from the Whole Foods Journal

By Editorial Staff Published:February 9, 2024

This probably goes without saying, but always keep potentially harmful items in closets, drawers, or cabinets that your dog can’t open, not on a table or countertop or in a bag left on the floor. Make sure your kids understand these rules. And always supervise your dog’s play indoors and out. A curious puppy or dog can quickly find a way into even items that seem harmless — but can actually be quite harmful to pets. Here’s a rundown of common things you might have in your home.

1. Xylitol. It’s a low-calorie sweetener that is derived from birch trees. It was first created in Finland during World War II, when sugar supplies were interrupted. Xylitol has a lot of dental benefits for humans, including the prevention of cavities, dental plaque, dry mouth, and bad breath. It also has the unique ability to remineralize tooth enamel. You can find xylitol in candy, nasal sprays, mouthwash, gum and as an artificial sweetener. Dogs, however, should not consume xylitol. In dogs, xylitol causes a rapid drop in blood sugar. This can cause seizures in dogs, which sometimes lead to death.
2. Chocolate. While the rule that the darker the chocolate, the healthier it is may be true for people, the opposite is true for dogs. Chocolate’s problem ingredients are theobromine and caffeine, which dogs absorb through their gastrointestinal tracts too fast and put damaging stress on the liver. In dark chocolate, these naturally occuring ingredients are more concentrated and are likely to lead to serious problems, death included. Note: Cocoa powder, in some cases, can be as concentrated as dark or baking chocolate. Even cocoa bean shell mulch, a popular garden product, can be toxic when swallowed by chocolate-craving chow hounds.
3. Grapes and Raisins. The toxicity of grapes to dogs is still not really understood by scientists. Reactions vary from dog to dog. Some dogs can eat grapes regularly and never have problems. Accidentally eating a few grapes probably won’t affect a dog of any size. But when ingested in siginificant quantities – as little as 2.5 ounces – this fruit can cause kidney failure.
4. Onions. Onions and their cousins, garlic, are rich in a compound called thiosulphate, which is toxic to dogs. Being much more thiosulphate-potent than garlic, onions pose a threat to dogs if they eat just a single serving – about one good-sized onion. Thiosulphate causes hemolytic anemia (“Heinz factor”) in dogs, a condition that bursts red blood cells. Symptoms of hemolytic anemia can develop in a range of time – generally within a few hours, but can also be after a few days. Signs of hemolytic anemia include depression, weakness, no interest in food, vomiting and diarrhea. In a progressed case, the dog’s urine will become red from dam-aged blood cells. As oxygen-carrying red blood cells die off and leave the dog’s body, the dog becomes suffocated.
5. Garlic. Garlic is a tricky one because when used topically and sprinkled over food, it is great for dogs. It fights ear infections, internal infections, boosts immune systems and lowers blood sugar. But it also contains thiosulphate. Many holistic veterinarians and health care experts believe that feeding doses up to 1 small clove of garlic per 20 pounds of body weight per day are not likely to pose problems for dogs. When uses topically for wounds or ear infections, it is harm-less. If your dog were to eat a whole head of garlic, on the other hand, refer to the earlier section on onions.
6. Macadamia Nuts. The good news is that we have no documented cases of macadamia nut poisoning that has led to death. It alleviates after it passes through the dog – in around 12 to 36 hours. The bad news is symptoms are dramatic. Hind-end weakness, lethargy, depression, vomiting, and diarrhea all come after eating as little as 1 gram of macadamia nuts per pound of a dog’s body weight.

For a more comprehensive guide on keeping your dog safe, download Dog Dangers now.

While dogs can eat chocolate in controlled quantities, it is better for them to steer clear of chocolate consumption. Learn about how much chocolate is safe for your dogs and how you can help them manage the threat of chocolate poisoning. 

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Coonhound paralysis, also known as acute canine idiopathic polyradiculoneuritis, struck 4-year-old Labrador retriever Kahlua seemingly without warning, but she persevered with the help of veterinarians and her family. The cause is unknown, but the disease involves an immune-mediated attack on the nervous system that may be triggered in some dogs by contact with raccoon saliva. The condition can debilitate dogs, and intensive physical therapy and supportive care are needed to give dogs a shot at recovery. Kahlua’s case has a happy ending. Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (5/16)

By Karl Polacek

March 8 was a difficult day for Michele Piper and her family from Upper Tyrone. Kahlua, their 4-year-old chocolate Labrador retriever, started losing control of her hind legs.

