Dog care, symptoms, health issues, and dog health advocacy from an owner's perspective. In loving memory of Jasmine.
Most people know that chocolate is toxic to dogs. Xylitol, however, is way more lethal. Matilda’s story Matilda is a four-year-old spayed female Basset Hound. About an hour before her visit, Matilda took a package of gum off the counter. Unfortunately, she ate or chewed up about half of the package. Matilda’s owner did not expect us to say gum…
The dog’s body absorbs xylitol rapidly, causing its level in the blood to spike. The pancreas responds by secreting massive amounts of insulin which leads to severely low blood sugar. It takes only a tiny amount of Xylitol to result in a life-threatening situation. Potential symptoms of xylitol poisoning in dogs include: vomiting diarrhea abdominal pain loss of appetite abnormal…
If you suspect your dog ingested a metal piece or coin that could contain zinc, seek veterinary help immediately. As zinc enters the digestive system, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. But that is not what is the worst concern. Once it gets absorbed into the bloodstream, it leads to the destruction of red blood cells, liver…
Summertime brings with it a number of health hazards for dogs. Among them is the danger of poisoning from blue-green algae. Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, are common in stale or stagnant water. Consequently, it can appear in ponds, lakes, reservoirs, and other bodies of standing water. Waters affected by blue-green algal blooms are usually of poor water quality.…
Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, are common in stale or stagnant water and are often found in ponds, lakes, and reservoirs. Dogs can get poisoned with the toxins found in blue-green algae when they swim or drink from waters contaminated by the bloom. Blue-green algae toxin can attack either the liver or the nervous system. Symptoms depend on which…