March 2020

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WHEN BAD THINGS SMELL GOOD: PROTECTING YOUR DOG FROM HARMFUL ‘TREATS’

WHEN BAD THINGS SMELL GOOD: PROTECTING YOUR DOG FROM HARMFUL ‘TREATS’

Written by Alan Norris, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM

Veterinary Medical Director

Animal Health Partners

Every dog owner knows that our canine friends lead by their nose and mouth, and then their brains catch up. Reflecting this primal canine drive, a day in the emergency room is never without a toxin or two. Our close living quarters, access to a variety of foods, medications and toxins can provide our dogs a plethora of opportunities to get themselves into trouble.
As an owner, you try to prevent access to the toxins, but you may not realize that some of the foods are toxic to our canine friends. So, here is a partial list of some of the toxins we frequently encounter.

Chocolate

Chocolate cravings are not just for people. Dogs love chocolate, but chocolate does not love dogs. Toxicity is dependent on two things: the type of chocolate and the size of the dog. Dark chocolate is most toxic, while milk chocolate is the least toxic. White chocolate does not contain xanthine, theobromine or caffeine (which begs the question is it chocolate?) and is not specifically toxic but can cause vomiting and diarrhea if enough of it is ingested.

Symptoms of chocolate toxicity include agitation or restless behaviour, panting, increased urination, vomiting and diarrhea. More concerning symptoms may be missed at home including irregular heart rhythms. Early treatment of chocolate ingestion can allow your veterinarian to induce vomiting and can often prevent or minimize the symptoms.

Marijuana

Up until recently this would not have been on the list of “foods,” but edibles have hit the market and the variety of possible treats is wide ranging. Dogs have a strong propensity for the smell and possibly flavour of marijuana, making it one of our most common toxicities in the emergency room. The most common symptoms of this are altered mentation where the dog may seem very quiet but startles easily, may have difficulty walking and may be difficult to rouse at all. In addition, we can see dribbling of urine and sometimes vomiting. If caught early inducing vomiting may mitigate or decrease the symptoms. Supportive treatment including intravenous fluids and in more severe cases intralipid therapy can help to reduce the severity or duration of symptoms.

Raisins/Grapes

More than one owner has informed me that “they used to feed their dog grapes every day and they lived to be 15 years old”. True – but I have also seen dogs die from a very small number of ingested grapes. We do not know the exact mechanism of toxicity, but we do know it is a real and present danger. Grapes and raisins cause kidney failure which can be irreversible and fatal. The amount required to be toxic is also unknown. Be aware of hidden raisins in the baked goods. These are definitely foods that should be kept away from your dog and early intervention can mean the difference between life and death.

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Onions/Garlic/Shallots/Chives/Leeks

The family Amaryllidaceae contains all these plants.  Ingestion of a sufficient quantity of these plants by your dog can cause destruction of red blood cells.  The loss of these oxygen carrying cells in the bloodstream results in weakness, increased respiration rates, pale mucous membranes and possibly a change of colour of the urine.  This is not an immediate reaction, but it can be fatal if not caught. Treatment can require blood transfusions, which are expensive so it is best to avoid ingestion. In the case of ingestion, seeking immediate veterinary attention may prevent more costly treatment options. 

Avocados

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Who doesn’t love avocado and toast!  Fortunately, this concoction is not toxic, but the seed of the avocado does pose some dangers.  Avocado seeds contain persin (a fungicidal toxin)  which can cause vomiting and reportedly heart damage. This is rare in my experience.  The greater concern is for an intestinal foreign body. Large dogs have swallowed these slippery stones whole and endoscopic retrieval is usually impossible causing surgery to be the only solution.  Avocados are best kept far away from our dogs.  

Xylitol

Xylitol is a naturally occurring substance that is widely used as a sugar substitute. Although it is safe for people, it is extremely toxic to dogs. It is found in foods, oral cleansers and most frequently chewing gum. The toxic dose of xylitol is surprisingly small with some brands of gum containing enough xylitol in 2 pieces to cause significant harm in a 20kg dog. Symptoms of xylitol toxicity include vomiting, weakness, lethargy, tremors or seizures. These neurological signs are due to hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. An ingestion of a large amount can cause liver damage which can be fatal. Like all toxins prevent access by reading labels and avoid this substitute in your house. If ingested, early intervention is a must.

