora Veterinarian

Rx not for Pets

The Canadian Pain Coalition reports that up to 10 million Canadians suffer chronic pain, 90% of people suffer  at least one headache throughout the year, statistics Canada Reports 2.5 million Canadians suffer with allergies, Canadian Cancer Society anticipates almost 250,000 new cases of cancer in 2010. What does this have to do with pet health and safety? It is highly likely your household harbours medication that is toxic to your pet. Accidental medication ingestion is the number one pet poison, as reported by Veterinary Pet Insurance Co.

Just like with children, our fury kids need to be protected from the dangers of accidental ingestion of medications. Keep all medications safely away in a cupboard. If you have a curious cat that can open cupboards, then try placing the medications in a box with a fitted lid.

If your pet does ingest some medication call your Veterinarian or Emergency Clinic (numbers below), bring the container the medication was in listing the name of the medication and quantity, as well remember to package  any vomit from your pet.

Top 10 Medications Poisonous to Pets
NSAIDs (e.g. Ibuprofen or Naproxen)
Antidepressants
Acetaminophen especially toxic to cats)
ADHD Medication (Methylphenidate)
Anti-cancer medications (Fluorouracil)
Tuberculosis Medication (Isoniazid)
Pseudoephedrine
Oral diabetes treatments (glipizide and glyburide)
Vitamin D derivatives (e.g.  calcipotriene and calcitriol)
 Muscle relaxants (Baclofen)

*Please note these lists are for reference only and not complete. If you suspect your pet has ingested anything other than their regular diet food, please immediately contact:
 North Yonge Veterinary Hospital: (905)830-0437 17725 Yonge St. Unit 18, Newmarket
 Veterinary Emergency Clinic of York Region: (905)953-5351 1210 Journeys End Circle, Newmarket
Your Local veterinarian

Additional Resources
www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/

www.petpoisonhelpline.com

North Yonge Veterinary Hospital

Website:  www.northyongevet.com

Phone:     905 830-0437   Email:      drarzem@northyongevet.com

Dr. Gary Arzem – Newmarket and Aurora Veterinarian

Safe Gardening Tips

Fall harvest is a time of bounty, a time when we plant our bulbs and bring delicate plants inside to overwinter.  Gardener’s favourites are at the top of the list of pet poisons.  It is important to keep our fury friends away from indoor plants that are toxic such as Lilies and Ivy. If at all possible keep pets out of the garden as you plant for the following season.

Not all pets have discriminating tastes. There are no connoisseurs of canine cuisine, or festivals of the fine feline pallet.  Though there are some finicky eaters, most pet parents of a Lab will attest – they will eat anything! Puppies and kittens eat everything from toilet paper to window blind cords, toy mice and tennis balls, so teasing plant leaves and tulip bulbs are fair game in their mind. Adult pets also dip into alternative diet choices from time to time as well.

Veterinary Pet Insurance Company reports over 15% of pet poising insurance claims are due to plant poisoning. Take a look at the list below and take necessary precautions to protect your pets. Keep toxic house plants out of reach of your pets, and always supervise your pets in the yard if you have planted bulbs or azaleas. If at all possible relocate toxic yard plants to an area in the yard your pet doesn’t use or have access to.

Top 10 Common Toxic Plants
Lilies
Marijuana
Tulip/Narcissus bulbs
Azalea/Rhododendron
Oleander
Castor Bean
Amaryllis
Autumn Crocus
Chrysanthemum
English Ivy

*Please note these lists are for reference only and not complete. If you suspect your pet has ingested anything other than their regular diet food, please immediately contact:
 North Yonge Veterinary Hospital: (905)830-0437 17725 Yonge St. Unit 18, Newmarket
 Veterinary Emergency Clinic of York Region: (905)953-5351 1210 Journeys End Circle, Newmarket
Your Local veterinarian

Additional Resources
www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/

www.petpoisonhelpline.com

North Yonge Veterinary Hospital

Website:  www.northyongevet.com

Phone:     905 830-0437  

Email:  drarzem@northyongevet.com

 Dr. Gary Arzem – Newmarket and Aurora Veterinarian

Table Scraps to Avoid Sharing

As we transition from the hot and sunny holidays of summer back to school this fall, we also make adjustments to the lunch box. Due to childhood allergies many schools have policies around nuts, milk and shellfish. This is a perfect time to address people foods that are dangerous for our beloved pets.

