February 19, 2025

National Pet Dental Month & Heart Month

Dental health is an essential part of a pet’s well-being. By taking proactive measures to care for their pet’s teeth, owners can help prevent dental problems and ensure their furry companions live long, healthy lives.

Heart Health

It is important that every dog and cat owner is empowered to recognize signs of heart disease in their companion animals. Regular veterinary check-ups are a key component in keeping your pet’s heart healthy.

6 Signs of Heart Disease in Pets

• Difficulty breathing
• Pale gums
• Weight loss
• Swollen abdomen
• Excessive tiredness or fainting
• Dry cough

January 29, 2025

6 Million Cats Are Diagnosed with Cancer Each Year

No one wants to imagine their precious kitty being diagnosed with cancer, but it’s important to know the signs, just in case. February is National Cat Health Month, so we’re highlighting this one aspect of cat health now. PetCure Oncology reports that over six million cats are diagnosed every year. They also share these facts:

• Some cancers are more likely in cats aged two to six
• Cats with FeLV are at higher risk of cancer
• Purebred cats may suffer from cancer at higher rates

10 Early Signs of Cancer in Cats

The Pet Cancer Foundation provides a helpful guide to learn the symptoms of cancer in cats. Take a look at the signs, although you’ll probably notice that many of these symptoms are common to several different illnesses.

Cancer in Cats: Behavior Symptoms

• Hiding more than usual and for longer than expected
• Pain and discomfort that results in irritability, wincing or lashing out when touched
• Unexpected or unexplained weight loss or weight gain
• Urinating more or less often than usual
• Constipation or diarrhea

Cancer in Cats: Coat and Face Symptoms

• Nose: Changes to the color or texture of your cats nose, or nosebleeds
• Mouth: If you notice a strange odor, sores or wounds in the mouth. Also, if you cat is scratching their mouth
• Skin: Be aware of any lumps, bumps, rashes or lesions

Cancer in Cats: Illness Symptoms

• Unexpected discharge from any body orifice, such as eyes, nose, ears, etc.
• Seizures, which can present as champing, chewing, shaking or foaming at the mouth

As always, if you notice any these symptoms– or if your cat’s behavior changes unexpectedly, reach out to your veterinarian. Because cats are so skilled at hiding illnesses, it’s especially important to take them in for wellness visits.

January 20, 2025

Keep You and Your Dog Fit (and Safe) on Winter Walks

In keeping with many New Year’s Resolutions to get healthier, January is National Walk Your Dog Month. It may seem like the worst time to get out into the great outdoors with your pet, but following these 8 steps will keep you both safe and warm.

1. Make sure you, the human, are properly outfitted for the cold. Gloves are especially important when holding a leash!
2. Put a jacket on your dog. This step is especially important for puppies, senior dogs, small breeds and short-haired dogs.
3. Protect paws from ice and de-icing chemicals with dog booties or pet-safe gels like Musher’s Secret.
4. Use a secure, front-clip harness to prevent your dog from pulling. This is safer for everyone in slippery conditions.
5. Walk your dog with a fixed leash, not a retractible one. Consider a jogger’s leash, which stays hooked to you, if you fall and lose your grip.
6. Make sure your dog’s clothing stays dry. Or cut your walk short if it becomes damp or wet.
7. Avoid hazards like frozen ponds. Dogs can fall through thin ice into freezing water. They may suffer hypothermia or even drown.
8. When you get back, wash your dog’s paws. This keeps them from licking toxic chemicals like ice melts and salts off of their paws.

Have fun exploring the winter scenery with your dog! But remember, if the weather is particularly nasty, wait until another day. Cuddling by the fire with your dog doesn’t burn calories, but it is good for the soul.

For more tips, check out our article, “Keep Your Pet Safe this Winter.”

January 13, 2025

During January’s Cold, Spend Some Quality Time with Your Dog!

January is National Train Your Dog Month, and we can’t think of a better way to spend these cold winter days than indoors helping your dog become more social, well-adjusted and welcome anywhere they go.

And you know how they say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? That’s not true! Obedience training is great for any age. In fact, most animal shelters are able to ready adult dogs for forever families through training.

Local Classes for National Train Your Dog Month

The best way to train your dog is with expert help. A professional dog trainer has experience with hundreds (thousands?) of dogs and will help personalize a program for you and your pup.

To get you started on your research, here are some places to check out. While these organizations have been recommended to us and/or have positive reviews, please use your own judgement about if a given trainer will be a good fit for your family.

• Petco offers AKC Canine Good Citizen training classes.
• Bulletproof Dog Training enjoys a 4.9-star rating on Google, with almost 500 reviews.
• Dog Obedience Guy has a 5.0-star Google rating, with over 100 reviewers.
• My Dog, My Best Buddy workshops help kids and dogs understand each other.
• Animal Adoption Foundation offers a list of Training Resources.

At-Home Resources for National Train Your Dog Month

If you’re just getting started and want to try some training at home, check out these resources.

