Thanksgiving Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe

Thanksgiving is just around the corner which means the folks at VSES are getting prepared to be here if you need us. Below are some pet safety tips so that you and your furry companion can avoid visiting us and instead stay home with the rest of your family on the holiday.

Turkey NO NO’s: Everybody has that relative who likes to ‘help’ prepare the meal--by telling you exactly what you are doing wrong. We too have some advice on how to prepare the turkey but it has nothing to do with how you stuff the bird. Do not feed your pet raw or under cooked turkey-it could contain harmful bacteria called salmonella.  Do not let your pet near the turkey carcass. Bones of any size could cause severe digestive tract issues if consumed by your pet.

Keep These Items Out of Reach: If your four legged friend is like any other, they are very VERY curious. To ensure their safety make sure alcohol, raw yeast dough and cake batter is not left unattended. The ingestion of any of these items can lead to a life threatening emergency requiring hospitalization.

Party Etiquette: Thanksgiving is a time for friends and family to get together and enjoy one another’s company. However, your animal companion may not share the same sediment. If you find Uncle Ben’s laugh to be roaring and terrifying, chances are so does your dog. Some animals find large groups or strangers in their house quite distressing.  If they are nervous or have a tendency to bite it is best to separate them from the Thanksgiving festivities.

 If you (or your sister’s kid) decide to feed your four legged friend a sample of your Thanksgiving feast a few small pieces of turkey, a bit of grandma’s mashed potatoes or even a lick of Aunt Susan’s pumpkin pie should not cause a problem. However, be sure not to allow your pets to overindulge, as their stomachs are more sensitive than ours. Too much of Thanksgiving’s bounty could give them some serious GI issues like vomiting, diarrhea or the worst of all- pancreatitis. To be safe, we recommend you keep your pet on their regular diet.

We understand accidents happen and we will be here if you need us. If you have a concern or think you may need to bring your furry companion in do not hesitate to call us or come in. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is just around the corner which means the folks at VSES are getting prepared to be here if you need us. Below are some pet safety tips so that you and your furry companion can avoid visiting us and instead stay home with the rest of your family on the holiday.

Turkey NO NO’s: Everybody has that relative who likes to ‘help’ prepare the meal--by telling you exactly what you are doing wrong. We too have some advice on how to prepare the turkey but it has nothing to do with how you stuff the bird. Do not feed your pet raw or under cooked turkey-it could contain harmful bacteria called salmonella.  Do let your pet near the turkey carcass. Bones of any size could cause severe digestive tract issues if consumed by your pet.

Keep These Items Out of Reach: If your four legged friend is like any other, they are very VERY curious. To ensure their safety make sure alcohol, raw yeast dough and cake batter is not left unattended. The ingestion of any of these items can lead to a life threatening emergency requiring hospitalization.

Party Etiquette: Thanksgiving is a time for friends and family to get together and enjoy one another’s company. However, your animal companion may not share the same sediment. If you find Uncle Ben’s laugh to be roaring and terrifying, chances are so does your dog. Some animals find large groups or strangers in their house quite distressing.  If they are nervous or have a tendency to bite it is best to separate them from the Thanksgiving festivities.

 If you (or your sister’s kid) decide to feed your four legged friend a sample of your Thanksgiving feast a few small pieces of turkey, a bit of grandma’s mashed potatoes or even a lick of Aunt Susan’s pumpkin pie should not cause a problem. However, be sure not to allow your pets to overindulge, as their stomachs are more sensitive than ours. Too much of Thanksgiving’s bounty could give them some serious GI issues like vomiting, diarrhea or the worst of all- pancreatitis. To be safe, we recommend you keep your pet on their regular diet.

We understand accidents happen and we will be here if you need us. If you have a concern or think you may need to bring your furry companion in do not hesitate to call us or come in. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Canine Parvovirus

What is Parvovirus?

Parvovirus, often called “parvo” is an extremely contagious virus that infects dogs and causes severe gastrointestinal (GI) illness. Puppies under 4 months of age and adult dogs who have not received vaccines are most at risk from parvovirus.  The virus is spread by contact between a dog’s oral or nasal cavity and the feces of a dog infected by the virus.  Parvovirus can also be contracted through contact with infected surfaces, such as bowls, bedding, and even outdoor areas where infected dogs have been housed. The parvovirus is tough, and can live for months in soil or on surfaces if not properly disinfected. 