Piper immediately sent a text to her veterinarian, Dr. Justin Kontir of Mt. Pleasant Animal Hospital, who had her bring Kahlua to his office.

During the examination, Kontir noticed the same problem was beginning to affect the dog’s front paws. At first, Piper said Kontir thought the problem might be caused by a spinal blood clot.

“There is a list of things, 25 things, from botulism, a herniated disk, spinal cord stroke, even arthritis,” Kontir said. “In a young dog, they can herniate a disk. In a young to middle-age dog that is active, arthritis didn’t seem very likely.”

He had Piper take Kahlua to Dr. Kendra Mikoloaki, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM (Neurology) at Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty Services, located on Camp Horne Road, north of Pittsburgh.

“The only place to diagnose this type of problem is the specialty clinic in Pittsburgh,” Kontir said.

Mikoloaki examined Kahlua. By the time Mikoloaki saw the dog, she didn’t have a patella reflex (in humans, checked by striking the kneecap).

The signals (from the dog’s brain) weren’t getting through to her legs,” Mikoloaki said.

She diagnosed the illness as acute canine idiopathic polyradiculoneuritis (ACIP), commonly known as Coonhound paralysis.

Kontir and Mikoloaki said the problem is rare.

Kontir said he vaguely remembered hearing about Coonhound paralysis when he was in school, eight years earlier. He had never seen one in his practice.

Mikoloaki said she sees just a few cases each year.

The actual cause of the disease is unknown. Kontir said one possibility is contact with raccoons or raccoon saliva. Whatever the cause, the disease triggers the autoimmune system that attacks the nerves.

Initially, Piper was worried she might have to have Kahlua put down. Mikoloaki said that is not necessary in a young, otherwise healthy dog. The treatment involves no medication, only intense physical therapy.

Piper opted to take Kahlua to Woodlands Animal Care Center in Farmington, where Shari Facchine, certified K9 rehabilitation therapist, began therapy on March 16. Facchine said the clinic was built by Joe Hardy as part of his pet-friendly Nemacolin Woodlands Resort.

“At that time she (Kahlua) wasn’t able to hold her head up or eat and drink on her own,” said Facchine, who used a syringe to give her water and food. “She was not strong enough to use her tongue to drink from a bowl.”

Facchine worked with Kahlua during the days, giving her range-of-motion exercises and cold laser treatments, putting her in a “quad cart” and having Kahlua work on an exercise ball.

According to Facchine, the process involved teaching the dog to use her body again, from using her legs, to learning to drink and eat to going to the bathroom.

Facchine explained that the Cutting Edge Class 4 cold laser helps regenerate nerves. The device is rarely used on humans because insurance companies consider it an experimental therapy.

Facchine said therapy for Coonhound paralysis normally takes up to six months. However, Kahlua’s rehabilitation was accelerated by what Facchine and both vets said was the dog’s happy and energetic nature, a motivated animal.

Eventually, Facchine discharged Kahlua, who is at home, completely free of the condition that once took away her ability to move.

For Michelle Piper and her family, the process has been rewarding, but expensive. She said the vet bills and therapy have cost approximately $3,000. But she would have found it difficult to end Kahlua’s life.

Now, even her husband, Varden, whom she described as “not an animal lover,” is happy with Kahlua. Kahlua will go to the refrigerator, take a beverage handed to her to Varden in another room, then wag her tail and bark at him, Michelle Piper said.

Karl Polacek is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at kpolacek@tribweb.com or 724-626-3538.

It’s the theobromine in chocolate that is toxic for dogs, writes veterinarian Julianne Miller, and theobromine levels vary depending on the type of chocolate. Even if an animal doesn’t ingest a toxic dose, Dr. Miller says chocolate can cause diarrhea, vomiting and pancreatitis, so any ingestion should be evaluated by a veterinarian. Also in this article, Dr. Miller explains the importance of vaccinating indoor cats. The Arizona Daily Sun (Flagstaff)

Q: I have heard that chocolate is toxic for dogs, but my dog has gotten into chocolate before and has not had any problems. So I am curious to know if chocolate is actually harmful or not?

