Laurie Anne Walden, DVM Blacklegged tick (Ixodes pacificus). Image credit: CDC/James Gathany. Ticks in North Carolina are active all year round, but their activity increases dramatically in the spring and summer. Ticks spread bacteria and viruses (pathogens) that cause serious and sometimes fatal diseases in dogs, cats, and humans.
Ticks live mostly in tall grass, woodlands, undergrowth, groundcover plants, and secluded cracks and crevices. Some tick species infest houses. Ticks that are ready for a blood meal move to the tip of a grass blade or other vegetation and wait for a host animal to come along. They climb onto an animal when it brushes past (ticks don’t fly or jump). Ticks attach to an animal by clamping their mouthparts to the skin. Ticks spread pathogens when they take a blood meal. A tick has to be attached for some time before it can spread a pathogen. The amount of time depends on the tick species and the pathogen. North Carolina Ticks The geographic ranges of some tick species have expanded because of changing environmental conditions and the movement of host species like deer. Different tick species carry different pathogens, so tick-borne diseases that used to be more common in other parts of the country—like Lyme disease—are now common in North Carolina too. Identifying a tick’s species can help narrow down the pathogens the tick might be carrying. These are some of the tick species that live in North Carolina:
You don’t need to be able to tell tick species apart. But if you’re interested, here’s the link to NC State’s guide to ticks of North Carolina: https://eit-wagpress-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/media/documents/NC_Tick_Guide_v1.0_April_14_2023.pdf Tick-Borne Diseases of Dogs and Cats In dogs and cats, many tick-borne infectious diseases cause similar signs: loss of appetite, decreased energy, fever, and sometimes swollen lymph nodes and muscle or joint pain. Signs of illness appear days or weeks after a tick bite. These are some of the tick-associated diseases that affect dogs and cats in North Carolina. Ehrlichiosis and Anaplasmosis The bacteria that cause ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis are spread by American dog ticks, blacklegged ticks, brown dog ticks, and lone star ticks. Ticks can transmit Ehrlichia bacteria within 3 to 6 hours after attachment. Lyme Disease Lyme disease is caused by infection with Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria. Blacklegged ticks transmit Borrelia 24 to 48 hours after taking a blood meal. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Other Rickettsial Diseases American dog ticks, brown dog ticks, Gulf Coast ticks, and lone star ticks spread Rickettsia bacteria, which cause Rocky Mountain spotted fever and other diseases. Transmission is thought to happen 5 to 20 hours after tick attachment. Tick Paralysis Tick paralysis is caused by a reaction to a neurotoxin produced by American dog ticks, blacklegged ticks, and possibly other tick species. Affected animals have a stumbling gait that progresses to inability to move. Without treatment, this condition can be fatal. It’s treated by removing or killing all ticks on the animal. Prevention Limiting Exposure Keep your pets away from tall grass and underbrush. When walking or hiking, keep your dog on a leash and on the path. At home, remove groundcover plants from areas your pets can access and install a border of gravel or mulch between grass and woods. Wild animals are tick carriers, so remove vegetation and food sources that attract deer and other wildlife. Thoroughly check your pets for ticks after they’ve been in a tick area. Look through the entire coat, including inside the ears, between the toes and paw pads, under the front legs (armpits), between the back legs, and under the tail. Tick Preventive Products Effective tick preventives are available by prescription from your veterinarian and should be used all year round. Prescription products for dogs and cats are safe, but some products are better choices than others for an individual animal, so discuss the options with your veterinarian. Some products are oral (flavored chews) and others are topical (drops placed on the skin). Prescription tick preventives kill ticks soon after they attach, before they’ve had a chance to transmit pathogens. Animals taking these products are protected from many tick-borne diseases but can still carry live unattached ticks in their fur. These unattached ticks can drop off in the house or move to another animal (or you), so check your pets for ticks even if they are taking a prescription product. Repellents Talk to your veterinarian about safe tick repellents if you are seeing live unattached ticks in your pet’s fur and your pet is already taking a prescription product. Repellents are available without prescription, but some are safer and work better than others. Cats are very sensitive to pyrethrins and can have severe reactions to products labeled for dogs. Read product labels carefully. Never use a product meant to treat clothing or equipment on an animal, and never use a dog product on a cat. Removing Ticks If a tick is attached to your pet, remove it with tweezers, a tick removal tool, or your fingernails protected by disposable gloves. Grasp