• The AKC suggests a dog training app like Zigzag. After you take a quick survey, the app suggests a program, along with a subscription plan.
• AKC also provides training guidelines with its AKC STAR Puppy and AKC Canine Good Citizen programs. These programs are open to purebred and mixed breed dogs.
• Animal Friends Humane Society partners with GoodPup, a virtual training app.
• Here’s a selection of dog training YouTube channels to check out.
• This little book helps you understand “dog psychology” and is well worth a read – SuperPuppy: How to Raise the Best Dog You’ll Ever Have!

Enjoy checking out these resources and helping your dog be their best selves!

December 20, 2024

From Foods to Decorations to Guests, Follow These Tips this Season

Christmas, New Years and all the winter holidays can pose some challenges for keeping your pet safe. Keep these simple tips in mind for happy holidays.

Holiday No-No Foods

These foods are dangerous for pets and need to be kept away from them.

• Chocolate
• Alcohol
• Bones
• Onions
• Garlic
• Grapes/raisins
• Candy
• Cooked bones

Poisonous Plants

Festive Christmas plants can also be dangerous for curious pets. Consider artificial replacements for:

• Poinsettias
• Holly
• Mistletoe
• Lilies

Decoration Safety

Everyone loves beautiful holiday decorations! Follow these guidelines for decor that both people and animals can enjoy.

• Put out candles if you are leaving the room
• Tape down any electrical cords
• Avoid tinsel
• Cover the water pan under the Christmas tree

Managing Your Pet Around Guests

Help help your pets successfully interact with guests takes a little planning. Here are some ideas.

• Make sure their ID tags are up-to-date
• Hold onto your pet as people enter the house
• Introduce your guests to your pet
• Teach kids the proper way to treat a pet
• Make sure nobody feeds them from the table
• Give your pets a safe place to get away and have quiet time

Cold Weather Safety

• For outdoor pets, make sure to offer fresh (unfrozen) water, warm bedding and wind-free shelter
• Keep your pet away from antifreeze and other cold-weather chemicals like de-icers
• Remember that elderly and infant pets are the most vulnerable to cold

November 20, 2024

An Alarming Increase in Incidents Involving Antidepressants

In the last year, chocolate, grapes and raisins have claimed the top spots in Pet Poison Helpline’s call volume. These toxins account for over 25% of all calls. So, especially as we enter the season of holidays, it’s important to keep these foods out of reach of your pet.

Next on the list are common toxins ibuprofen (Advil) and bromethalin (rat poison). Calls for these toxins are over 7% of the total.

Climbing the list in this deadly popularity contest are antidepressant and antianxiety medications. These only account for 3.5% of total call volume to Pet Poison Helpline over the last year, but the increase is alarming. Over the last five years, pet poisoning calls for these medications have increased 80%. So, if you or someone in your household has a prescription for antidepressants and/or antianxiety meds, please keep them safely locked away from pets (and children).

Pet Poison Helpline’s Top 20 Toxins List

Here’s the full list of top 20 pet toxins from the last 12 months, tracked by Pet Poison Helpline

Small percentages still show many call cases received, since Pet Poison Helpline serves thousands of callers each year. So, don’t let up with your vigilance in keeping coffee beans, coffee grounds, thyroid hormone medication or beta-blockers safely away from your pets. Just because a toxin is less common doesn’t meant it can’t affect your pet.

Top Clinical Signs of Toxicity in Pets

Helpfully, there’s also a list of the top 20 clinical signs to look out for with toxicity. Check them out. This knowledge might just save an animal’s life one day.

Animal Poison Control Options

If your pet has ingested a suspected toxin, and you can’t get in touch with your veterinarian, these animal poison control lines are good resources:

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control – (888) 426-4435
• Pet Poison Helpline – (855) 764-7661

November 7, 2024

November is Senior Pet Health Month, Adopt-a-Senior-Pet Month & National Pet Diabetes Month

In November, we count our blessings. Which is why we published our list of 10 Reasons to Love Senior Pets. We also know that senior pets benefit from a little more attention to their daily health.

“Age is not a barrier to a happy, healthy pet.”

Basic Considerations When Caring for Senior Pets

As your pet ages, you’ll want to learn more how to care for them in various ways, such as:

• Increased veterinary care
• Diet and nutrition
• Parasite control
• Vaccinations
• Maintaining mobility
• Mental health
• Environment
• Reproductive diseases

Your veterinarian can guide you on the steps to help your senior pet live their happiest, healthiest life. We recommend making an appointment to talk in person and make a plan.

National Pet Diabetes Month

It is estimated that one in 300 dogs and one in 230 cats in the US have diabetes. As your pet ages, you especially want to learn more about this disease. Here are the symptoms of diabetes in pets:

• Increased thirst and urination
• Weight loss
• Cloudy eyes
• Altered appetite
• Lethargy or weakness
• Poor coat
• Vomiting

Previously, we shared more about “Living with Diabetes: Your Pet.” The good news? With proper attention and veterinary care, diabetic pets can enjoy quality lives.