What Does Parvovirus Look Like?

Once a dog has come into contact with the virus, it takes three to seven days before any signs or symptoms are seen. Not all dogs that come into contact with the virus will be infected; puppies are the most vulnerable because their immune systems are not yet fully functional.  The virus attacks the cells which line the length of the intestines, causing the infected dog to have large amounts of vomiting and diarrhea, which is often bloody. This leads to severe dehydration and shock. Parvovirus also attacks white blood cells, which reduces the dog’s ability to fight further infections. As the illness progresses, the intestines’ ability to prevent bacteria from entering the blood stream decreases, which can lead to infection of the blood stream, called sepsis. Many infected puppies die within 48 to 72 hours if untreated, so a puppy (or adult dog) showing signs of severe vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, lethargy and loss of appetite should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. 

How Does a Veterinarian Diagnose and Treat Parvovirus?

If a dog is suspected of having parvovirus, the veterinarian will often order a virus-specific ELISA test to look for antibodies to the virus. A small swab is taken from the dog’s rectum, and is added to a color-changing test. A color change at the test site indicates a positive result; the more pronounced the color change, the more antibodies are present.  Since false positives or negatives are possible, veterinarians will often order a complete blood count (CBC) for confirmation. This test takes a small amount of blood and looks at the dog’s blood cells. A low white cell count is often seen with dogs that are infected with the virus. This result, along with a positive ELISA test, gives the veterinarian confidence in the diagnosis of parvovirus. 

Treatment for the virus mainly consists of supporting the dog through the course of the illness; there is no specific cure for parvovirus. Infected dogs must often be hospitalized in an isolated area, to prevent the transmission of the virus to other dogs.  The fluids and electrolytes lost from vomiting and diarrhea must be replaced, often with the use of an IV (intravenous) drip.  Medications to stop or combat vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea are given, and the dog is kept warm and clean. As soon as possible, intake of food is encouraged, as this helps to minimize the loss of cells in the intestine.  Treatment should be started early, and should be aggressive to give the infected dog the best possible chance of survival. Even if these guidelines are followed, some dogs may die, but successful outcomes may approach 90% if proper treatment is initiated. 

How Can Parvovirus Be Prevented?

Proper vaccination of both puppies and adult dogs is of the utmost importance in preventing parvovirus infection.   Starting at 6 weeks of age, puppies should receive a combination shot (which vaccinates against parvovirus, distemper, adenovirus, and parainfluenza) every 3 to 4 weeks until they are at least 16 weeks of age. The vaccine should be boostered 1 year later, then every 1 to 3 years for the life of the dog.

Puppies should be kept away from areas where large groups of dogs can be found, such as kennels, doggy day cares, dog parks, and pet-friendly stores, until they are finished with their puppy vaccines at 16 weeks of age.  Adult dogs should receive yearly exams and vaccine boosters as often as recommended by a veterinarian. Dogs should not be taken to homes or areas where ill dogs have been housed. Though there is a slight chance puppies or dogs can still contract the virus in spite of these efforts, following these guidelines will dramatically decrease the chance that infection will occur.

Written by, Sarah Pavlina-Whelehan, LVT, VTS (ECC)

Clinical Educator at VSES

The Importance of Keeping Your Pet Hydrated in the Summer

We all enjoy spending time outdoors in the summer with our dogs, but it is important to keep them hydrated and cool just like we do for ourselves. Unlike us, our four-legged companions don’t sweat to cool themselves. While we see them panting, we may not realize the amount of water they are actually losing. They lose water and release heat through a process called evaporation, which is the endothermic process of a fluid changing to a vapor. 

Dogs bring large quantities of air in contact with the mucosal surfaces of the nose and mouth by panting; this allows them to release heat primarily by evaporation. Your dog's ability to cool himself through this method effectively decreases as humidity increases; therefore, it is important to consider the heat index. The heat index combines air temperature and relative humidity in an attempt to determine what the temperature “feels like” to our bodies. So, while we are sweating away and realize we are becoming dehydrated, we don’t realize that “Fido” is also dehydrated. Once dehydrated, dogs are less able to cool themselves through evaporative cooling. Much like a car without water in the radiator, dogs will rapidly overheat and suffer from heat stroke.