the tick’s head at the skin and gently pull it away from the skin until the entire head comes out. Clean the area with soap and water or rubbing alcohol. Avoid squashing the tick so you’re not exposed to whatever pathogens the tick is carrying. Kill the tick by placing it in a vial of rubbing alcohol or in a ziplock baggie with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol. Note the date of the tick bite in case your pet shows any signs of illness days or weeks later. If you want to be thorough, label your tick vial or baggie with the date and keep it for several weeks in case the tick is needed for identification and testing later on. Vaccination A Lyme disease vaccine is available for dogs. This vaccine is considered a lifestyle vaccine, so ask your veterinarian whether your dog should receive it. Sources
Image source: https://wwwn.cdc.gov/phil/Details.aspx?pid=7663 Laurie Anne Walden, DVM Easter lilies. Public domain image by Bruce Dupree, Alabama Cooperative Extension System. The yellow pollen coating everything in Charlotte this week tells us that spring has finally arrived. For National Poison Prevention Week (the third week of March each year), here’s a short list of springtime pet hazards you should be aware of.
If your pet has been exposed to a possible toxin, contact a veterinary clinic or one of these pet poison resources:
Plants Common springtime plants that are dangerous for dogs and cats include lilies, daffodils, tulips, azaleas, and rhododendrons. See the ASPCA Poison Control website for a full list of toxic and nontoxic plants: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants Lilies True lilies are extremely toxic to cats and should never be brought into a home with cats. Easter lilies, daylilies, tiger lilies, Asiatic lilies, Oriental lilies, stargazer lilies, and other plants in the Lilium and Hemerocallis genera cause kidney failure in cats. Ingestion of small amounts of any part of these plants, including pollen or water from the vase, can be fatal to a cat. Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) and gloriosa or flame lily (Gloriosa superba) are highly toxic to both dogs and cats. Ingestion of lily of the valley causes heart rhythm abnormalities and possibly seizures, and ingestion of gloriosa lily causes multiple organ failure. Some plants called lilies are much safer for cats and dogs. Calla lilies (Zantedeschia species), peace lilies (Spathiphyllum species), and Peruvian lilies (Alstroemeria species) can cause mouth irritation and stomach upset if ingested, but these plants are not highly toxic. For more information about lilies, see No Lilies for Kitties on the Pet Poison Helpline website: https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/veterinarians/free-resources-clinic-clients/no-lilies-for-kitties/ Daffodils Ingestion of daffodils, jonquils, paperwhites, and other plants in the Narcissus genus can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and heart rhythm abnormalities (depending on the amount swallowed) in dogs and cats. The bulb is the most toxic part of these plants. Tulips Tulip ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, and depression in dogs and cats. As with daffodils, the bulb is the most toxic part. Azaleas and Rhododendrons Azaleas and rhododendrons (Rhododendron species) contain a toxin that affects the function of the muscles, heart, and nerves. Dogs and cats that ingest these plants can develop vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, depression, loss of coordination, and possibly coma and death. Fertilizers Some fertilizers are dangerous if swallowed. Ingestion of blood meal can cause vomiting, diarrhea, severe pancreatitis, and iron toxicity (if the product is fortified with iron). Bone meal is tasty to dogs but can form a cement-like mass in the stomach that might require surgical removal. Some rose and plant fertilizers contain disulfoton and other organophosphates as pesticides. Organophosphate ingestion can cause seizures, trouble breathing, and death. Spring Cleaning Products Keep cleaning products, including “natural” products, out of reach of animals. Check product labels for warnings about use around animals, and follow label instructions for storage and use. Undiluted bleach is (unsurprisingly) hazardous to animals; ingestion injures the mouth and esophagus. Very diluted bleach is safe to use as a cleaning solution—though not to be swallowed—if the cleaned object has been rinsed off afterward and the bleach odor has gone away. Vinegar is not safe for animals to swallow but is safe for cleaning as long as the vinegar has been diluted with water and has been rinsed off the cleaned object. Enzyme-based cleaners can cause upset stomach if swallowed. Let objects cleaned with any of these solutions dry before animals have access to them. Sources
Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/184594136@N08/50970877282/ 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 Baby striped skunk. Photo by Kevin VanGorden, USDA Forest Service. Skunks aren’t aggressive, but they’ll spray dogs that get too close. Skunk spray is a smelly nuisance that doesn’t usually cause medical problems. However, it’s irritating to the eyes and in rare cases can cause more serious problems.