It isn’t that all table scraps are forbidden fruits. On the contrary, there are many healthful tidbits that you and your pet can enjoy together. Carrots, apple slices, and unseasoned cooked meats to name a few. Please keep in mind that any additions or changes to your pet’s diet may result in vomiting, diarrhea, food sensitivities and changes in weight. It is important to discuss table treats with your veterinarian to prevent any diet related problems.

 As much as we thrive on a morning cup of Joe and are comforted by a sweet square of chocolate, these human treats contain Methylaxanthine. Methylaxanthine is toxic to pets and according to the Veterinary Pet Insurance Company accounts for at least 20% of reported pet poisonings annually. Please keep these treats, and those provided in the list below, for yourself.

Top 10 Poisonous Foods for Pets
Avocado
Chocolate (all forms)
Coffee (all forms)
Fatty foods
Macadamia nuts
Onions, onion powder
Raisins and grapes
Salt
Garlic
Xylitol (Sweetener often found in chewing gum)

*Please note these lists are for reference only and not complete. If you suspect your pet has ingested anything other than their regular diet food, or come into contact with a toxic substance, please immediately contact:

 North Yonge Veterinary Hospital: (905)830-0437, 17725 Yonge St. Unit 18, Newmarket
 Veterinary Emergency Clinic of York Region: (905)953-5351 1210, Journeys End Circle, Newmarket
or Your Local veterinarian/Veterinary Emergency Clinic

Additional Resources
www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/

www.petpoisonhelpline.com

North Yonge Veterinary Hospital

Website:  www.northyongevet.com

Phone:     905 830-0437   Email:      drarzem@northyongevet.com

This September North Yonge Veterinary Hospital is  focusing on protecting pets from common toxins in and around the home.  Join us each week as we share information on table scraps to avoid, toxic plants you may not be aware of, deadly medications for pets, and common poisons to pets in the home and yard. 

Sometimes it is several hours between the time a toxin is ingested and the symptoms appear. If you have witnessed your pet ingest a potential poison immediately call your veterinarian, bring the remains of the substance (food, pill container...), collect any vomit, do not wait for symptoms to appear.

Symptoms of poisoning may include

Excessive drooling
Vomiting
Uncontrolled voiding of bladder or bowels
Altered breathing (faster, slower, heavy panting)
Change in behaviour
Loss of motor function (wobbly, falling over, head titling)
Muscle twitches or convulsions
Disorientation
Drowsy/Lethargic
Unable to wake from sleep

*Please note these lists are for reference only and not complete. If you suspect your pet has ingested anything other than their regular diet food, or come into contact with a toxic substance, please immediately contact:
 North Yonge Veterinary Hospital: (905)830-0437, 17725 Yonge St. Unit 18, Newmarket
 Veterinary Emergency Clinic of York Region: (905)953-5351, 1210 Journeys End Circle, Newmarket
or Your Local veterinarian/Veterinary Emergency Clinic

Additional Resources
www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/

www.petpoisonhelpline.com

North Yonge Veterinary Hospital

Wesite: www.northyongevet.com

Phone: (905) 830-0437

e-mail: drarzem@northyongevet.com

Dr. Gary Arzem – Newmarket and Aurora Veterinarian

HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS

The holiday season is generally a time of family togetherness in which even our pets participate. One’s thoughts generally are far from thoughts of injury; however, one must be aware of some important seasonal hazards in order to insure a happy holiday season.

RIBBONS & TINSEL

These are of special interest to playful cats and kittens who see these materials as toys (or prey) to be chased, pounced upon, chewed or swallowed. While chasing and pouncing pose no health threats, chewing and swallowing do, as these strings or “linear foreign bodies” can catch in the GI tract, leading to bunching of intestine as the body tries in vain to move the string or ribbon through. This is a life-threatening condition requiring surgery for correction. Supervise animals who play with string closely.

ELECTRIC LIGHT CORDS

These are also tempting to cats who like to play with string as well as to puppies who are teething and interested in chewing. If a pet bites through an electrical cord, it could result in a severe burn to the tongue which causes the pet’s lung to fill with fluid, causing respiratory distress. This is also an emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention.

CHOCOLATE

Many people do not realize that chocolate can be a poison. Unsweetened baking chocolate carries a much higher dose of the toxin “theobromine” than does milk chocolate, but even normal milk chocolate can be dangerous; a small dog sharing candy can wind up in big trouble. Clinical signs of chocolate poisoning include hyperexcitability, nervousness, vomiting, and diarrhea and death.

POINSETTIA

Consuming this festive-looking plant can be irritating to the mouth and stomach of the dog or cat that chews on or eats it. Contrary to popular belief, poinsettia is not specifically toxic.

