Laurie Anne Walden, DVM Photo by Leohoho on Unsplash Dietary supplements can contain ingredients that aren’t safe for dogs and cats. These products are available without a prescription and often marketed as “natural,” so you might assume they’re not dangerous. But dietary supplements are not FDA regulated for safety and effectiveness, and their formulations can change without notice.
The following is a short list of potentially dangerous ingredients in supplements sold for animals and for humans. With supplements intended for animals, the main risk is overdose. If you have one of these products, be sure your pets don’t have access to the whole container (especially with flavored products). With supplements intended for humans, even a small dose of a problem ingredient can pose a serious risk to animals. Supplements for Animals L-Tryptophan Some products marketed as calming supplements for pets contain L-tryptophan. Large amounts of L-tryptophan can cause trouble with the digestive and nervous systems. Signs in dogs include vomiting, excessive drooling, tremors, and coordination problems. Methionine in “Grass Saver” Supplements Supplements to reduce grass discoloration caused by urine are available even though they aren’t likely to work. These supplements contain methionine, which makes urine acidic. High doses of methionine cause tremors and seizures. Glucosamine and Manganese Pet joint supplements that contain glucosamine and chondroitin are generally safe. However, these supplements can also contain manganese, and an overdose of manganese can cause liver failure. Many joint supplements are flavored chews, increasing the risk of overdose. An overdose of flavored chews can also lead to bloating and shifts in blood electrolyte levels. Supplements for Humans Alpha-Lipoic Acid Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant included in supplements to support a variety of conditions in people. ALA might also be in joint supplements for dogs. Cats are much more susceptible than dogs to the toxic effects. Even small amounts of ALA are dangerous to cats. High doses of ALA in dogs and cats can cause vomiting, low blood sugar, liver problems, tremors, and seizures. Overdose can be fatal. Iron Supplements for humans are the main source of iron exposure for pets. Iron levels are higher in prenatal vitamins and iron supplements than in typical multivitamins. In dogs and cats, iron toxicosis causes stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and liver failure. Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) Although vitamin D is necessary for healthy bones and muscles, it’s toxic in high doses. Human vitamins are one source of exposure for pets; cholecalciferol is also in some mouse and rat poisons. Cholecalciferol toxicosis causes vomiting, diarrhea, and kidney damage. Caffeine Caffeine is often in supplements marketed for energy or weight loss. Products containing green tea extract, coffee bean extract, or guarana contain caffeine. In dogs and cats, caffeine can cause vomiting, restlessness, increased heart rate and blood pressure, tremors, and seizures. Very high doses can be fatal. Xylitol Xylitol is a natural sweetener in many flavored products, including flavored chewable supplements for people. Xylitol isn’t harmful to people or cats. In dogs, though, xylitol causes a dangerous drop in blood sugar and can also damage the liver. If untreated, xylitol toxicosis can be fatal to dogs. Sources
Image source: https://unsplash.com/photos/brown-and-yellow-medication-tablets-DRchVK5apjw Laurie Anne Walden, DVM Photo by Alexa on Pixabay In the last few months, several animals in the Carolinas have tested positive for rabies, and a number of people and pets have been exposed to the virus. These are a few of the recent rabies cases and some statistics:
Rabies is a deadly viral disease that causes encephalitis, or brain inflammation. It is not curable but is very easy to prevent with the rabies vaccine. The virus is spread through saliva or nervous system tissue of infected animals. The virus is usually transmitted through a bite, scratch, or contact of infected saliva with broken skin or mucous membranes (eyes or mouth). Infected animals can transmit rabies before they show any signs of infection. This is one reason stray cats and feral cat colonies are a special risk for people. People are more likely to come in contact with stray cats than with wildlife. People who handle infected kittens and adult cats can be exposed to rabies without realizing the animal is carrying the virus. In North Carolina and South Carolina, rabies vaccination is mandated by law for all pet dogs, cats, and ferrets older than 4 months. An animal’s rabies vaccination status (current, overdue, or not documented) affects what happens to that animal if it’s exposed to rabies or bites someone, so don’t let your pets’ rabies vaccines expire. Local animal control officials decide whether an animal will be quarantined at home, quarantined at a facility, or euthanized for rabies testing, and that decision is based partly on rabies vaccination status. Take these steps to protect your pets and yourself from rabies:
Sources
Image source: https://pixabay.com/photos/raccoon-animal-mammal-nature-fur-3538081/ Guest post by Katie Waller, DVM As the holiday time is upon us, some of you may be traveling with your pets. Whether you’re traveling domestically or internationally, there are often very specific requirements for pet travel. As the owner, it is your responsibility to check the requirements before traveling!