Dogs are most likely to encounter skunks during warm months. In North Carolina, skunk breeding season is February through April; kits are born in May and June. Skunks live in cities like Charlotte, not just in rural areas. You might not see them often—or at all—because they’re most active at night. They live in wooded or brushy areas and raid garbage cans in residential neighborhoods. Skunk Spray Skunk spray is thick, oily material secreted from the anal glands. The nasty smell comes from thioacetates and thiols, chemical compounds that contain sulfur—the same element that makes rotten eggs so stinky. Thioacetates (the less smelly compounds) are converted to thiols (super smelly) when they’re exposed to water, and sulfur atoms tend to bind tightly to other atoms, so removing skunk odor from fur can be difficult. Because water activates the thiol conversion, a dog that’s been skunked can smell skunky after baths for a long time. Skunks can control their anal glands in ways that dogs and cats can’t. They can aim their anal gland spray at a target several feet away, or they can release a cloud of mist. Baby skunks can spray targets too. Risks to Dogs Spray Skunk spray in the eyes can cause redness, eyelid swelling, corneal damage, and temporary blindness. Inhaled skunk spray irritates the respiratory tract. The spray can also cause nausea and vomiting. Dogs sprayed by a skunk can develop life-threatening hemolytic anemia, although fortunately this is rare. The compounds in skunk spray can destroy red blood cells. The risk is likely highest for dogs that swallow the spray, dogs exposed to a large volume, and dogs with multiple exposures. Dogs with hemolytic anemia often need to be hospitalized at a 24-hour clinic and might need a blood transfusion. Bite Wounds and Rabies Skunks are a relatively common rabies carrier species in North Carolina. However, the chance that an individual skunk has rabies is low. Rabies is spread through saliva, not through skunk spray. Most dogs that encounter a skunk are sprayed before they get close enough to be bitten. Still, any dog that has been near a skunk should be checked carefully for bite wounds. Dogs with a bite wound need to see a veterinarian immediately for wound care and assessment of rabies risk. In North Carolina, dogs with a possible rabies exposure (for example, a bite wound from a rabies carrier species) need a rabies vaccine booster within 96 hours. What to Do if Your Dog Gets Skunked Most dogs sprayed by skunks don’t need to see a veterinarian. Monitor your dog for a few days and seek veterinary care if your dog has any of the following:
Deskunk your dog:
Prevention Keep your dog’s rabies vaccine up to date and make your yard unattractive to skunks:
For More Information
Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/lblkytn/14928066475/ Laurie Anne Walden, DVM Photo by Elisa Kennemer on Unsplash Warm weather brings some extra risks for pets. Some animals need protection from sunlight, and all animals need protection from hot temperatures.