A: The simple answer to your question is yes, chocolate is toxic; however, it is the ingredient theobromine that is contained in chocolate that is toxic to dogs. The toxicity is based on the amount of theobromine that the animal ingests when compared to the animal’s weight. It also matters what type of chocolate is ingested because the amount of theobromine in chocolate varies.

Any dose of theobromine over 45 mg/kg is potentially toxic and possibly lethal for dogs and should be treated aggressively by your veterinarian.

As an example, milk chocolate contains 44-64 mg theobromine per ounce of chocolate — so an average sized 80-pound Lab would need to ingest approximately 30-50 ounces of milk chocolate for a toxic dose. That is almost 3 pounds of milk chocolate! However, unsweetened baking chocolate contains 450 mg theobromine per ounce of chocolate. That means that same 80-pound Lab would be at a toxic dose after only 3.5 ounces!

So, you can see that the weight of the animal and the type of chocolate determine the toxic dose. Even if your dog eats chocolate and does not ingest a toxic dose there are other serious consequences to eating the chocolate such as severe stomach and intestinal upset, pancreatitis, diarrhea, vomiting and more. Any ingestion of chocolate is bad for a dog; whether it eats a toxic dose, your dog could suffer some serious adverse reactions. Since even a small dose of theobromine is potentially toxic and possibly lethal for dogs, it is recommended that you contact your veterinarian immediately for advice.

Donna and Mark Hein have an agreement: Whoever dies first gets the dogs.

The dogs’ ashes, that is. The Lockport couple plan to have the cremains of their two beloved canines buried with them when they go.

“We did that with our two Dobermans growing up. We put their cremains in the caskets of my parents after they passed,” Donna Hein said.

For now, though, the ashes are kept in decorative tins.

Increasingly, people’s devotion to their pets is becoming larger than life. They go to great lengths, sometimes at great expense, to protect and honor their animals into eternity.

Like the Heins, who had their pets cremated at Kozy Acres in Joliet, many opt to handle after-life matters themselves instead of just leaving a deceased animal with a veterinarian.

Last year, there were five pet funeral services at Lain-Sullivan Funeral Home in Park Forest. Loving Memorial Pet Care operates there. It has its own crematory, owner Michele Johnson said.

Business has increased 20 percent a year over the five years she’s been in operation, Johnson said. She attributes the growth to the personal touch she offers.

“We have 24-hour-a-day assistance,” she said. “We’ll come to your home or to your vet to pick up an animal.”

Grievers get time to pay their respects before the pet is cremated. Johnson also sells burial palls and caskets for people who opt to bury an animal.

The palls are stuffed with herbs designed to keep critters away from pets that are buried in a back yard.

Each pet owner who chooses cremation gets a keepsake card with the paw and nose prints of their beloved animal. They also receive a tuft of fur in a keepsake sack.

Johnson also sells a complete line of urns, scattering containers and memento jewelry.

“I try to accommodate every request,” she said.

Including the saddest ones.

Last summer, Stephanie Fisher, 21, of Park Forest, was killed in a fiery car crash on the same day her dog was slated to be euthanized by a local veterinarian. Fisher’s parents had both their daughter and their chocolate Lab, Bosco, brought to Lain-Sullivan. The two buddies were cremated simultaneously.

Johnson has cremated llamas, birds, snakes, even a goldfish.

“People love their pets,” she said. “So we treat them with respect.”

At Kozy Acres pet cemetery and crematorium in Joliet, there are 40 to 65 cremations a week. Therese Piaza, who co-owns Kozy Acres with her ex-husband, Tom Gaura, said both private and group cremations are more popular than burial these days.

With private cremation, a pet’s remains are returned to the owner, either to be buried or kept. In communal cremation, pets are cremated in groups, with all the remains then scattered across the cemetery.

“It’s still dignified but less expensive,” Piaza said.

Some people, including Cheri Packard, of Shorewood, prefer a traditional burial. Packard has six dogs and one cat buried at Kozy Acres pet cemetery in Joliet.

“We had a wake and a funeral for all of them,” Packard said. “I just feel that’s the right thing to do.”