MISTLETOE

The fact that there are several types of mistletoe makes it difficult to predict the clinical signs of poisoning. Some mistletoes produce only stomach upset while others may lead to liver failure or seizuring. Consider mistletoe to be a hazardous substance and keep it inaccessible to pets and children.

COOKING

Keep pets out of the kitchen during the hustle and bustle of the season. The last thing you want is for someone you love to get underfoot and get burned from spillage.

DIETARY INDISCRETION

We all like to include our pets in Holiday meals along with the rest of the family, but try to keep in mind that sudden rich diet changes are likely to upset a pet’s stomach. Vomiting and diarrhea are not uncommon. If leftovers are of an especially fatty nature, the pancreas may become inflamed and overloaded. This condition is serious and may require hospitalization

Parasites pose a threat to our pets’ health and can also cause serious illness in people as well.  Parasites that affect pets include heartworms, fleas, intestinal worms, mites and ticks.  Both veterinarians and medical doctors agree that pets should be on a parasite prevention program.

Fortunately, parasite prevention medications are very effective, safe and easy to administer.  They are usually given as a once a month topical, or a chewable pill(dogs).  Dogs are required to have an annual heartworm blood test, but cats do not need this test(there is no reliable heartworm test for cats at present date).  All pets should also have an annual stool sample tested for intestinal worms and parasites.

If your pet is not on a parasite prevention program, it’s recommended to speak to a veterinarian to decide which program best suits your pet.  Preventing parasites is easier, more effective and more economical than treating a parasitic illness.

North Yonge Veterinary Hospital

Website:  www.northyongevet.com

Phone:     905 830-0437

Email:      drarzem@northyongevet.com

I have 2 ferrets, Fred and Wilma who have not received any vaccines since I adopted them 2 years ago.  I have been reluctant to have them vaccinated because I have heard that ferrets can have severe vaccine reactions.  What are your thoughts on vaccinations in ferrets?  M.V.

Dear M.V. –

I think that it is important for ferrets to be current on their vaccinations, but I certainly am very conscious of the potential for vaccination reactions.  Ferrets should be vaccinated against both distemper and rabies.  Typically, ferrets will receive a single distemper vaccine at the breeding facility, and then they should receive two additional distemper boosters at 3 to 4 week intervals, as well as a single vaccination for rabies.  Then, ferrets should be examined annually, and updated on these vaccinations.  Since ferrets seem to be particularly sensitive to vaccinations, I always separate the distemper and rabies vaccines by at least 2 weeks, and I ask the owners to remain in the waiting area for 20 minutes after the immunizations in order to monitor for possible adverse reactions.  Signs of vaccine reactions in ferrets include salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, and extreme weakness.  Vaccine reactions are treated by administering injections of Benadryl, dexamethasone and epinephrine.  For severe reactions, an intravenous catheter is placed in the front arm, and fluids are administered to support the blood pressure and to manage shock.  If a reaction is very severe, your veterinarian may decide not to vaccinate your ferret in the future.  For less severe reactions, an intramuscular injection of Benadryl given 20 to 30 minutes prior to the vaccination is often successful in preventing a reaction.

One must always weigh the risks of vaccination against the potential risks of a pet acquiring the actual disease.  In the case of ferrets, distemper is a horrible disease which is 100% fatal.  Ferrets are very susceptible to acquiring distemper disease from dogs.  If you own dogs, or you have any plans for boarding your ferret in a veterinary clinic, it is very important to keep your ferret’s vaccine status up-to-date.

I am expecting my first child in late March.  I have a 5 year-old Labrador Retriever named Gus.  Until now, Gus has been our “only child”.  I am concerned that he will be upset by the new baby.  How do I make things easier for him?  G.N.

Dear G.N. –

It is very thoughtful of you to consider how Gus will react to your new arrival.  Pets definitely require some extra attention when a new baby is introduced to the family.  Dogs, in particular, may be confused by the sudden appearance of a new “pack member”. Dogs have a strong dominance hierarchy.  Their packs are considered “linear” – in other words, a dominant individual is at the head of the pack, and the remaining pack members are arranged beneath this member in descending order of dominance.  Ideally, in your family, you and your husband are the dominant pack members, and Gus understands that his position is below you.  When the new baby is introduced,  Gus may perceive initially that the baby is lower in the pack order than he is, and he may display dominant behaviour towards the baby.  This behaviour may include: growling, ears laid back over the head, and crouching posture.  In addition, dogs which have formed deep bonds with their owners may become “depressed” and stop eating.  If Gus shows any aggressive behaviour, be sure to contact your veterinarian immediately.