Sun-Related Skin Conditions Ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight causes skin damage in animals just like it does in humans. Fur and melanin (dark pigment) protect the skin from UV rays, so animals with short white hair or no hair are at higher risk than those with thick dark fur. Most animals with sun-related skin disease spend a lot of time outdoors, but even indoor cats can develop skin disease caused by UV rays coming through windows. Sun-related skin damage typically affects areas of the body that don’t have thick fur and are exposed to the sun. Any part of the body with thin or light-colored hair can be involved, but these are the most common areas:
Solar dermatitis, also called actinic dermatitis, is skin disease caused by exposure to UV radiation. It can be mistaken for allergic skin disease because the lesions are similar and it is often seasonal. Affected skin is red, painful to the touch, and scaly or flaky. Bumps and oozy lesions might develop. Over time, the skin becomes thickened and scarred. Because solar dermatitis usually causes a secondary skin infection, the lesions might improve with antibiotics, at least at first. UV radiation causes mutations within skin cells, so solar dermatitis can transform into skin cancer (squamous cell carcinoma or hemangiosarcoma, for example). These cancers are malignant: they can spread throughout the body. Solar dermatitis and skin cancer are diagnosed with skin biopsy. Heat Stroke Heat stroke is a life-threatening risk to animals during warm weather. Unlike solar dermatitis and skin cancer, it doesn’t require direct exposure to UV rays. The outdoor temperature doesn’t even have to be very hot for an animal to develop heat stroke. The temperature inside a parked car quickly rises higher than the outside temperature, so animals inside parked cars are at risk even in moderately warm weather. Brachycephalic (short-nosed) animals like pugs and bulldogs are at especially high risk. Signs of heat stroke include panting, dark red or purple gums, vomiting, collapse, and seizures. Heat stroke requires immediate first aid (cooling with water, not ice) and emergency veterinary care. For more information, see the blog post on heat stroke. How to Protect Your Pet The best way to protect animals is to minimize their exposure to UV rays and heat:
Sources
Image source: Elisa Kennemer on Unsplash Laurie Anne Walden, DVM Adult southern copperhead. Photo credit: CDC/James Gathany. Spring is the start of snake season in North Carolina. The vast majority of snakes in our state are harmless. Only a few venomous snake species (copperheads, cottonmouths, rattlesnakes, and coral snakes) live in North Carolina. In the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area, the copperhead is by far the most common venomous snake.
Learn to recognize copperheads. Copperheads have a distinctive hourglass pattern that from the side looks like a row of Hershey’s kisses. It’s easier to identify a copperhead by its markings than by the shape of its head or pupils. Head shape isn’t a reliable way to tell if a snake is venomous; some nonvenomous snakes can flatten their heads to mimic a pit viper’s triangular head. As for pupil shape (round vs vertical slits)—seriously, just don’t get close enough to a wild snake to check. You can see photos of North Carolina snakes on the Herps of NC website: https://herpsofnc.org/snakes/. You’ll notice that copperheads and also a lot of nonvenomous snakes are brown with splotches. This color combination is common because it’s great camouflage, but unfortunately it means that nonvenomous snakes are often mistaken for copperheads. Don’t worry too much about identifying a snake that’s bitten your dog. Treatment is based more on symptoms than on snake species, and it’s more important to get your dog to an emergency clinic without delay. If you want to identify a snake you’ve seen outdoors, take a photo so you can look it up online, but don’t approach or disturb the snake. Dogs get bitten because they’re curious, not because snakes are aggressive attack animals. Snakes hide in small spaces where they’re relatively safe from predators and can find food (mostly small rodents like mice). Woodpiles, tarps, underbrush, tall grass, leaf litter, rock crevices, and yard debris are all possible snake habitats. Snakes bite for defense. A dog that steps on a snake or sticks its nose into a snake’s hiding place can be bitten. Because of their color camouflage, copperheads are hard to spot. You and your dog might not even know a copperhead is there unless it bites one of you. Avoid snake areas. If you see a snake, leave it alone and walk away. Here are some ways to reduce your dog’s chance of a snake encounter:
If your dog is bitten, seek emergency veterinary care right away. Copperhead venom isn’t as toxic as cottonmouth or rattlesnake venom, but a copperhead bite can still be quite serious for a dog. Copperhead bites are very painful and cause swelling and tissue damage. The venom can also interfere with blood clotting. Dogs with snakebite are usually hospitalized for pain management, intravenous fluids, wound care, supportive care, and observation. Copperhead bites aren’t often treated with antivenin, but dogs with severe symptoms might need it. If your dog is bitten, stay calm and take your dog to an emergency clinic. Don’t use ice, a tourniquet, or anything to remove venom from the wound; all of these can make the tissue damage worse. Leave the snake alone. If you try to catch or kill it, you could be bitten too. CDC image source: https://phil.cdc.gov/Details.aspx?pid=10841 Laurie Anne Walden, DVM Yew is highly toxic to animals and people. Some decorative winter holiday plants pose risks to pets. Other plants that aren’t actually toxic can still cause upset stomach if an animal swallows them.