Kozy Acres, which opened in 1981, has 2,500 marked plots, many with headstones that include photos of the animals buried beneath them. Some feature statues of dogs, cats or of St. Francis, the patron saint of children and animals.

For those who simply can’t part with their animal friend, there is a third option: preservation.

Jil-Marie Williams and Dan Borchers, of Chicago, had their dachshund, Weezy, preserved last summer using a freeze-drying method offered at Don’s Taxidermy in Wilmington.

“We have her sitting on our dining room table right now,” Borchers said. “She still looks real.”

Williams and Borchers said their 7-year-old canine died unexpectedly.

“We never got to say goodbye,” Williams said.

At first they thought they would have her cremated. Burial, Borchers said, was not an option because the couple plan to move in the near future.

“All our friends and family asked, ‘What are you doing?’ But now they see how nice she turned out,” Borchers said. “I recommend it to everyone.”

The option, which calls for removing the internal organs and body fluids before freeze-drying in a position chosen by the client, is becoming increasingly popular, said Don Franzen, owner of Don’s Taxidermy.

Many taxidermists are reticent to mount a pet because it’s difficult to achieve an authentic look with an animal that a human is so familiar with. Freeze-drying, though more time-consuming and costly, can get those results.

“In the last two days, I’ve gotten six calls about it,” Franzen said.

Some requests come from as far away as Maine.

“It’s not for everybody,” he conceded.

Those who do choose it seem to enjoy having a lifelike preservation of their animal, he said.

The cost for freeze-drying is based on an animal’s weight. An 8- to 10-pound dog starts at about $550, Franzen said.

Most people approach him with the admission, “People think I’m crazy,” he said.

“But who is anyone to judge?” he said.

“Most of them cry when they come to pick up their pet,” he said.

Franzen, also a taxidermist, said working with pets requires a whole new approach to the preservation process, one that calls for sensitivity and people skills.

“It’s like being a mortician,” he said. “You have to listen to the people, hear their stories. It’s important.”

Williams and Borchers said they were impressed by the personal touch Franzen and his wife extended.

“It was so personable,” Borchers said. “We’re very happy with the result. It’s like you don’t really have to say goodbye.”

Pet owners are asked to be mindful of Easter foods and decor that can pose threats to animals.

Here are several tips:

Easter lilies are highly toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure.

Chocolate is toxic for dogs when ingested in large quantities and contains xylitol, which can cause a fatal drop in blood pressure. Also posing a risk are candy wrappers, sticks and plastic eggs.

Human holiday food can cause pets to become ill, including gastrointestinal sickness, pancreatitis and intestinal blockage or injury from eating bones.

Easter basket grass can cause intestinal obstruction in cats and may lead to emergency surgery.

Chicks and rabbits should not be taken on as pets unless their owners are committed to giving them permanent homes and caring for them responsibly.

For more information, visit lmah.net or call 645-2758.

Stacia Harris

March 19, 2024

It’s National Pet Poison Prevention Week. Pets can be surrounded by dangerous items that they shouldn’t ingest or be exposed to. This includes human food, human medicine and dangerous household products to name a few. This month is dedicated to making sure people know what they can do to prevent and treat pet poisoning.

“Pet poisonings should be addressed as soon as possible by a veterinarian,” said Dr. Steven Marks. “Most poisonings do not have specific antidotes or a one-size-fits all approach and require supportive care from a veterinarian.”

Prevention and preparedness can save time and a life in the event your pet ingests or is exposed to something dangerous.

“Pet parents can be ready for any emergency by knowing where local veterinary care is available at all times of day, especially after hours,” said Marks “I’d recommend saving to your phone the number to several offices that are open during the day and those open on nights and weekends.”

You can also save time by calling the vet before you head to their office.

“It’s important to call the veterinarian’s office ahead of time. That will allow staff time to prepare for your arrival and collect any important information as soon as possible. This is why having the number saved in your phone is such an important time-saver. Don’t forget to bring the container, packaging, or label of any products the pet has been exposed to, added Marks.”

