Images of kittens lapping milk from a saucer are just as ubiquitous and inaccurate as pictures of cats playing with balls of yarn. For some reason, these illustrations of feline predilections have persisted into this modern era, but both milk-drinking and yarn-playing should be viewed as the relics they are. We know that cats shouldn’t play with yarn because of the risk of swallowing it. Equally important is the understanding that when cats drink milk, they are likely to face the symptoms of lactose intolerance.

While we all love our furry critters and want to do what is right for them, it is too easy to read an article on the Internet and cause more harm than good. Dr. Google is full of do-it-yourself answers, many of which are not really all that effective. Worse yet, there are some that may even cause harm.

Animal Medical Hospital & 24 Hour Urgent Care wants you to know about home remedies for pets and how to approach them with a more discerning eye.

For some people expiration dates are a hard and fast rule. Gallon of milk that expired yesterday? Not worth it. For others, though, dates on food and other items are viewed as merely a suggestion. That yogurt in the back of the fridge probably has at least a week or two past the stamped date, right?

When it comes to veterinary drug expiration dates, it is not so safe to gamble. Animal Medical Hospital wants you to know why the dates on your pet’s medications matter.

Dates Matter

The American Veterinary Medical Association mandates that veterinary drug expiration dates be provided on all dispensed medications when appropriate. All drugs originating from our pharmacy will have one displayed on the label. Continue…

Part of the fun of cat ownership is observing the many “uniquely feline behaviors” displayed by our sweet kitties. Stalking, pouncing, fastidious grooming, and tail twitches are just some of the many examples of behaviors we observe in cats but not other pets. Kneading (the rhythmic, alternating push and pull of the front paws against a soft surface) is another common, yet puzzling, universal cat behavior.

So, why do cats knead?

A Matter of Comfort

Anyone who’s had the privilege of watching a cat knead can tell this is a pleasurable and comforting activity. Kittens knead their mother’s belly to stimulate the flow of milk, and it’s very likely this positive association has been carried over into their adult lives, regardless of when or how they were weaned. Continue…

Dr. Sandy Tisdelle

Chocolates and flowers and candles, Oh My! I’ve always though Valentine’s Day was a sneaky little holiday.  When you’re single it creeps past you quietly then wags its tail in your face reminding you there is one less holiday to be had for us independent folk.  Then, when you’re in a relationship, it impresses upon you that even though you may have just picked out the perfect Christmas gift for your honey and splurged a little too much, now it’s time to do it again.  It’s sneaky for our pets too.  Most of us with pets have been reminded to be careful about candy on Halloween, fattening foods at Thanksgiving, and sweets and tinsel at Christmas; but what about Valentine’s Day?  What hidden dangers might be in your house?

• Chocolate:

  Well, that’s a given.  I better not see a Valentine ’s Day without chocolate.  Chocolate is weight and dose dependent in dogs.  Smaller dogs need less chocolate to get a toxic dose than large dogs.  Also, darker chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate because it is all about the percent of cocoa.  Not all chocolate ingestion is going to result in a toxic dose but you will want to call your vet or animal poison control to be sure.  Better yet, just remember to keep it out of your fur babies reach. 

• Flowers:

  “Just Say No to Lilies”, would read my cat mom bumper sticker if I ever made one. Every day I look at my cat and wonder what it is in her cat brain that makes her taste each and every plant that comes into my house. I’ll never know the answer but at least I have someone else to blame for my black thumb. While lilies may not be a common flower to give on Valentine’s Day they are highly toxic to cats and can result in death from kidney failure.  Outside of lilies, there are many other flowers that may cause gastrointestinal issues in cats and dogs. You can find a complete list from the ASPCA here. While they may not be as toxic as lilies, it is still recommended to keep your cat from eating them.

• Candles and Essential Oils:

  Curious cat + open flame = vet visit. Burnt whiskers may give your cat character but it’s a sure sign your cat is curious and fearless.  Unattended candles left in your cat’s reach could be hazardous.  Kittens especially will be curious about flames and end up with lopsided whiskers.  In addition, scented candles and certain essential oils can be irritating to your cat’s respiratory system.  Do not apply essential oils to your pets directly without asking your veterinarian first.  Be sure to eliminate all flames and diffusers from the room when you leave so as not to expose the pets for a prolonged period of time.

To be real, if you’re like me and your favorite valentine is your four legged valentine, keep a few things in mind when spoiling your special someone.   Your cat and/or dog is likely not accustomed to eating rich foods or human foods.  Don’t overdo it on the treats.  Give your pup a special day and spend it outside at a dog park, hiking, or just sun bathing.  Take some extra time and play with your cat or just snuggle (it’s hard to predict their mood).   They even make edible cat plants you can buy now!  Let’s face it, our pets are the “people” in our lives that don’t need gifts and just want our time and love.  Happy cuddles.