If you think your pet might have swallowed or been exposed to a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian, an animal emergency clinic, or a 24-hour animal poison control hotline (a fee may apply):
Amaryllis (Amaryllis species) Ingestion of amaryllis leaves, stems, or bulbs can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, belly pain, lethargy, and a drop in blood pressure. Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera species) Christmas cactus isn’t toxic. However, an animal that swallows part of one might vomit or have diarrhea. Christmas rose, hellebore (Helleborus niger) Hellebores contain cardiac glycosides, compounds that affect heart function. Ingestion of any part of the plant can cause drooling, belly pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Christmas trees The Christmas trees most commonly grown in North Carolina (firs, pines, cedars, and cypress) aren’t toxic, although like other non-food plants they could cause vomiting or intestinal blockage if an animal swallowed enough of one. The risks to pets are from trees falling, ornaments breaking, exposure to electrical cords, and possibly exposure to preservatives (which are not very toxic but can cause mild vomiting, according to ASPCA Animal Poison Control). Norfolk Island pines and rosemary plants are often sold as potted miniature holiday trees. These two plants aren’t toxic to cats and dogs. However, a miniature tree made of mixed greenery would be a serious danger if it contained yew. Cyclamen (Cyclamen species) Ingestion of cyclamen, a flowering houseplant, can cause drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. Swallowing a large amount of cyclamen tubers can lead to heart rhythm abnormalities, seizures, and death. Delphinium, larkspur (Delphinium species) Blue delphinium flowers are included in some Hanukkah floral arrangements. Toxic compounds in delphinium block a neurotransmitter that’s required for muscle function. Ingestion can cause digestive system problems (vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation), belly pain, drooling, weakness, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures, and paralysis. The most severe effects—heart or lung failure and death—are most likely to happen in grazing animals that ingest large amounts of the plant. Holly, winterberry, Christmas holly, English holly (Ilex aquifolium) Ingestion of English holly and similar plants in the genus Ilex can cause vomiting and diarrhea. The pointed leaves can injure the inside of the mouth, leading to drooling and other signs of mouth discomfort. Lily (Lilium species, Hemerocallis species) Lilies of various types are common in floral arrangements, including arrangements for winter holidays. Some lilies are so toxic to cats that they shouldn’t be brought at all into a house with cats. The most dangerous lilies are Lilium species (Easter lily, Japanese lily, Asiatic hybrid lilies, stargazer lily, Casablanca lily, and tiger lily) and Hemerocallis species (daylily). Ingestion of a tiny amount of plant material—even licking pollen from a paw—can cause kidney injury in cats. Calla lilies, peace lilies, lily of the valley, and Peruvian lilies are not Lilium and Hemerocallis species; these plants don’t damage the kidneys but can cause stomach upset and other problems. Mistletoe (Phoradendron species, Viscum album) Mistletoe ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain in animals. Swallowing large amounts can cause low heart rate, a drop in blood pressure, uncoordinated gait, and seizures. American mistletoe (Phoradendron species) is less toxic than European mistletoe (Viscum album). Paperwhite (Narcissus papyraceus) Paperwhites and other Narcissus species (like jonquils and daffodils) cause severe vomiting and diarrhea if ingested. Swallowing a large amount can lead to breathing and heart rhythm abnormalities. The most toxic part of the plant is the bulb. Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) Poinsettias are not as toxic as some have been led to believe, according to ASPCA Animal Poison Control. The thick, milky sap is an irritant that can cause drooling and vomiting if ingested. The sap can also irritate the skin and eyes on contact. Yew (Taxus species) Plants in the genus Taxus are highly toxic to all animals, including dogs, cats, horses, and people. Yew branches and berries are sometimes used to make holiday wreaths and other decorations. Be very careful displaying and disposing of items that might contain yew; be sure pets and wildlife can’t access them. Yew ingestion causes vomiting, muscle tremors, difficulty breathing, heart failure, seizures, and death. Sources
Public domain photo of yew (Taxus baccata) by MM on Wikimedia Commons Laurie Anne Walden, DVM Photo by Amy Starr Dogs and cats can’t have pumpkin spice lattes or Halloween candy, but not all foods that we associate with fall are off the menu for our pets.