Here are some more prevention tips from Dr. Marks:

• Carefully note in your home which items are dangerous and reduce exposure to them, similar to child-proofing a home.
• Never give medication to your pet without a specific prescription from a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). Many drugs that are safe for humans can be harmful to animals. Even those that are safe for pets are given at a much different dosing level.
• Do not initiate any treatment without consultation with a DVM.

According to the Pet Poison Helpline, some of the most commonly ingested toxins for dogs, cats and exotic pets include chocolate, grapes/raisins, garlic, anti-depressants/anti-anxiety medication, Xylitol (found in many sugar-free products), lilies and rodent poison. Cannabis products and other recreational drugs are also incredibly dangerous.

By Coco Lederhouse June 20, 2023

For the first time, recreational drugs have made the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Animal Poison Control Center’s (APCC) annual list of top toxins for pets. These drugs include marijuana-based substances, hallucinogenic mushrooms, and cocaine, which took the tenth spot on the list.

Over-the-counter medications, most often pain medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen; food, especially protein bars, xylitol gums, and grapes or raisins; and human prescription medications held the top three spots, respectively.

In 2022, the APCC team assisted 278,364 animals from the U.S., resulting in a nearly 5% increase in call volume when compared with 2021. The team received almost 11% more calls related to potential marijuana ingestion than in the previous year, and they have seen a nearly 300% increase in calls over the past five years, according to a recent APCC press release.

The most common cases the center saw involved pets ingesting marijuana-laced baked goods. In these cases, there may be additional toxic ingredients involved—such as chocolate, raisins, or xylitol—which result in a poorer prognosis. The most common clinical signs in dogs are ataxia or incoordination and lethargy or depression. Other common clinical signs are vomiting, urinary incontinence, increased sensitivity to motion or sound, head bobbing, dilated pupils, increased salivation, and a slower than normal heart rate.

Dr. Justine Lee, a board-certified veterinary emergency critical care specialist and toxicologist, explained that with the legalization of marijuana in several states and provinces, there has been an associated increased prevalence of accidental exposure to dogs, and children and less commonly cats.

“As a result, we need to be aware of this toxicant. Less frequently in the veterinary ER do I see cocaine or hallucinogenic mushrooms,” said Dr. Lee

According to a study published in April 2022 in PLoS One, researchers conducted a survey of veterinarians in Canada and the U.S. and found 226 of 251 toxicosis cases were among dogs. They also found that 116 of the cases were suspected to be from ingestion of edibles when the pet was unattended. Cannabis toxicosis was mostly diagnosed using supportive clinical signs, and the most common treatment was outpatient monitoring.

“The legalization of cannabis use in Canada and the US is likely an important factor associated with the increased cannabis toxicosis cases in pets; however, the legal status may also increase reporting,” the authors wrote. “The medicinal use of cannabis by pet-owners for pets may also contribute to a portion of the reported toxicoses. Most pets that experienced cannabis toxicosis recovered completely, suggesting that most cannabis toxicoses do not result in long-term ill effects.”

Dr. Lee said that pet owners are often unwilling to admit to illicit drug toxicosis.

“Judicious, nonjudgmental history taking, along with rapid recognition of clinical signs, is imperative to rapidly allow for decontamination—if appropriate—and treatment,” Dr. Lee said.

What to Do If Your Dog Eats Marijuana (Edibles, Weed, Vape Cartridges, etc.)

The amount and type of THC-containing product consumed will determine the seriousness of this event for your dog, and dictate the level of your emergency response.

By Jennifer Bailey, DVM for WHOLE DOG JOURNAL Published: January 15, 2023

Recreational marijuana has become legalized in 21 states and medical marijuana can be prescribed in 37 states. As marijuana becomes more widely available, people are looking for ways to partake of this drug without having to smoke it. This has created a market for marijuana “edibles,” also known as cannabis edibles.

Cannabis edibles are products that contain the psychoactive component of marijuana called delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). A variety of products are available as cannabis edibles, including gummies and other candies, mints, chocolates and chocolate bars, beverages, potato chips, and baked goods such as brownies and cookies. Unfortunately, many of these sweet or savory options are also attractive to our dogs. While we may have more self-control regarding how many edibles we consume at one time, dogs are more likely to ingest an entire package of any edibles they can reach because they taste delicious.