So, if you’re considering adopting a pet, we encourage you to meet a few senior pets. And if you already have a senior pet, give them a hug from us!

September 5, 2024

September is Animal Pain Awareness Month

If a pet it suffering from chronic pain, the signs can be subtle. Animals are designed to mask their pain, because a sick animal in the wild is easy prey. Unfortunately, our pets today can hide their pain and prevent getting the care that would help them. Here are six behaviors that are common in pets experiencing pain:

1. Your pet’s activity level slows down
2. Your pet eats or drinks less
3. Your pet changes their grooming behaviors
4. There are changes in your pet’s urine or bowel movements
5. Your pet has difficulty standing up after lying down
6. Your pet stops going up or down stairs/ is reluctant to jump up on surfaces

It’s commonly assumed that some of these pain symptoms are a natural part of “slowing down” as our pets age. But that’s not always true, and your pet doesn’t have to live in pain.

What to Do if You Notice these Common Signs of Pain

The good news? We can often ease a pet’s pain. If you notice your pet showing any of the above signs:

• Contact your veterinarian to share your pet’s symptoms
• Do not give any medications without guidance from your veterinarian. Medications make up half of the Top 20 Pet Toxins in Ohio. Our pets usually require different medications from humans.
• Ask about Librela for dogs and Solensia for cats. These are newer, safer medications that treat osteoarthritis

For more information on a variety of topics, look into our Pet Health Resources. For pet-specific articles, see our All About Cats or All About Dogs information.

August 28, 2024

A Guide to Feeding Your Pet Safely

For National Food Safety Education Month in September, we’re shining a spotlight on feeding cats and dogs safely. We’ll cover common toxins, along with the “raw food” trend.

Raw Food Diet: It’s Not Worth the Risk

We’ve shared information about Raw Food Diet for Cats and Raw Food Diet for Dogs before, and our recommendation for both is the same: the risks outweigh any potential benefits. Both dogs and cats face these significant dangers:

• Nutritional deficiencies: With raw food, it’s nearly impossible to give your pet the balance of nutrients they need for good health. Commercially-manufactured pet food actually is formulated for pets’ dietary needs. There’s an important balance between fat and protein, along with nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin D, zinc, copper, taurine, calcium and carbohydrates.
• Foodborne illnesses: We cook raw meat for a reason. From slaughtering to butchering to storage in the grocery store fridge, there’s plenty of opportunity for raw meats to grow dangerous bacteria like Salmonella orListeria monocytogenes. These bacteria can cause serious illness or death in both animals and the people who feed them.
• Choking or punctures: Our modern cats and dogs just aren’t designed to chew and eat raw or cooked bones. Choking and punctured intestines are all too likely and often have tragic results.

Foods that Are Dangerous to Pets

Our furry friends have different nutritional needs than humans, and many foods that are perfectly safe for us can be toxic or dangerous to dogs and cats. We all love to share human food with our pets, but we caution you to keep these ingredients away from your pets in both raw and cooked form.

• Alcohol
• Avocados
• Bones – cooked or raw
• Caffeine
• Candy or gum
• Chocolate
• Garlic
• Grapes
• Green tomatoes
• Marijuana
• Mustard – seeds, powder or the condiment
• Nutmeg
• Nuts
• Onions
• Raisins
• Raw potatoes
• Raw yeast dough
• Sage
• Xylitol – an artificial sweetener

We’d also like to point out that most cats become lactose-intolerant as they age.

We hope this information will help keep your pet safe from food dangers. Check out our Pet Poison Prevention Resources for more information on toxic plants, medications and more.

August 12, 2024

August is a Great Time to Get Caught Up on Pet Immunizations

Let’s kick off National Immunization Awareness month with some information about vaccines for your pet:

• Vaccines help teach your pet’s immune system how to recognize and fight off certain disease-causing agents
• Vaccines work by stimulating the immune system’s production of antibodies that identify and destroy these agents– before they can cause disease

Why is it important to have my pet vaccinated?

• Vaccination prevents many pet illnesses
• Vaccination can help avoid costly treatment for preventable diseases
• Vaccination prevents disease that can be passed between pets and/or farm animals to people (zoonotic disease)
• Unvaccinated pets are at risk from life-threatening diseases found in wildlife, such as rabies and distemper

What to watch out for after your pet’s vaccines

It is common for pets to experience mild, short-lasting side effects after receiving a vaccine, such as:

• Tenderness or swelling at vaccination site
• Tiredness
• Mild fever
• Decreased appetite

Seek veterinary care immediately if you notice any of these signs:

• Fainting or collapse
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
• Persistent and severe coughing
• Difficulty breathing
• Hives
• Swelling or puffiness in or around the face, nose, eyes or neck

See our Immunization Resources for more information on vaccines and diseases they prevent, such as heartworm and leptospirosis.