Macadamia Nuts

Likely because of their cost this is not a commonly seen toxin – which is good because it is a particularly unpleasant one for our canine patients. The mechanism of toxicity is not known but symptoms include vomiting, difficulty walking, weakness, fever, muscle tremors and depression. Dogs seem to be the only animal that is reported to suffer from this. The toxicity is relatively high with some reporting that about 5 nuts per kilogram can cause symptoms. Symptomatic treatment is the only recourse once the toxin has been absorbed.

Dough

Under this category we want to think of both yeast-based doughs (bread dough) and salt-based doughs (“Play Doh” for example). The former can cause profound gastric distension, mechanical obstruction and even damage to the stomach wall as the stomach itself is a great environment for dough to expand. In addition, the fermentation process can lead to neurological signs due to ethanol production and acidosis. Altered mentation, tremors, seizures, abdominal pain and/or distension, vomiting or retching can all be seen. Ingestion of yeast-based dough can be fatal if not aggressively managed in a hospital setting and although rare – surgery has been required to remove the dough.

The salt-based doughs that are sometimes created for play or arts and crafts are also appealing to our canine friends and the quantity of salt in a small amount is highly toxic. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, lethargy, incoordination, increased drinking and increased urination. In severe cases, tremors, seizures, coma, and even death are possible. This is a medical emergency.

Mouldy Foods

Dogs don’t have the same aversions that we do. Eating the end of the mouldy cheese or taking the opportunity to raid the compost bin for the loaf of discarded mouldy bread are both gastronomic delights for our dogs. Mould contains mycotoxins and this substance can result in vomiting, diarrhea, tremors and even seizures. Knowledge of the ingestion of mould allows for early treatment and may prevent the symptoms and need for hospitalization.

Our dogs love our food, but there are treats that we should not share and must keep away from our pets. Knowledge of these items is the first step in keeping your companion safe. .

About The Company

Animal Health Partners Toronto is a new veterinary emergency and specialty hospital modeled after best practices in human medicine. Lead by a team of highly qualified veterinary specialists, Animal Health Partners Toronto Emergency and Specialty Hospital is bringing the world’s best practices of private human healthcare to veterinarian care.

Rodan-AHP-070219-221_web

The technical proficiency and medical equipment at Animal Health Partners equals or exceeds that found in sophisticated human hospitals. 

Animal Health Partners provides the highest-quality Veterinarian Services in Toronto. Our specialists combine their collective knowledge and skill in the treatment of complex or multifaceted cases. We serve as an extension of your family veterinarian and provide exceptional specialty care by treating our patients as if they were our own pets.

Our Core Values

Quality

At the root of all we do at Animal Health Partners is a commitment to the highest quality of veterinary care. This means that the diagnostic tests we run and the treatments we provide are informed by the best available scientific evidence and implemented by the most highly qualified veterinarians and staff.

Compassion

We understand that the experience of illness and injury can be painful and scary for pets and their owners. We strive to reduce discomfort as much as possible using gentle handling techniques, appropriate pain-management, stress-reducing design features, non-invasive interventions and a continuous emphasis on empathic patient-centered care.

Service

Intrinsic to our goal of providing the highest quality of medicine is providing efficient, courteous, attentive and responsive service to the owners and referring veterinarians that have entrusted us with the care of their pets and patients.

Innovation

Medicine is rapidly evolving. Our technologically advanced institution is equipped to employ and pioneer the most cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment modalities available in veterinary medicine with the goal of improving the quality of care for all patients.

Partnership

High-quality care and optimal patient outcomes rely not on any one individual but on the strength of the connections between many. Ensuring the best possible outcomes for our patients means creating solid partnerships with their owners and referring veterinarians. It also means establishing relationships more broadly with the community, the human medical field and with industry.

Sponsored Content

The Official Vet of

Woofstock 2020

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5 Ways to Manage a Multi-Dog Household

5 Ways to Manage a Multi-Dog Household

Written by

Katie Stokes

When it comes to dogs, more isn’t always merrier. Sometimes the dynamic of a multi-dog household can be a lot to handle. While it may be difficult to understand, dogs have preferences for each other and different behaviours. We tend to see dogs are either one thing or another; either they’re very social with other dogs or they’re not social at all. Either they’re intimidated by bigger dogs or they’re not. But in reality, there’s a scale and every dog is different. The sooner we learn this and stop expecting our dogs to behave a certain way, the easier it becomes to manage a multi-dog household. These five tips may help:

1. Manage Triggers
Mealtime can be a big trigger for some dogs. If your dogs are working on tolerating each other, feeding separately can make that easier. Eating requires you to be relaxed but it’s hard to rest and digest if you’re stressed. If you want your dogs to get along, don’t force them to eat near each other until you know how much they’ll tolerate it.
Treats can also be an issue. Make sure they’re instant and go from your hand to their mouth. Every dog enjoys treats differently so it’s up to you to read the situation and do your best to eliminate any potential fights that may break out between dogs based on their eating habits, timelines or pet peeves.
Toys can be a valued asset and distraction but they can also be the cause of some serious bickering and jealousy in a multi-dog household. If sharing toys is an issue with your dogs, consider supervised play time instead of allowing toys to be used whenever the dogs want.