Symptoms of THC Ingestion in Dogs

Ingestion of small to moderate amounts of THC may cause the following signs in dogs: listlessness, incoordination when walking, falling over when standing, dilated pupils, slow heart rate, dribbling urine, and an exaggerated response to light, touch, and sound. Dogs who have ingested large amounts of THC may have slow breathing, low blood pressure, and may exhibit seizures or become comatose.

What to Do If Your Dog Ate a Cannabis Product

If you observe your dog ingesting cannabis edibles, take him to your veterinarian or the closest animal emergency or urgent care facility immediately. If the ingestion occurred within 30 minutes of arrival at the hospital and your dog is not showing clinical signs of THC ingestion, then the veterinary staff may induce vomiting.

If it has been more than 30 minutes since ingestion of the edible or your dog is showing signs of listlessness, then vomiting will likely not be induced. This is because THC has an anti-emetic effect; it can suppress vomiting. If your dog is already listless, causing your dog to vomit in this depressed state can lead to aspiration pneumonia.  Activated charcoal may be administered to absorb THC and minimize the effect it has on your dog’s body. If the edible contains chocolate or xylitol, then additional treatments may be necessary.

What If You Are Not Sure If Your Dog Ate a Cannabis Product?

If your dog is exhibiting signs of THC ingestion, but you did not witness or find evidence of this, have your dog evaluated by a veterinarian immediately. Be honest about what you have in the home, including any products containing THC, prescription sedatives, vape cartridges (including nicotine), and illicit drugs. Children, seniors, and roommates living in the home may not always be forthcoming about what they are storing in their bedrooms, so be firm yet gentle when inquiring about the presence of these products. The veterinary staff wants only to help your dog. They are not interested in contacting authorities about anything illegal in your home.

The clinical signs of THC ingestion look similar to the signs associated with ingestion of other sedatives, nicotine, and antifreeze. There is an antidote for antifreeze ingestion and without this intervention, this toxicity is always fatal. Your veterinarian may want to complete additional testing to rule out other causes for your dog’s clinical signs so that the appropriate treatment plan is initiated.

Although there is a urine test for THC available for use in people, this test is not always accurate in dogs. Dogs metabolize THC differently than people, so there is a high rate of false negatives with this test. However, a positive test for THC is almost always compatible with THC ingestion.

If ingestion of THC is suspected and the potential source has been identified, the veterinary team may contact animal poison control for further guidance regarding treatment. There are a number of variables that can alter how THC affects your dog. These variables include how much was ingested, your dog’s weight and concurrent medical conditions, any medications or supplements your dog may be taking, how the THC was infused into the product, and if the edible contains chocolate or xylitol.

Brownies, chocolates, and chocolate bars containing THC add another dimension to your dog’s toxicity: ingestion of theobromine and caffeine. Both of these are contained in chocolate and are toxic to your dog. Just like with THC, the type of chocolate (such as dark or milk chocolate), the amount ingested and the weight of your dog dictate the danger level and recommended treatment. (See “What to Do If Your Dog Eats Chocolate.”)

Gummies, mints, other THC edible candies and even baked goods may contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is toxic to dogs. Even tiny doses of xylitol are toxic to dogs, so it is important to know if any edibles your dog may have consumed contain xylitol.

Treatment for Cannabis Ingestion

Most mild cases of THC ingestion can be treated successfully at home by keeping your dog in a safe, quiet room where he cannot fall down the stairs or be exposed to excessive light or sound. Moderate cases of THC ingestion may require hospitalization with intravenous fluids, monitoring of heart rate and blood pressure, and medications to support the cardiovascular system and treat neurologic signs. Ingestion of high doses of THC will require hospitalization and may necessitate the administration of intralipids. Intralipids bind to THC so that it can be excreted safely from the body.

Ingested THC is fat soluble and is readily stored in body fat. Therefore, it can take anywhere from 12 to 36 hours for your dog’s clinical signs to resolve after ingesting a cannabis edible.

If you use cannabis products, store them  in a locked drawer or cabinet. Dogs are clever and some can open drawers and cabinets, but I have yet to meet one that can insert a key in a lock!

Dr. Jennifer Bailey is a 2012 graduate of the Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine. She is an emergency and urgent care veterinarian at an emergency and specialty practice in Syracuse, New York.