Health certificates are the most common travel documentation needed for pets. These are under the oversight of the USDA and must be written and signed by a USDA accredited veterinarian. Not all veterinarians maintain this accreditation, so make sure to check with your veterinary office before needing a health certificate. Health certificates are required for all overseas or international travel, and they can be required for domestic travel in some cases. Certain destinations may also require specific vaccines or testing before being granted entry. Make sure to check ALL the requirements early to ensure your travel will not be delayed by pet quarantine. You can find all the necessary information for each destination below: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel Domestic Travel - Most states within the continental United States do not regulate pet travel. You should have a valid Rabies certificate, but a health certificate is usually not needed. - Hawaii and Alaska regulate pet travel more heavily, even though they are still part of the United States. These states usually require a valid health certificate, in addition to specific vaccine and testing requirements. International Travel - Almost all countries require a valid health certificate for pets to be granted entry. Most also have additional vaccines and testing requirements that must be completed correctly. *Don’t forget to check with your airline as they may have additional requirements even when traveling domestically!!* Traveling with your pet can be a stressful experience, especially if there are a lot of requirements for a health certificate. There are concierge companies that will do the research work for you. These companies will gather all the necessary information required for your pet to travel and give you a custom timeline for what is needed. Below are a couple companies we recommend if this is a service you would like to explore: https://www.continentalpetrelocation.com/ https://pettravelcertificates.com/parents/ Health certificates can be a time intensive process so be sure to start your research early. Each destination varies with how long a health certificate is valid and if vaccines or testing must be performed at specific time intervals before travel. It is your responsibility to gather all the necessary information regarding testing, vaccines, and any other requirements before requesting a health certificate from your veterinarian. Laurie Anne Walden, DVM Photo by Alexander Jawfox on Unsplash As the weather cools down and the holiday season approaches, keep an eye out for potential hazards for your pets.
Halloween, Tailgating, and Other Fall Festivities You probably already know that chocolate isn’t safe for pets. Other potentially dangerous foods that pets can get hold of during autumn festivities include xylitol (sweetener in some candies and store-bought baked goods), raisins, onions, garlic, raw yeast dough, and alcohol. Corncobs, candy wrappers, and decorations are choking hazards and can also get stuck in the digestive system if they’re swallowed. If you want to give your dog corn, use corn kernels instead of cobs (and no salt or butter). Glow sticks and glow jewelry contain a liquid that tastes bitter and can cause drooling, gagging, and vomiting. If you dress your pet in a Halloween costume, use one that has no dangling strings and doesn’t interfere with your pet’s vision and mobility. Also think about your pet’s comfort: does your pet actually enjoy wearing a costume, or do you need to either skip the costume or leave it on just long enough for a photo? During trick or treating, keep your pets safely away from the open front door. Make sure their microchip information is up to date in case they escape. Strangers in costumes can be scary for animals, and some pets react to doorbells. Outdoor Hazards Autumn crocus (Colchicum species) is toxic to animals. If swallowed, it can cause vomiting, digestive tract bleeding, liver and kidney damage, and seizures. Chrysanthemums are mildly toxic and might cause vomiting, diarrhea, or stumbling gait. Most mushrooms are safe but some are deadly, so keep your pets away from all wild mushrooms. Compost piles and leaf piles can contain toxic molds. Leaf piles might also harbor rodents, dangerous objects, and bacteria, so take care before letting your dog jump in them. While camping or hiking, keep dogs on leash so they’ll stay on trails, away from hunters and most wildlife (including snakes). It’s a good idea to wear bright colors for visibility during hunting season. Some dogs need to wear clothing for extra warmth. Dogs that aren’t used to camping might be startled by campfires. Use commonsense fire safety precautions to protect pets from sparks and embers, and keep them away from fire starters