Make things easier for Gus by introducing him to the baby’s “stuff” prior to the baby’s arrival.  Take him into the baby’s room, and allow him to investigate the crib, new furniture, and baby powder smells.  When you bring your newborn home, allow Gus to see and smell the baby.  Parents who panic and pull the baby away when a dog approaches may be sending a message to the dog that the baby is a threat.  And, keep Gus out of the baby’s room – unless he is supervised.

It will be very important to spend special quality time with Gus after the baby arrives. Ensure that Gus still gets his daily walk and play sessions.  Remember that he was your “baby” first!

I have a 5 year-old Beagle named “Walter”.  I feed him a high-quality dog food, and I give him enzymatic beef hide chews daily.  Despite this, I can see that Walter has some stained teeth.  My friend mentioned that her dog has had a dental cleaning done without anesthetic.  This sounds like a safer way to have Walter’s teeth cleaned.  What do you think?   P.T.

Dear P.T. –

Your friend is referring to a “standing dental” which involves the removal of obvious tartar from a pet’s mouth while the animal is conscious.  Far from being a “safer” procedure, this process has many risks, and provides absolutely no oral health benefits.  The standing dental provides a purely cosmetic result. In a “standing dental”, only the outer surfaces of the teeth are scaled, and it is not possible to clean under the gumline.  One cannot remove tartar from between the teeth or from the inner surfaces of the teeth. As well, the delicate gum tissue may be lacerated if the pet suddenly moves its head.  A standing dental does not permit a thorough oral cavity examination, and many subtle problems may be missed.  Most importantly, in a “standing dental”, it is impossible to polish all exposed tooth surfaces.  Polishing the teeth is critical in creating a smooth tooth surface to which plaque will be less likely to stick.  The process of scaling teeth inevitably creates numerous microscopic scratches on the enamel surface, and plaque will be easily retained by the rough surface if it is not polished.

For a complete oral health exam and dental treatment, general anesthesia is essential.  While under general anesthesia, Walter’s airway will be protected by a cuffed endotracheal tube which will supply oxygen and anesthetic gas.  The tube will prevent fluid or tartar fragments from being aspirated into Walter’s lungs during his thorough cleaning.  Remember, dogs can’t rinse and spit!

North Yonge Veterinary Hospital

Website: www.northyongevet.com

Phone:    (905) 830-0437

Email:    drkenzie@northyongevet.com

I have a 3 year-old Beagle named “Snickers” who loves to eat anything and everything!  Sometimes while we are walking, she will grab something off the ground and eat it before I can retrieve it.  Last week, Snickers ate a piece of chewing gum off the sidewalk.  A friend told me that chewing gum may be toxic to dogs.  Is this true?    A.T.

Dear A. T. –

That is a very interesting question!  Your friend is probably referring to sugar-free gum which may contain an ingredient known as xylitol.  Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in many “sugar-free” products.  In dogs, xylitol strongly promotes the release of insulin.  Insulin drives sugar out of the bloodstream and into cells.  While the release of insulin after meals is a normal physiologic process, the sudden release of a large amount of insulin can cause severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).  Hypoglycemia in dogs may manifest as a wobbly gait, trembling, collapse, and even seizures.  In humans, xylitol does not cause the same powerful release of insulin.

The dose which is suspected to cause hypoglycemia in dogs is 0.2 to 0.4 g / kg of body weight.  Chewing gums that use xylitol as the primary sweetener contain about 1 to 2 grams per piece of gum.  Thus, it would take only one or two pieces of gum to cause hypoglycemia in a 10 kg dog!

In addition, xylitol can cause liver cell damage and death in dogs if an amount greater than approximately 2 g /kg is ingested.  Some dogs who have ingested xylitol develop elevated liver enzymes at 8 to 12 hours after ingestion, and then recover fully.  Other dogs develop acute liver failure, and often die.

Obviously, it is important to prevent Snickers from ingesting any products which contain xylitol.

My two-year-old rat, Suzie has a lump on her belly near her hind leg.  She is eating well and is energetic, but the lump seems to be growing quite rapidly.  Could this be a tumour?  B.T.

Dear B.T. -  Yes, it probably is a tumour.  Mammary gland tumours are quite common in rats, and the distribution of mammary tissue is very extensive, ranging from the neck down to the hind legs.

Mammary tumours can reach amazing sizes, and they can occur in both males and females.  Fortunately, the most common type of mammary tumour (a fibroadenoma) is benign.  These tumours can be removed surgically, however, additional tumours can occur elsewhere along the mammary chain.