There are several things that can be done to help maintain adequate hydration and avoid heat stroke. First, make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water before, during and after being outside. If you are planning on taking your dog out for an extended period of time, bring along water and offer it every 15-30 minutes. Plenty of pet-friendly water bottles with dishes are available online or in your local pet and sporting goods stores. 

Symptoms of dehydration include the gums feeling tacky to the touch and the skin becoming slow to return to its natural position when pulled up. Other signs include excessive panting and a rapid heart rate. It is a good idea to evaluate your dog before going out so you have an idea of what his normal hydration is like. That being said, most veterinarians find it difficult to determine when a dog is less than five percent dehydrated. Therefore, if you feel your dog is dehydrated, it is better to err on the side of caution. Stop your activity, offer your dog water and find a cool place in the shade for him to recover.   

Also, to avoid dehydration in the summer sun, avoid activity in the middle of the day and allow your dog time to get used to warm temperatures. In other words, don’t take him for a long walk on the first warm day of the year. Also, always consider your dog’s health and breed. Dogs with heavy coats, pre-existing respiratory conditions (whether acquired or inherited) or who are overweight are at a higher risk for having trouble as temperatures and humidity increase.

This summer while you and your four-legged companion are out enjoying the weather, remember to keep his hydration and the forecast in mind. Pay careful attention to cues your dog may give that he is overexerting himself in the heat.  It is better to underestimate your dog's fitness and overestimate his dehydration than to take a chance with heatstroke, which can have terrible consequences. 

 Written by Thomas Linnenbrink, DVM

Dr. Tom Linnenbrink has practiced veterinary medicine for more than 12 years. He completed his undergraduate studies in biology at Colorado State University and received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University’s School of Veterinary Medicine in 2001. He worked as an intern in medicine and surgery at Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine before moving to Rochester, New York, to work as an emergency staff clinician, at Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Services.

Tips for a “Pet”riotic Celebration

America’s birthday is just around the corner. As you celebrate the long weekend with barbecues, parades and fireworks, be sure to take a few precautionary measures to ensure a safe and happy holiday for you and your pets.

• Beat the heat! Remember, if you’re overheated, your dog is definitely overheated too. Try to save strenuous outdoor activities for the cooler time of day and carry water with you for your dog. If he or she starts to display signs of heat stress – excessive panting, weakness, dark coloration of the gums – immediately wet your dog’s coat, place him in a cool area with a fan blowing on him, apply ice to the foot pads and call your veterinarian.
• Be cool near the pool. Don’t leave pets unsupervised around a pool or lake—not all dogs are expert swimmers! Also, pools aren’t large water bowls—they contain chlorine and other toxic chemicals that can cause stomach problems.
• Beware of bugs! Fleas and ticks are in full swing during the summer, and spending a lot of time outdoors for the holiday can put your pet at risk. Flea bites result in itching and all of your dog’s scratching can result in skin lacerations and secondary infections. Ticks are carriers of Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and other infectious diseases. The best treatment is prevention, and there are plenty of great products available! Ask your veterinarian what product will work best for your pet’s lifestyle.
• Travel like a pro! If you’re traveling with your pet for the holiday – or at any point throughout the warm season – NEVER leave him or her in the car, even if the windows are open. If you must stop in your travels, either have someone stay with your pet inside the car with the air conditioning on, have someone stay with your dog outside, or leave your pet at home.
• Stay fire-smart. Keep your pet away from fireworks, matches, citronella candles and lighter fluid, which if eaten can irritate the stomach, lungs and central nervous system.
• Avoid lathering your pet with any insect repellent or sunscreen not intended for those with four legs. Ingestion can result in drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy. Ask your veterinarian what brands are best to keep your pet safe from the sun and insects.
• Avoid scraps from the grill. Stick with your pet’s normal diet—any change, even for a day, can result in stomach upset. Certain foods like onions, chocolate, grapes and raisins are especially toxic to pets.
• Alcohol is poisonous to pets, place all wine, beer and spirits well out of paws’ way.