and chunks of wood that could pose a choking hazard. Change of Seasons Some kinds of antifreeze are deadly to animals; pets can be exposed as their families prepare cars, boats, and campers for the winter. Mothballs can cause vomiting, liver and kidney damage, and red blood cell damage if swallowed. As the weather changes and fields are harvested, rodents are on the move and might enter houses. If you need to remove rodents from your house, use nontoxic methods like traps. Rodenticides (mouse and rat poisons)—and rodents that have been killed by these poisons—are highly toxic to dogs and cats. Back to School When kids head back to school, pets are at increased risk of exposure to medications for ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder). In dogs and cats, these stimulant medications can cause hyperactivity, restlessness, tremors, vomiting, and diarrhea. As respiratory viruses spread, pets are also at risk of exposure to cold and flu medications, many of which have ingredients that are dangerous for animals. Watch out for lunch boxes; grapes and raisins cause kidney damage in some dogs. Image source: https://unsplash.com/photos/white-and-brown-long-coat-small-dog-on-brown-dried-leaves-during-daytime-WakdTA5ZqqU Laurie Anne Walden, DVM Image by Clinton Forry on Flickr, CC BY 2.0 license Photos of rabbits with horn-like growths popped up on the internet last month after people spotted the rabbits in northern Colorado. The growths are caused by infection with a papillomavirus, in the same family as the viruses that cause warts and cervical cancer in humans. The virus infecting these rabbits isn’t contagious to other species and usually causes wild rabbits less trouble than you would think.
Cottontail rabbit papillomavirus, also called Shope papillomavirus (for the person who first described it), is not a new virus. It’s been identified in museum specimens dating from the early 1900s. Infection is most common in cottontails and other wild rabbits in the midwestern United States. We could speculate that the long skin growths inspired the myth of the jackalope, the fabled jackrabbit with deer antlers on its head. In most wild rabbits, the growths are benign and eventually fall off on their own. Unless the growths interfere with eating and drinking, they don’t usually cause a problem. Infection in domestic rabbits is rare but potentially much more serious. In domestic rabbits, the growths are more likely to become malignant cancers than they are in wild rabbits. Cottontail rabbit papillomavirus is spread by flea, tick, and mosquito bites. The skin growths are in areas most often bitten by insects, which is why most are on the face and head. Because domestic rabbits are at risk of cancer, pet rabbits should be kept indoors in areas of the country where the virus is spreading, especially in the summer and fall when insects are most active. Rabbit papillomavirus infects only rabbits. Humans, dogs, cats, and other species are not at risk from this particular rabbit virus. Humans and other species have their own papillomaviruses, all of which are typically species specific (they aren’t contagious to other species). Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the name for hundreds of related viruses that cause various kinds of growths in people. Some of these growths, like common skin warts and plantar warts, are benign. Others, like genital, cervical, anal, and oral lesions, can become malignant cancers. HPV infection is a common sexually transmitted disease in humans. Scientists are very interested in finding out why some virus-related growths are benign but others turn into cancer, a process called malignant transformation. One of the best ways to study malignant transformation in humans is to study similar viruses that cause similar cancers in other animals. And it happens that cottontail rabbit papillomavirus was the first papillomavirus identified and the first shown to cause cancer in a mammal. This is why the virus is also named after Richard Shope, the cancer researcher who discovered it. So the next time you see a social media photo of a Frankenstein bunny, just think “Oh look, a valuable animal model of malignant transformation that helps us diagnose, prevent, and treat HPV and cancer in people.” Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/wd45/364229280, CC BY 2.0 Laurie Anne Walden, DVM Hair loss caused by demodectic mange in a dog. Public domain image. Mange is skin disease caused by infection with mange mites. These tiny parasites cause skin inflammation, hair loss, and (sometimes) itching. Some types of mange are contagious to people and other animals. Mange is much easier to treat than it once was; some prescription flea, tick, and heartworm products are also effective against mange mites.