If you’d like to give treats to your pets, keep these precautions in mind:
Homemade and store-bought pet treats Many recipes for homemade dog and cat treats are available. Making your own pet treats can be a fun family project and a great outlet for creativity. Kids might be surprised that their dog is so enthusiastic about a baked dog biscuit that tastes like cardboard to them. It’s a good reminder that pets don’t need the sugar, salt, and flavorings that humans prefer. Pet food manufacturers know a marketing opportunity when they see one, so you can also find themed seasonal treats for sale. Store-bought pet treats are fine as long as they don’t contain a problem ingredient (always check labels). Pumpkin Plain cooked or canned pumpkin is safe, and dogs and cats tend to like it. If you use canned pumpkin, be sure to get plain pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling. The sugar and spices in pie filling can cause problems. Likewise, don’t give a pet a piece of pumpkin pie—and especially not sugar-free pie, which might contain xylitol. White potatoes and sweet potatoes Most dogs love potatoes of any type. Skip the butter, salt, and toppings, though: no loaded baked potatoes or sweet potato casserole for pets. Other vegetables and fruits Many vegetables and fruits (not grapes!) are safe, tasty, low-calorie treats for pets. As always, stick with plain, unseasoned items for animals. Avoid casseroles, which might contain problem ingredients like onion and fat. To avoid a choking risk, cut raw vegetables and fruits into small pieces and remove seeds, cores, and thick peels. These are some good options:
Turkey A bite of cooked lean poultry meat is safe for dogs and cats. Avoid giving pets skin, fat, bones, pan drippings, raw meat, or meat seasoned with onion. Popcorn Is popcorn a fall food? I think it depends on which Thanksgiving cartoons you watch. As with other foods, don’t add butter, salt, or seasonings to popcorn pieces you toss to your pets. Air-popped popcorn doesn’t have added fat, so it’s safer than oil-popped or microwaved popcorn for animals like schnauzers that have an increased risk for pancreatitis. Photo by Amy Starr on Unsplash Laurie Anne Walden, DVM Photo by Tyler Farmer Holiday celebrations can be stressful for pets. Visitors, changes in routine, changes in food, unfamiliar scents and objects in the home, traveling, and noise can all cause anxiety for animals. Animals are more likely to bite when they’re scared or anxious, so minimizing sources of stress for your pets will help keep the holidays happy for everyone.
Limit Stressful Situations To identify sources of stress for your pets, think like an animal. Animals feel safest when their routines and environment are predictable. Keep meal times, nap times, and exercise and play schedules about the same as usual. You might want to sleep late on a holiday (OK, the day after a holiday), but if your pets are used to a very consistent morning routine, this change could contribute to stress. It’s normal and very human to want to include pets in our celebrations, but be careful not to think of your animals as little people in fur (or scale or feather) coats. They won’t feel left out if they’re not invited to a party. Most animals would rather be in a nice quiet room than in the middle of holiday hubbub. Think about your pets’ usual behavior around strangers and noise, and let them stay wherever they are most comfortable and safe. Be aware of foods that aren’t safe for animals, especially if you have visitors who don’t know what your pets should and shouldn’t eat. Chocolate, xylitol sweetener, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, and raw yeast dough are some of the foods that can be dangerous for animals. Limit or avoid table food for your pets; fatty or rich food can cause digestive upset. A holiday trip to the emergency veterinary clinic is not on anyone’s wish list. Contact your veterinarian in advance if your pet is afraid of fireworks or has travel anxiety. Your veterinarian might recommend prescription or nonprescription antianxiety medication, depending on the symptoms. Plan ahead for this. Your pet might need a veterinary examination before medication can be prescribed. Watch for Signs of Stress The early signs of fear and anxiety can be subtle. Owners sometimes don’t realize their pets are in distress until the behavior escalates to aggression (an attempt to remove a perceived threat). Watch for any changes from the usual behavior. Some animals withdraw and hide in response to stress; others become hyperactive or clingy. Signs of Anxiety in Dogs
Signs of Anxiety in Cats
Photo by Tyler Farmer on Unsplash Laurie Anne Walden, DVM  Some bugs carry dangerous diseases or have venomous stings. But what about insects that our pets catch and swallow? Most are harmless, but a few are unsafe for pets. As warm weather arrives, keep an eye out for insects that can cause trouble if they’re eaten.