Dr. Stephanie Everidge

1. What is Feline Leukemia Virus?

It is a virus that is one of the most common to infect cats. The virus can become a persistent infection and can lead to the immune system not working properly.  This virus can also cause anemia and cancer in cats.  Since it can affect the immune system, infections are more common as well as inflammation in cats that have this virus.  Feline leukemia virus is fatal and 80-90% of cats infected with Feline Leukemia Virus will die within 3-4 years of the initial diagnosis.

2. How is Feline Leukemia Virus spread?

The virus is spread by close contact with an infected cat. The virus can be spread through saliva, blood, urine, fecal material, nasal discharge, or even in milk.  Sharing of food bowels or waters bowls, litterbox sharing, mutual grooming, and bite wounds can also spread the virus.  Pregnant cats can also infect kittens while in the uterus as well as by nursing.  Less common spread of the virus can occur through blood transfusions, fomites, and contaminated instruments.

3. Is there treatment of Feline Leukemia Virus?

There is no specific treatment or cure of Feline Leukemia Virus. The treatment is aimed at helped patients with secondary infections and to control these secondary infections.  This can be completed by using antibiotics or other treatments to help the immune system.

4. Is there any prevention for the virus?

Yes. There is a vaccine that is recommended for cats with risk for the virus.  We usually recommend for any cat that goes outdoors to have the vaccine series performed due to risk of contact with other cats. This vaccine is then boostered every year for the rest of the cat’s life.   The vaccine is usually very safe but please address any questions or concerns with your veterinarian.

Also, it is recommended for multi-cat households to have testing completed of all cats before introduction of a new cat. If a cat in your household is positive for the virus, the best way to prevent spread is to separate the infected cats vs. the uninfected cats.   The good news is that the virus does not survive outside the body very well and common household cleaners such as bleach can kill the virus.

5. Is there a test for Feline Leukemia infection?

Yes. There is a specific test that has been developed to detect the virus in cat’s blood.  This test is usually very specific but false positives can occur.  Therefore, retesting of your cat or completing a different test may be recommended.  Kittens are usually tested for this virus before adoption.

6. Any other recommendations for cats with Feline Leukemia virus?

Yes. It is recommended for cats with Feline Leukemia Virus to have bloodwork yearly to look for changes with red blood cells and signs of infection.  Also, sometimes radiographs of the chest or abdomen may be recommended.

Dr Bridget Andersen

There are numerous toxins in a typical household to which our pets could become exposed.  Toxic substances range from obvious hazards such as rat poison, to seemingly benign substances such as over the counter flea medications and raisins.  It is impossible to remember all of the potentially harmful household items, but there a few key facts that every pet owner should know.

EXPOSURE TO TOXINS? NOW WHAT?:

1. Whenever a pet has been exposed to a potentially harmful substance but seems normal, call a poison control hotline for advice.  Animal Medical Hospital recommends the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline at (888) 426-4435. Note: this service is included in the HomeAgain membership.    This organization has the most accurate and expansive database of toxins, and they will be able to calculate the toxic dose your pet received and advise whether or not your pet needs to be treated.
2. If your pet is already showing signs of illness, bring him/her into the hospital and we can call the Poison Control Hotline once your pet arrives.    There is a fee for the hotline’s services but it is well worth your while and may prevent an emergency visit to the hospital.
   1. If possible, have the product label available during the phone conversation so that you can provide information as to the product ingredients, concentration, and quantity.
   2. Also, bring the container/product label to the veterinary hospital – including the quantity spilled and vomited.

TOPICAL EXPOSURE:

If your pet has had a topical exposure to a toxic substance (over the counter flea medication, household cleaners, 100% tea tree oil, antifreeze, etc) wash your pet immediately with mild dish detergent and copious amounts of water.  It is best to wear gloves in case the product is toxic to humans as well.   For powders, vacuuming the pet’s fur prior to bathing is ideal.   For eye exposure, immediately flush the eyes with water, or ideally saline solution prepared for eyes.  Then follow up with a phone call to Poison Control or Animal Medical Hospital.

INGESTION:

For ingestion of a potentially toxic substance it is best to seek advice prior to treatment.  If the substance is deemed non-caustic and the ingestion has occurred within the hour, it may be recommended to induce vomiting.  This is best performed at a veterinary facility with an intravenous injection because the injection is less irritating to the stomach lining than oral induction.   However, if unable to bring your pet to the hospital, vomiting can be induced at home using FRESH 3% hydrogen peroxide.  Feeding a small amount of dog food or bread prior to induction of vomiting is commonly recommended.  It is helpful to keep a turkey baster, bulb syringe, or large medicine syringe on hand in order to administer the hydrogen peroxide.

INGESTION OF CAUSTIC SUBSTANCES:

It is extremely important to contact your veterinarian or Poison control center prior to induction of vomiting because vomiting is contraindicated when the ingested material is caustic.  Caustic items are corrosive and cause mild irritation to necrosis/sloughing of the mucosal tissue of the mouth and esophagus.  Common caustic household items are alkalis (in cleaning products), turpentine, and petroleum products.   In these cases it is best to dilute the toxin by giving milk or water and head to the emergency facility immediately.

The list of toxic substances is very long and is often time dose dependent.  For complete lists of toxic substances, please go to www.ASPCA.org.