Signs Mange looks very similar to skin disease caused by allergies, fleas, bacterial infections, or yeast infections. Animals with mange often have bacterial or yeast skin infections at the same time. The signs of mange depend partly on the type of mange mite involved, but these are the most common:
Diagnosis Mange is diagnosed by using a microscope to look for mites in skin scrapes or other samples. Mange mites can be hard to find, so skin scrapes can have false-negative results. Blood tests for some types of mites are available. Treatment In most cases, mange is treated with prescription flea, tick, and heartworm preventives like moxidectin, selamectin, fluralaner, afoxolaner, and sarolaner. These medications are available as spot-on topical products, chewable tablets, or injections. Because these medications are so effective against mites, they are often begun when mange is suspected but mites aren’t found on skin scrapes. Older treatments include lime sulfur dips and amitraz dips (dogs only). Types of Mange in Dogs Sarcoptic Mange (Canine Scabies) Sarcoptic mange, or scabies, is caused by Sarcoptes scabiei. These mites are highly contagious to humans and other animals. Scabies is very itchy. Affected dogs usually also have bacterial and yeast skin infections. If untreated, scabies can cause severe generalized infection. Because scabies is contagious, all dogs in the household need to be treated. Demodectic Mange (Demodicosis) Demodex mites (usually D canis) live in the hair follicles of almost all dogs and usually don’t cause a problem. These mites are transferred from mother dogs to newborn puppies, but they are not contagious to people or other animals. Although D canis mites are benign in most dogs, they can cause 3 types of mange.
Types of Mange in Cats Notoedric Mange (Feline Scabies) Scabies in cats is caused by Notoedres cati. As with scabies in dogs, this type of mange in cats is contagious and intensely itchy. Demodectic Mange Like dogs, cats normally carry Demodex mites without any problem. Two types of Demodex mites cause 2 different forms of demodectic mange in cats.
Image source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dogmangeeee.jpg Laurie Anne Walden, DVM Photo by Connar L’Ecuyer, National Park Service Coyotes live in Charlotte, as you know if you’ve seen one or heard them singing at night. Although coyotes can pose a risk to people and small pets, there are steps you can take to avoid conflict and keep your pets safe.
The tips in this post are from 2 excellent resources that have lots more information about coyotes: the Urban Coyote Research Project (https://urbancoyoteresearch.com/) and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (https://www.ncwildlife.gov/species/coyote). Remove Coyote Food Sources Coyotes that find food where people live are rewarded by coming near people and lose their natural fear of humans. These coyotes can become a danger to people and pets. Coyotes are omnivores: they eat prey animals (mostly rodents but sometimes bigger animals), fruit, and other food items they scavenge.
