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WHAT’S NEW
The ON-LINE edition of our monthly newsletter
HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS
EACH HOLIDAY SEASON WE OFFER A REMINDER OF THE HAZARDS OF THE SEASON THAT FACE YOUR PET
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Be careful how you deck your halls! The holiday season is generally a time of family togetherness in which even our pets participate. One’s thoughts generally are far from thoughts of injury; however,
one must be aware of some important seasonal hazards in order to insure a happy holiday season.
RIBBONS & TINSEL
These are of special interest to playful cats and kittens who see these materials as toys (or prey) to be chased, pounced upon, chewed or swallowed. While chasing and pouncing pose no health threats,
chewing and swallowing do, as these strings or “linear foreign bodies” can catch in the GI tract, leading to bunching of intestine as the body tries in vain to move the string or ribbon through. This
is a life-threatening condition requiring surgery for correction. Supervise animals who play with string closely.
ELECTRIC LIGHT CORDS
These are also tempting to cats who like to play with string as well as to puppies who are teething and interested in chewing. If a pet bites through an electrical cord, it could result in a severe
burn to the tongue which causes the pet’s lung to fill with fluid, causing respiratory distress. This is also an emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention.
CHOCOLATE
Many people do not realize that chocolate can be a poison. Unsweetened baking chocolate carries a much higher dose of the toxin “theobromine” than does milk chocolate, but even normal milk chocolate
can be dangerous; a small dog sharing candy can wind up in big trouble. Clinical signs of chocolate poisoning include hyperexcitability, nervousness, vomiting, and diarrhea. and death.
POINSETTIA
Consuming this festive-looking plant can be irritating to the mouth and stomach of the dog or cat that chews on or eats it. Contrary to popular belief, poinsettia is not specifically toxic.
MISTLETOE
The fact that there are several types of mistletoe makes it difficult to predict the clinical signs of poisoning. Some mistletoes produce only stomach upset while others may lead to liver failure or
seizuring. Consider mistletoe to be a hazardous substance and keep it inaccessible to pets and children.
COOKING
Keep pets out of the kitchen during the hustle and bustle of the season. The last thing you want is for someone you love to get underfoot and get burned from spillage.
DIETARY INDISCRETION
We all like to include our pets in Holiday meals along with the rest of the family, but try to keep in mind that sudden rich diet changes are likely to upset a pet’s stomach. Vomiting and diarrhea are
not uncommon. If leftovers are of an especially fatty nature, the pancreas may become inflamed and overloaded. This condition is serious and may require hospitalization
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WE WISH ALL OF OUR WONDERFUL PET-OWNERS
THE SAFEST AND MOST SPECIAL OF HOLIDAYS
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NEWS FLASHES: NEW LICENSING LAWS
As of November 15, 2000, new laws for the Los Angeles area have taken effect to promote the spaying and neutering of pets.
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The licensing fee for a neutered or spayed dogs remains at $10 a year, while
the licensing fee for an unsteralized dog has been raised to $100.00 a year!
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Legal breeding of dogs or cats now requires a permit which costs $100 per
animal per year.
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Allowing an unneutered Tom cat to roam will now incur a $100 fine. |
For some information on these new laws, visit the City of Los Angeles’ dog license application page at:
www.cityofla.org/ANI/licappl.htm
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PET NUTRITION CORNER
The Pet Nutrition Corner will return with a new installment next month (or should we say next year... or next Millennium?) in January, 2001.
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GARDEN TIPS
The garden shops and catalogs are full of gorgeous garden shrubs and flowers. They tell us how to water and how much sunshine is needed, but rarely do they tell us if the plant is pet
safe. We’ll try to help out. The following plants are considered safe:
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HOLLYHOCKS (Alcea species)
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The Polka Dot Plant
(Hypoestes Sanguinolata)
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COLEUS
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GERIATRIC DOG CARE PRESENTATION
This past October, Dr. Brooks was invited to make a presentation at the monthly meeting of the West Los Angeles Obedience Training Club, a local group of dog owners. The topic she
covered was on the Care of Senior Canines. Dr. Brooks delivered a multimedia presentation consisting of graphics and animation accompanying her speech. To see an approximation of her complete presentation, click here.
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Thank-You for our New Referrals
Here are the names of our clients who have referred their family or friends to our hospital in November 2000:
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Connie Adams
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Janet Davall
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Silvia Gallegos
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Ira Kelson
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Monique Schick
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Allison Webb
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Jason Williamson
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Thank you again for your confidence in us.
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WHAT’S NEW ON OUR WEB SITE (since last month)
HORNER’S SYNDROME
Slight squint, small pupil, raised third eyelid... it looks pretty strange, as if something is
wrong with the dog’s eye. But it’s not something wrong with the eye that is causing these symptoms, in fact it is actually a nerve problem. Read more about this syndrome in the newest page in the Pet Web Library.
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