Posts tagged "vet"

Q: Why is it Dangerous for Dogs to Eat Chocolate?

by Dr. Matthew Cooper (Subscribe to Dr. Matthew Cooper's posts): Oct 28th 2009 3:30PM Filed Under: Dogs, Pet Health, Ask A Vet

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A: Many pet owners come to me with questions about dogs and chocolate. The topic is especially timely now, when Halloween candy is in so many homes across the US. During the holiday season in general vets see an increase in visits from owners whose dogs have ingested chocolate simply because there tends to be more of it lying around the house. The reason we see chocolate ingestion more in dog than cats is because dogs will often eat anything that smells good whereas cats are more picky.

Chocolate contains theobromine, an alkaloid of the cacao plant. Though the amount found in chocolate is safe for humans to ingest, theobromine is harmful to dogs because they metabolize this alkaloid more slowly than humans do. Not all chocolate contains the same amount of theobromine: milk chocolate contains less then semi-sweet chocolate, which contains less then baking chocolate.

A dog that has eaten chocolate may exhibit symptoms including (but not limited to) vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, tremors, seizures, racing heart rhythm progressing to abnormal rhythms and, in severe cases, death. Other problems associated with chocolate ingestion include the high fat content in some chocolate products, and pancreatitis, which can also be seen post-ingestion.

If you know or suspect that your dog has eaten a piece of chocolate, contact your veterinarian. If possible, make sure to describe the type of chocolate and amount consumed. Your veterinarian can perform a simple mathematical formula that will determine whether or not the amount your dog ingested is toxic and requires immediate veterinary care.

During the holiday season -- especially Halloween -- be sure to keep chocolate out of reach of your animals.

Pet Emergencies; What You Need to Know

by Kristen Seymour (Subscribe to Kristen Seymour's posts): Jul 1st 2009 10:00AM Filed Under: Dogs, Cats

That's one tough kitten! Photo: TravelingMermaid/Flickr

Holidays are a time of fun and relaxation, but emergencies can still happen. With your regular vet out celebrating, what do you do if your pet needs medical attention? Head to the vet ER.

It's smart to know in advance where your local vet ER is. Have the number and location in a handy place, like tacked onto your fridge or saved in your phone. According to PetsMatter, it's important to remember that sick or injured animals might not act quite like their normal, lovely selves. Even if they've never shown an iota of aggression in their lives, pets can bite or scratch if they're injured or not feeling well. They're hurting and scared, so instinct may come into play.

Sally Ryan, DVM, of Affiliated Emergency Service in Eden Prairie, Minnesota recommends that, if possible, you muzzle an animal you're taking into emergency care to avoid a bite. A basket muzzle (which allows them to pant) is best, but a scarf or belt can do the trick. However if the animal is having trouble breathing, is unconscious, or is vomiting, do not muzzle. Ryan also advises against splinting an injured limb. It might help humans, but in animals, it can actually cause more pain.

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Miniature Dogs

Miniature Poodle
Miniature Poodles, like all Poodles, are excellent swimmers who originated as a water retrievers. All Poodles, Standard, Miniature and Toy are actually one breed, just different sizes. Miniature Poodles, who can be white, black, apricot or gray, are usually 15 inches or under, according to the American Kennel Club.

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Miniature Dogs

Miniature Dachshund
The Miniature Daschund, only 11 pounds or under, is not a separate classification of the Daschund -- it's just a smaller version of the Standard. The miniature dog, with its long bodies and strong sense of smell, are both hunters and lapdogs, according to the American Kennel Club.

Miniature Dogs

Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer is of German descent and was originally bred to be a small farm dog. The most popular of the three Schnauzer breeds, the Miniature Schnauzer is a attentive, lively and a favorite among celebrities like Mary Tyler Moore and Bill Cosby. The strongly built miniature dog is between 12 to 14 inches, according to the American Kennel Club.

Miniature Dogs

Miniature Bull Terrier
Just like the playful Bull Terrier, the Miniature Bull Terrier, who originated in England, has a similar personality. Don't let its size fool you – the Miniature Bull Terrier is strong, energetic and audacious. Miniature Bull Terriers are between 10 to 15 inches and can be solid white or colored, according to the American Kennel Club.

Miniature Dogs

Miniature American Eskimo Dog
The American Eskimo Dog is one of three separate categories of the American Eskimo Dog. Between 12 to 15 inches, the bright white dog is loving, protecting and sociable. Now a great companion dog, the miniature dog was once a circus dog, according to the American Kennel Club.

Miniature Dogs

Miniature Pinscher
Also known as the "Min Pin," the Miniature Pinscher is a German Breed whose ancestry includes the Daschund, Italian Greyhound and the shorthaired German Pinscher. The quick, curious dog is the perfect apartment dog. Despite its small size, the compact pooch makes a wonderful watchdog. The spirited miniature dog, about 10 inches to 12 1/2 inches, can be red, black, or chocolate with tan, according to the American Kennel Club.

Miniature Dogs