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Pet Safety Tips
 

Pets and heat stroke

During the hot summer months, it’s important to remember that your furry friend has a limited capacity to deal with the heat, and can easily become overwhelmed, leading to heat stroke.

What is heat stroke?

Heat stroke happens when your pet’s body isn't able to cope with the external heat, leading to illness, organ failure and even death. Humans sweat to help regulate their body temperature, but dogs don't have prominent sweat glands, so they rely on panting to cool off. Cats will sometimes groom themselves as a cooling mechanism, but may also pant. Due to this limited ability to cope, dogs and cats can be overwhelmed by the heat, especially when left in a hot car, but even just through physical activity.

 

 

How can I prevent heat stroke?

  • Never leave your pet alone in the car. Temperatures in a car can skyrocket in a short period of time, even with the windows rolled down.
  • Be aware that certain dogs are more susceptible to the heat than others, including overweight pets and those with long hair, thick coats or short faces. English and French bulldogs are more likely to suffer from heat stroke than the average dog.
  • Keep plenty of fresh water available. If the water bowl is outside, make sure it's in the shade to keep it cool.
  • Keep your dog inside on the hottest days of summer. When outside, keep your dog on the grass, since pavement can reach temperatures high enough to burn your pet’s foot pads.
  • Use air conditioning, fans, cooling pads or a kiddie pool.
  •  Plan walks and exercise for the morning or evening hours, when it’s cooler and the sun isn’t as strong.
  • Take breaks while exercising and be aware of your pet’s breathing. If your pet is panting hard or making strange sounds, take a break. You might have to shorten exercise trips, especially with snub-nose dogs.
  • While dogs are at greatest risk, cats and other small pets can also suffer from heat stroke if left in the sun or  in a confined, hot space.

What are the signs and symptoms of heat stroke?

  • Excessive panting
  • Muscle twitching
  • Anxious or dazed look
  • Vomiting
  • Weakness
  • Increased drooling
  • Diarrhea

What should I do if I think my pet has heat stroke?

If you believe your pet has heat stroke, take them out of the sun and heat and try to lower their body temperature with cool (but not cold) water and damp towels. Allow your pet to drink if they're able. A pet suffering from heat stroke needs to be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible, as the condition can cause organ damage or death.


Pets and cannabis

What is cannabis?

Recreational and most medical cannabis products are prepared using the Cannabis sativa L plant, usually by drying its flowers and leaves. More than 100 chemicals, known as cannabinoids, come from the cannabis plant. Cannabis is also called marijuana.

Recreational cannabis, which is smoked, vaporized or baked into oral preparations for humans, contains high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which causes psychoactive effects on the mind. This class of cannabis has the highest risk for pet toxicity.

Medical cannabis contains moderate to high levels of cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid compound, and lower levels of THC. These medicinal products may be prescribed to human patients for anti-nausea, pain relief and other medical reasons. Some of these products contain enough THC to produce toxicity in pets.

Cannabis that contains very low levels (less than 0.3 per cent) of THC in its flowers and leaves is classified as hemp. This tends to be most used for “medicinal” purposes for pets, with products including hemp oil, tincture or hemp powder. Effective and safe dosages of hemp products have not been studied.

Can veterinarians prescribe cannabis products or medical cannabis to pets?

No. Veterinarians are not allowed to prescribe any of these products to pets. In addition, there are currently no CBD products approved by Health Canada and therefore no legal pathway for veterinarians to obtain these products.

Is cannabis safe for pets?

The safety and efficacy of these products is unknown. There's also limited research on the use of these types of products in animals. Studies show that dogs have a higher sensitivity to cannabinoids than people, which puts them at risk. Cannabis of any type is not approved for use in animals, and giving products to your pet may have unknown side effects, unproven effectiveness and could result in a medical crisis. 

What are the signs of cannabis toxicity in pets?

  • Lack of balance and coordination
  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Excessive salivation
  • Vomiting
  • Dilated pupils
  • Tremours or seizures
  • Disorientation
  • Slow heart rate
  • Change in body temperature
  • Sensitivity to light and sound
  • Urinary incontinence

What should I do if I think my pet has ingested cannabis?

Take your pet to a veterinary hospital immediately. Don’t be afraid to tell the veterinarian that your pet has accidentally ingested cannabis products—symptoms are varied and omitting this information can make managing your pet’s case difficult. Remember, your veterinarian only has your pet’s health in mind.

With information from the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and the College of Veterinarians of Ontario.
 

Get quick tips about the dangers of cannabis for pets in our Pets and Cannabis Fact Sheet

 

Holiday hazards

Chocolate – That box of chocolates wrapped and trimmed under your tree may satisfy your sweet tooth, but it's poisonous for your dog. Make sure all food-related gifts are tucked away safely.