If you decide not to have the mass removed, you must be prepared for it to become very large, and it may interfere with Suzie’s ability to move around.  As well, the lump will likely become ulcerated from rubbing on the cage bottom, and it may become secondarily infected.

North Yonge Veterinary Hospital

Website: www.northyongevet.com

Phone:    (905) 830-0437

Email:    drkenzie@northyongevet.com

I have two adult cats:  Harvey and Squeaky.    Harvey is a 3 year-old, male, orange tabby, and Squeaky is a 5 year-old, female Siamese.  Recently, I purchased some catnip for my cats’ enjoyment.  Harvey seemed to have a blast with the catnip.  He was rolling around on the ground, and acting “stoned”.  But, the catnip didn’t seem to affect Squeaky at all.  Are some cats resistant to catnip?   F.R.

Dear F.R. –

You are absolutely correct.  Not all cats will react to catnip.  The active ingredient in catnip is an essential oil, nepetalactone.  This oil is produced by an herb plant called Nepeta cataria, which belongs to the mint family.  The ability to respond to nepetalactone is inherited in cats as an autosomal dominant trait.  This means that only one copy of the involved gene is needed to see the effect.  We know that Harvey has received at least one of the dominant genes from his parents.  In contrast, Squeaky  has inherited the recessive “non-catnip-responder” gene from both of her parents and will not react to catnip.  Harvey exhibits a classic response to catnip.  You have probably also seen Harvey lick and chew the plant, shake his head, and rub his chin and cheeks in the catnip. 

Typically, the response lasts about 5 to 15 minutes.  Once a catnip session is over, most cats won’t respond to catnip again for at least an hour.  In kittens, catnip tends to produce a response of avoidance.  Generally, kittens do not show a true interest in catnip until at least 8 weeks, and the behaviour is not fully developed until 3 months of age.

I have recently adopted a new puppy.  A friend has suggested that I buy a crate for him.  I think that the idea of keeping a dog in a cage is cruel.  What do you think?  R.H.

Dear R.H. –

We think that crate-training is an excellent idea for a new puppy.  If used correctly, the crate will provide your puppy with the comfort, privacy, and security of his own den.  You will find the crate to be extremely useful during house-training, and invaluable in preventing damage to your carpets and furniture by the teeth of a curious puppy during periods when he is unsupervised.

The most important thing to remember is to never use the crate as punishment.  Start by putting treats in the crate to allow the puppy to investigate it on his own.  During the day, the crate should be kept in the area of family activity.  At night, it is often helpful to put the crate in your bedroom so that the puppy is comforted by your presence.

It is fine to leave the puppy in his crate overnight, but he should not be left in the crate for more than four consecutive hours during the day.  Our staff at North Yonge Veterinary Hospital can give you specific instructions on how to use the crate effectively and humanely. 

Q:  “My dog is almost 10 years old.  Which common health issues do older dogs face and what are some of the symptoms that I should look out for?”

Most dogs are considered “senior” at age 7 +(9 years old for smaller breeds and cats and 5 years old for giant breeds)

Many of the same diseases that people suffer from in their senior years also affect pets.  Examples include cancer, organ failure (kidneys, heart, liver), hormonal disease, arthritis, and brain/behavior changes.  Of course, early diagnosis of any health problem can significantly improve the prognosis.  Therefore, it is critical to have your senior dog or cat examined regularly – veterinarians recommend a thorough examination twice a year for senior pets.  A good analogy for this point would be that you wouldn’t recommend that a person over age 65 wait 7 years in between their check-ups.  6 months is the equivalent to 3 - 4 years in your pet's life.

Pets often hide diseases until they're quite advanced

Keep in mind that pets in general often “hide” diseases, showing little to no symptoms until the disease has become very advanced.  Disease is detected in 23% of pets 7+ years old who have a senior health check, even though they appear healthy.  An examination and any necessary diagnostics (such as a simple blood or urine test) can detect problems long before they threaten your pet’s health.  Some symptoms to look out for in older pets would include: 

•  any significant change in appetite, thirst or weight
•  vomiting or diarrhea
•  coughing/trouble breathing, lethargy
•  pain or stiffness
•  incontinence (urinating or defecating in the house)
•  behavior changes

Regular, scheduled check-ups are very important for all pets - especially seniors.  At North Yonge Veterinary Hospital, we have a convenient reminder system for our patients' check-ups.  This way, we can easily keep track of “who needs to be examined and when”. 

We can all play an important role in your senior pet’s lifespan, keeping them healthier and happier.

North Yonge Veterinary Hospital

Website: www.northyongevet.com

Phone:    (905) 830-0437

Email:    drarzem@northyongevet.com