Keep Pets Secure
Don’t Run From a Coyote If a coyote comes near you, be an intimidating human: make noise, wave your arms, and throw something at it. Don’t run away or crouch down. Leave Coyotes Alone Coyotes that are just doing normal coyote things and avoiding people aren’t a cause for alarm. Don’t approach them or harass them; respect them and don’t create conflict. Coyotes can’t be rehabilitated legally in North Carolina, so if you see one that seems orphaned, sick, or injured, leave it alone. Report Dangerous Coyotes
Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/santamonicamtns/35970298854/in/photostream/ Laurie Anne Walden, DVM Image by VBlock on Pixabay Cats with heart disease often don’t show any signs of illness. Sometimes the very first sign that a cat has heart disease is a sudden life-threatening condition like arterial thromboembolism (blood clot) or even sudden death. These are some other signs that a cat might have heart trouble:
Different terms are used to describe the severity of heart problems. Heart disease means that something about the heart is not normal, but the heart is still pumping blood as it should. Heart failure means that the heart disease has gotten worse and the heart is no longer pumping blood normally. Congestive heart failure is a more severe form of heart failure in which fluid builds up in the lungs. The best way to diagnose and stage heart disease is with echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart) by a veterinary cardiologist. Chest radiographs are used to measure the size of the heart and detect fluid in the lungs. Blood tests are sometimes used to screen cats for evidence of heart failure. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common heart disease in cats. The disease can affect cats of any breed, but it has a known genetic link in Maine coon cats and Ragdolls. In this disease, the heart walls become thickened and stiff and can’t pump blood effectively. The disease eventually causes congestive heart failure. Treatment depends on the cat’s stage of heart disease. Cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are at risk of arterial thromboembolism, a painful condition in which a blood clot blocks blood supply to one or more legs. Cats with arterial thromboembolism are often euthanized because of the guarded to poor prognosis. Their best chance of survival is hospitalization at a 24-hour facility that can provide specialized care. Restrictive Cardiomyopathy Restrictive cardiomyopathy is caused by scar tissue in the heart muscle. The cause is not known. The scar tissue prevents the heart muscle from contracting normally, affecting its ability to pump blood. Dilated Cardiomyopathy Dilated cardiomyopathy used to be more common in cats than it is now. In cats, this condition is caused by low levels of taurine (an amino acid) in the diet. Commercial cat foods are now required to contain a minimum level of taurine, so dilated cardiomyopathy has become rare in cats. Cats that eat homemade or vegetarian diets might not be getting enough taurine, in which case they are at risk of developing dilated cardiomyopathy. Dilated cardiomyopathy causes the heart walls to become thinner and weaker. The heart enlarges, and the weak heart walls can’t pump blood normally. Congenital Heart Disorders Congenital heart disorders are present at the time of birth. The most common type in cats is ventricular septal defect, which is a hole between the lower chambers of the heart. Some kittens with a congenital heart disorder lead normal lives; others are severely affected. Treatment might be medical or surgical, depending on the type and severity of the disorder. More Information See the HeartSmart website (Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine) to find out more about heart diseases in cats and dogs: https://vet.tufts.edu/foster-hospital-small-animals/specialty-services/cardiology/heartsmart Image source: https://pixabay.com/photos/maine-coon-cat-pet-animal-feline-7222631/ Laurie Anne Walden, DVM Image by Michal Jarmoluk on Pixabay Over-the-counter (nonprescription) allergy medications that are safe for people can be toxic to dogs and cats. Some human allergy drugs can be given to dogs and cats, but others are very dangerous for them. Always consult a veterinarian before giving your pet any medication, and store your own medications in a cabinet that your animals can’t get into.
Many human allergy and sinus medications are combination products that include ingredients toxic to animals. It can be very hard to tell which ones are safe and which are dangerous for pets from the brand names and product descriptions. The brand names of single-ingredient and combination products are often nearly identical. For example, Claritin (loratadine) is probably safe for most dogs, but Claritin-D (loratadine + pseudoephedrine) is toxic to dogs and cats. If your veterinarian recommends an over-the-counter medication for your pet, you must read the small print on the product label. Look at the active ingredient list to be sure the product contains only the ingredient your veterinarian recommends in the amount your veterinarian recommends. Check the inactive ingredient list for potential toxins like xylitol, especially in flavored liquid or chewable products. Don’t be tempted to give your pet an allergy medication that contains only “safe” ingredients without talking to your veterinarian, either. Signs of allergies in dogs and cats are not the same as in humans. A cat with a runny nose, for example, is more likely to have a viral infection than an allergy, so all an allergy medication is likely to do is annoy the cat. Pseudoephedrine and Phenylephrine Pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine are decongestants that are sold as single-ingredient products and are also included in many combination allergy and sinus products. In dogs and cats, these drugs cause hyperactivity, restlessness, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, and (in high enough doses) seizures. Nasal Sprays and Eye Drops Decongestant nasal sprays and “redness relief” eye drops contain ingredients like oxymetazoline, xylometazoline, tetrahydrozoline, and naphazoline. In dogs and cats, even small amounts of these drugs cause vomiting, agitation, incoordination, low blood pressure, and low heart rate. Exposure in animals is usually caused by chewing a bottle, and the effects can be life threatening. Cough Drops Xylitol and benzocaine are possible toxins in cough drops. Xylitol is a sweetener that is safe for humans but can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), liver failure, seizures, and death in dogs. Benzocaine is a topical anesthetic included in some cough drops and pain-relief creams. Dogs and cats that swallow benzocaine or absorb it through the skin can develop methemoglobinemia, a potentially life-threatening disorder of red blood cell function. Image source: https://pixabay.com/photos/medicine-tablets-blister-pack-257349/ Laurie Anne Walden, DVM Photo by noelle on Unsplash In cats, unlike humans, allergies don’t typically cause sneezing and runny eyes. Cats with allergies are more likely to have itching and skin disease. Some allergies in cats cause asthma and digestive tract disorders.