2. Be Aware of Conflict Areas

Doorways and narrow spaces can be the cause of a lot of conflict because they’re so enclosed. Corridors, landings, stairways etc are all areas that may cause issues if multiple dogs are in those spaces at the same time. If two dogs are already struggling to get along, everything is multiplied by 1000 in a confined space so do your best to avoid confrontations in those areas. Place food bowls, water and beds in open spaces so there’s no extra tension during meal or bed time.
3. Don’t Underestimate Alone Time
Every dog should always be able to get away from the others if they need to. It’s not healthy for dogs to be together 24/7. Crates or having dog friendly spaces in separate rooms can help dogs put space between each other when it’s needed. They want to spend time with you so don’t deprive them of that, just ensure you’re giving them the alone time they need when they’ve had enough contact.
4. Control the Sleeping Situation
Personal space is a necessity. Imagine how you would feel if your sibling just slept in your bed one night and was constantly fighting for a chance to sleep there every night. A loose or uncertain sleeping situation can cause a lot of aggravation and stress, especially when multiple dogs are trying to get comfortable. Each dog should have their own personal space. Whether it’s in one room in separate beds or in different rooms altogether based on where they’re most comfortable.
5.Recognize Teachable Moments
Multiple dog households can be a breeding ground for insecurity and jealousy. Teaching dogs that compete for affection when enough is enough, or keeping group petting at a minimum can help. This will allow them to understand that they don’t need to compete for your love. Your job is to teach them so it does you no favours to oblige them every single time they demand love (especially at the expense of the other dogs). Neither, though, is it ok to completely ignore them. Don’t accept impatience or bad manners. Teach them that good things come to those who wait if you’d like for them to be patient and polite. Remember that they aren’t misbehaving on purpose, they just haven’t learned yet so be patient with them as a multi-dog household can be difficult to navigate for our four legged friends.
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SHOULD I BRING HIM/HER IN?

LETTER FROM THE VET

Written by Dr. Barb Bryer,

DVM Head of Emergency Medicine

After more than 20 years of working in emergency medicine – it is still possibly the most frequently asked question: “Should I bring him in?”. With this in mind let’s simplify things into 6 basic categories of things that should make you answer – Yes to that question without a veterinarian having to guide you.

Trauma

Trauma comes in many forms. Falls from heights (cats on balconies), being hit by a car, wounds from animal to animal encounters or impalement on an object are all rather obvious. Sometimes the sustained trauma is obvious, but it is often not evident on the outside and can take hours or even months to be detected. Take the case of the dog that was hit by a car months prior. The owner witnessed her beagle get hit but because she got right up, was walking normally and there was no blood, the owner did not seek veterinary attention. Months later she rapidly developed an increased respiratory rate and could not settle. On this visit to the veterinarian, she was diagnosed with a diaphragmatic hernia. This necessitated an emergency surgery. Had she been seen originally the owner may have avoided the additional stress, costs and illness to the dog as this injury was likely due to the blunt force trauma that was sustained months earlier.

Gait Changes

A change in the way your pet moves can be an indicator of orthopaedic disease or neurological disease and is often accompanied by pain. Most owners can easily detect a limp but reluctance to get on or off furniture and not willing or able to go up or down stairs can also be an indication of a problem. More subtle changes can be scuffing the nails or wearing down nails on one paw or only some of the nails (outside or inside) on more than one paw. Slow changes like wearing on the nails or slow changes in mobility do not require emergency treatment but sudden changes or obvious signs of pain such as crying out or not able to rise should be seen as soon as possible. Our pets cannot may not be able to communicate the level of pain they are experiencing and it is heartbreaking to speak with an owner that describes how much better their pet is once they have proper analgesia. Nobody should be in pain.