As always, if you suspect your pet has ingested something poisonous, please contact your veterinarian or Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Services at (585)424-1277.

Top 10 Household Toxins to Dogs and Cats

 Top 10 Household Toxins to Dogs and Cats  

Written by Ashley Forti, BVMS, MRCVS 

1. Chocolate, coffee and caffeine

These products contain theobromine (a methylxanthine) found in cocoa seeds, coffee beans and some nuts. Toxic side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, panting, hyperactivity, increased thirst and urination, tremors, seizures and death. Dark chocolate, baking chocolate and cocoa powder have higher levels of methylxanthines than milk or white chocolates.

2. Raisins and grapes

These fruits have the potential to cause kidney failure, but the toxic substance is unknown and not dose-related. Some dogs can eat them and be just fine, but other dogs may be more sensitive and develop clinical signs after ingesting a small amount. It is best to avoid feeding these to your pets due to the potentially lethal effects.

3. Over the counter medications (Aspirin, Aleve, Advil, Tylenol, etc.)

It may be tempting to try to treat your pet’s pain at home; however administering these common pain relievers can be deadly. Symptoms include gastrointestinal irritation, ulceration, perforation leading to sepsis and death. They can also cause acute kidney failure and neurological disease. There are other veterinary pain medications that are specifically formulated for dogs and cats, and are much safer to use than the human versions.

4. Lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis species)

Lily toxicity has mainly been reported in cats. The target organ is the kidneys, and clinical signs include vomiting, anorexia, lethargy and acute kidney failure. All parts of the plant are toxic and clinical signs are usually seen between six-12 hours after ingestion.

5. Garlic, onions and chives

These plants can cause gastrointestinal upset and red blood cell damage in dogs and especially cats. If they ingest toxic doses, they can develop a condition in which red blood cells are destroyed called Heinz Body Anemia.

6. Xylitol

This is an artificial sweetener used in many candies, sugar-free gum, baked goods and toothpaste. It can cause insulin release, low-blood sugar and leads to liver failure. Initial signs include vomiting, lethargy, loss of coordination and seizures. Prompt treatment may be effective but liver failure can be seen within days of ingestion; if this occurs prognosis is poor.

7. Hops

Home brewing has become very popular and veterinarians are seeing an increase in the number of dogs that have ingested hops. Hops are used in the beer-making process and are toxic to dogs. It can cause a dangerously high body temperature, panting, elevated heart rate, anxiety, vomiting and even death. Effects can be seen very quickly and death can occur after only six hours.

8. Raw bread dough/yeast

Yeast can cause your pet’s stomach to painfully swell, bloat with gas and potentially twist,

which is a life-threatening emergency. The yeast undergoes a reaction in the stomach

and one of the byproducts of this reaction is ethanol. Ethanol (alcohol) created in the

stomach causes your pet to become drunk and other symptoms of a twisted gut may become apparent.

9. Albuterol inhaler

Biting or chewing these inhalers can cause severe issues including arrhythmias, changes in blood pressure, anxiety, restlessness, tremors, weakness and electrolyte

abnormalities. With prompt veterinary care, prognosis is generally good.

10. Recreational substances

These substances can be consumed by accident and cause severe symptoms. Alcohol causes depression, lethargy, sedation, wobbliness and metabolic acidosis. IV fl uid therapy and other treatments may be warranted if your pet is experiencing these symptoms. Marijuana causes vomiting, changes in heart rate and body temperature, vocalizing, urinary incontinence, hyperactivity, seizures, weakness, depression and coma. Dogs often eat brownies or cookies that contain this substance, but they can also eat the marijuana by itself.

 There are hundreds of other household toxins that are toxic to our pets. For a complete list please visit  www.aspcapro.org/poison. The most important part of treating any toxin exposure is rapid decontanmination, so it is important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible. If you are at all concerned that your pet may have ingested any of these toxins, please contact Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Services at (585) 424-1277 or ASPCA poison control at (888) 426-4435. 

Dr. Ashley Forti is a staff doctor at Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Services. She graduated from the University of Glasgow School of Medicine in Glasgow, Scotland in 2015. Dr. Forti's professional interests include small animal surgery and exotic pets. She has a four-year-old Russian Tortoise named Boris.