The most common allergies in cats are flea allergy, allergies to substances in the environment, and food allergies. Some cats have more than one kind of allergy. Flea Allergy For cats with flea allergy, even a few flea bites cause significant itching and skin disease. Signs include hair loss, broken hairs, scratches on the skin, scabs, or raised pink or red bumps. Fleas are hard to find on cats because cats remove them when they groom, so you might not actually see any fleas on a cat whose skin disease is caused by a flea allergy. The pattern of hair loss is one clue to the diagnosis; hair loss on the lower back is usually related to fleas. Because flea-related dermatitis is so common, flea treatment is standard care for cats with skin disease. Unlike many allergy triggers, fleas can be eliminated from a cat’s environment. The best type of flea prevention to use depends on the individual cat, the cat’s lifestyle and environment, and contact animals. Your veterinarian can recommend products for your own cat. It’s easier to prevent a flea infestation than to eliminate one. In general, the most reliable way to avoid flea problems is to give effective (this often means prescription) flea prevention all year round to all cats and dogs in the household. Environmental Allergies The same substances in the environment that cause allergies in people also cause allergies in cats. Some allergy triggers (like grasses and trees) are seasonal; others (like dust mites and mold spores) are present year round. In cats, environmental allergies most often cause skin problems but are also linked to asthma. Environmental allergies cause the same signs of skin disease as flea allergy. Allergies can also cause eosinophilic dermatitis, a type of inflammatory skin disease with red, scabbed, or oozy patches on the haired skin or the edges of the lips. Asthma is fairly common in cats. Asthma flares can be seasonal in cats with environmental allergies. Signs include coughing, wheezing, and open-mouth breathing or panting; emergency signs are difficulty breathing and purple or blue gums. Environmental allergy triggers typically can’t be eliminated. Cats with these allergies receive symptom relief (anti-itch medication) and treatment for the skin infections that are very common in animals with allergic skin disease. Cats with asthma need steroids, often delivered by inhaler. Immunotherapy (“allergy shots”) from a veterinary dermatologist can be used to treat environmental allergies if the exact triggers can be identified with a skin test. Food Allergies Allergies to food ingredients most often cause digestive tract problems like vomiting and diarrhea. In cats, food allergies can also cause skin disease. Vomiting and diarrhea have many possible causes, some of which are very serious, so cats with chronic (long-term) digestive tract symptoms need a full medical work-up. Food allergies can be triggered by a wide variety of proteins and carbohydrates. Simply switching the brand or flavor of cat food—or switching to a homemade diet—won’t tell you if a cat has a food allergy. The only way to diagnose a food allergy is with a diet trial, which means feeding only an elimination diet (a prescription diet formulated to eliminate possible allergy triggers) for several weeks. For cats with food allergy, symptoms greatly improve if the problem ingredient is identified and eliminated. Image source: https://unsplash.com/photos/orange-tabby-cat-on-gray-concrete-floor-bTw1Ug-Wlio |
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The contents of this blog are for information only and should not substitute for advice from a veterinarian who has examined the animal. All blog content is copyrighted by Mallard Creek Animal Hospital and may not be copied, reproduced, transmitted, or distributed without permission.
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