Respiratory Changes

It is the first two items in our ABCs of first aid – airway and breathing and should always be considered an emergency. Our pets ability to breath is paramount not only to sustain life but also for comfort. Symptoms of respiratory distress can include coughing, rapid breathing, noisy breathing, and exaggerated movements of the chest or abdomen. Sometimes all that owners will notice is that their pet cannot seem to settle and does not seem to be able to lay down or rest. I am often requested to ensure that a pet is not in pain but suffocating cannot be any less distressing. The average pet will breath approximately 40 breaths per minute or less when at rest. This count is attained but counting each time the chest rises or falls (pick only one) for 60 seconds. If you are noticing that your pet has an increased respiratory rate at rest – this is an emergency.

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Ins and Outs

A big and widely encompassing category here but if there are sudden or prolonged changes to “ins” (food, water) or “outs” (urine, bowel movements) or abnormal ins (toxins, non-food substances such as toys,clothing or other foreign materials) or abnormal outs (diarrhea, bleeding, vaginal discharge, preputial discharge, eye discharge or nasal discharge) a trip to the veterinarian in in order. Remember that sometimes it is the absence of ins and outs too. Refusal to eat, straining to have a bowel movement or a lack of urination can also be emergencies. Cats are often thought to be constipated when witnessed straining in the litter pan but more commonly it is a urinary tract obstruction and this can be a fatal disease of not treated early.

Neurological Changes or Behaviour Changes

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Without a doubt most owners would seek veterinary attention for a seizure; they can be terrifying if you have never seen one and can be a symptom of serious underlying neurological disease such as epilepsy, brain tumours, inflammation of the brain or sometimes a metabolic or systemic diseases. They can also be symptoms of toxin ingestion. Toxins don’t always cause seizures but changes such as agitation, wobbly gait, tremors or listlessness can also be seen. Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) is an example of a toxin that can create relatively subtle changes in behaviour that can be overlooked. The pet may start with vomiting and progress to lethargy, a wobbly gait or stumbling. Early treatment is needed for survival.

Visible changes

Pet owners are usually acutely aware of their pet’s appearance. Red eyes, squinting or cloudy eyes can all be signs of glaucoma (increased pressure within the eye) and rapid treatment is needed to save vision and the eye itself. Abdomens that swell or limbs that swell should be attended to. Loss of fur or licking an area can be signs of itching or pain. Swellings on the body that come up rapidly can be caused by abscesses. Best to have a veterinarian exam any rapid changes you notice in your pet’s appearance.

Remember – for some conditions, early intervention can mean the difference between life and death or at the very least mitigating costs and providing your pet with the best care and comfort. For other diseases, early examination often leads to a diagnosis sooner and may also decrease the overall severity of the disease or discomfort. Emergency veterinarians love to give good news even if it is the form or reassurance that you have nothing to worry about or guidance of what you should watch for. If in doubt – common in. We are here to help.

About The Company

Animal Health Partners Toronto is a new veterinary emergency and specialty hospital modeled after best practices in human medicine. Lead by a team of highly qualified veterinary specialists, Animal Health Partners Toronto Emergency and Specialty Hospital is bringing the world’s best practices of private human healthcare to veterinarian care.

Rodan-AHP-070219-221_web

The technical proficiency and medical equipment at Animal Health Partners equals or exceeds that found in sophisticated human hospitals. 

Animal Health Partners provides the highest-quality Veterinarian Services in Toronto. Our specialists combine their collective knowledge and skill in the treatment of complex or multifaceted cases. We serve as an extension of your family veterinarian and provide exceptional specialty care by treating our patients as if they were our own pets.

 

Our Core Values

Quality

At the root of all we do at Animal Health Partners is a commitment to the highest quality of veterinary care. This means that the diagnostic tests we run and the treatments we provide are informed by the best available scientific evidence and implemented by the most highly qualified veterinarians and staff.

Compassion

We understand that the experience of illness and injury can be painful and scary for pets and their owners. We strive to reduce discomfort as much as possible using gentle handling techniques, appropriate pain-management, stress-reducing design features, non-invasive interventions and a continuous emphasis on empathic patient-centered care.

Service

Intrinsic to our goal of providing the highest quality of medicine is providing efficient, courteous, attentive and responsive service to the owners and referring veterinarians that have entrusted us with the care of their pets and patients.

Innovation

Medicine is rapidly evolving. Our technologically advanced institution is equipped to employ and pioneer the most cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment modalities available in veterinary medicine with the goal of improving the quality of care for all patients.

Partnership

High-quality care and optimal patient outcomes rely not on any one individual but on the strength of the connections between many. Ensuring the best possible outcomes for our patients means creating solid partnerships with their owners and referring veterinarians. It also means establishing relationships more broadly with the community, the human medical field and with industry.

Sponsored Content

The Official Vet of

Woofstock 2020