Pesticides and insecticides can also be toxic to pets. Keep these products out of your pets’ reach and use them only according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Dogs and cats are most likely to get a toxic dose if they’re sprayed with the product or eat a significant amount. A pet that eats a single pesticide-covered insect would ingest a little bit of the product, but the amount would probably be too small to cause a problem (call your veterinarian if you’re unsure or if your pet shows any symptoms). Caterpillars Caterpillar hairs can be irritating to the touch, and some types of hairs release a toxin. Fur typically protects dogs’ and cats’ skin from the stings of caterpillar hairs. If a pet eats a caterpillar, though, the hairs can irritate the mouth and throat. Symptoms include drooling, pawing at the mouth, shaking the head, vomiting, and trouble swallowing. Processionary caterpillars (found in Europe, North Africa, and Asia) produce a toxin that causes an especially severe reaction.[1,2] Fireflies Fireflies are highly toxic to lizards, amphibians, and birds. Ingestion of a single firefly can kill a bearded dragon. Fireflies contain lucibufagins, which are chemicals that cause heart damage in susceptible species.[3] Asian Lady Beetles Asian lady beetles (Harmonia axyridis) look a lot like ladybugs, but unlike ladybugs they gather in large numbers and come inside houses in cold weather. As a defense mechanism, they secrete an irritating chemical compound. One published report describes a dog with oral trauma similar to chemical burns caused by 16 Asian lady beetles stuck to the roof of the mouth.[4] Blister Beetles Blister beetles (family Meloidae) produce a toxin called cantharidin, an irritant that causes blistering on contact with the skin, mouth, or digestive tract. Cantharidin poisoning is most common in horses that eat alfalfa hay contaminated with blister beetles. Exposure can be fatal to horses. Other species, including dogs, cats, rabbits, and people, are also susceptible to cantharidin poisoning.[5] Walking Sticks The insects known as walking sticks (order Phasmatodea) use camouflage as their main defense mechanism, but some of them also secrete a chemical that can burn the eyes or mouth. Anisomorpha buprestoides, a stick insect found in the southern United States, can aim this secretion directly at the face of a predator. Severe eye damage has been reported in humans and a dog.[6] Bombardier Beetles Brachinus beetles are called bombardier beetles because they secrete a toxic chemical that they aim at predators in what is usually described as “explosive discharge.” This chemical irritant is released at a boiling temperature.[7] Although I did not find any research reports of bombardier beetle poisoning in dogs or cats, I can’t imagine that eating one would be a comfortable experience. References 1. Bad bugs, bad bugs: what you should do to keep your pets safe. ASPCA. August 1, 2018. Accessed March 5, 2021. https://www.aspca.org/news/bad-bugs-bad-bugs-what-you-should-do-keep-your-pets-safe 2. Fuzzy green poisoners: caterpillar toxicosis in pets. ASPCA Pro. Accessed March 5, 2021. https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/fuzzy-green-poisoners-caterpillar-toxicosis-pets 3. Treating firefly toxicosis in lizards. ASPCA Pro. Accessed March 5, 2021. https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/treating-firefly-toxicosis-lizards 4. Stocks IC, Lindsey DE. Acute corrosion of the oral mucosa in a dog due to ingestion of multicolored Asian lady beetles (Harmonia axyridis: Coccinellidae). Toxicon. 2008;52(2):389-391. doi:10.1016/j.toxicon.2008.05.010 5. Schmitz DG. Overview of cantharidin poisoning. Merck Veterinary Manual. Updated June 2013. Accessed March 5, 2021. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/cantharidin-poisoning/overview-of-cantharidin-poisoning 6. Thomas MC. Featured creatures: twostriped walkingstick. University of Florida Entomology & Nematology. Publication No. EENY-314. November 2003. Accessed March 5, 2021. http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/misc/walkingstick.htm 7. Schaller JC, Davidowitz G, Papaj DR, Smith RL, Carrière Y, Moore W. Molecular phylogeny, ecology and multispecies aggregation behaviour of bombardier beetles in Arizona. PLoS One. 2018;13(10):e0205192. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0205192 Photo by Kazuky Akayashi |
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