Turkey – Turkey is delicious, but its bones and fat are too much for your pet's stomach and can cause severe upset. Make sure carcass leftovers are secured away from your pet.

Bones – Bones are never a good choice for a snack, as they may become lodged or splinter in the digestive system. Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation on appropriate treats.

Tinsel – Pets, particularly cats, love to chew and play with glittery tinsel. Unfortunately, they can't resist eating it, and tinsel can become entangled in the intestinal tract. Often, it must be surgically removed.

Stress – You may love company during the holidays, but consider whether your pet does, too. The presence of many visitors unknown to your pet can cause unnecessary stress for him/her. If you're planning a party, provide your pet with a quiet, secure place to settle in while you party.

Gifting pets – If you're thinking of giving a new pet as a holiday gift, think again. The holidays can be a hectic and stressful time, particularly for a new pet, and the recipient may be unprepared for the responsibility.  

Electrical cords and decorations – These can pose potential hazards for your pets. Avoid leaving your furry friend unsupervised around these tempting items. Try to segregate your pet from holiday trimmings when you're not home.

Holiday plants – A variety of plants can be toxic to your house pet. Check to see if a plant is safe before bringing it into your home.

Over feeding – You might overeat during the holidays, but don't increase the treats for your pet. Obesity is one of the major causes of long-term ill health in pets. Maintain your animal's regular diet and keep plenty of fresh water available at all times.

If your pet becomes ill as a result of coming into contact with any of these holiday hazards, contact your veterinarian immediately for advice on first aid and further treatment.

 

Pets and poisons

Follow these guidelines to protect your pets from being exposed.

  • Be aware of the plants you have in your home and yard. Eating some plants can be fatal to a pet.
  • Never allow your pets to have access to the areas where cleaning products are being used or stored. Some cleaning products might only cause mild stomach upset, but others can cause bad burns to the tongue, mouth and stomach.
  • When using pest bait or traps, put them in areas that aren't accessible to your pets. Most bait contains sweet smelling inert ingredients, like jelly, peanut butter or sugar, which can also attract your pets.
  • Never give your companion animal medication unless directed by a veterinarian. Many medications that are safe for humans can be deadly for animals. For example, one 500 milligram acetaminophen tablet can kill a cat weighing seven pounds.
  • Keep all prescription and over-the-counter drugs out of your pet’s reach, preferably in closed cabinets. Pain killers, cold medicines, anti-cancer drugs, antidepressants, vitamins and diet pills can be lethal to animals, even in small doses. For example, one 200 milligram ibuprofen tablet can cause stomach ulcers in a dog weighing 10 pounds.
  • Never leave chocolate or foods containing xylitol in reach. Even small amounts can be dangerous if ingested.
  • Many common household items can be lethal to animals. Mothballs, potpourri oils, coffee grounds, homemade play dough, fabric softener sheets, dishwashing detergent, batteries, cigarettes, alcoholic drinks and hand and foot warmers are all highly toxic, even in small amounts.
  • Automotive products such as gasoline, oil and antifreeze should be stored in areas that aren't accessible to your pet. As little as one teaspoon of antifreeze can be deadly to a cat weighing seven pounds; less than one tablespoon can be lethal to a dog weighing 20 pounds.
  • Before buying a flea product for use on your pet, ask your veterinarian for a recommendation.
  • Read all of the information on labels before using a product on your pet or in your home. Always follow the directions.
  • If a product is for use only on dogs, it should never be used on cats; if a product is for use only on cats, it should never be used on dogs.
  • Make sure your companion animals don’t enter areas where foggers or house sprays have been used for the period of time written on the label.
  • Make sure your pets don't go on lawns or in gardens treated with fertilizers, herbicides or insecticides until they have dried completely. Always store these products in areas that aren't accessible to your pets.

If you're uncertain about the use of any product, ask the manufacturer and/or your veterinarian for instructions.

Provided by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. For more information, visit www.aspca.org.

 

Potentially poisonous plants

  • Aloe Vera, Amaryllis, Apple (seeds), Apple Leaf Croton, Apricot (pit), Asparagus Fern, Autumn Crocus, Azalea
  • Baby's Breath, Bird of Paradise, Branching Ivy, Buckeye, Buddhist Pine
  • Caladium, Calla Lily, Castor Bean, Ceriman, Charming Dieffenbachia, Cherry (seeds and wilting leaves), Chinese Evergreen, Christmas Rose, Cineraria, Clematis, Cordatum, Corn Plant, Cornstalk Plant, Croton, Cuban Laurel, Cutleaf Philodendron, Cycads, Cyclamen
  • Daffodil, Devil's Ivy, Dieffenbachia, Dracaena Palm, Dragon Tree, Dumb Cane
  • Easter Lily (especially in cats!!!!), Elaine, Elephant Ears, Emerald Feather, English Ivy, Eucalyptus
  • Fiddle-leaf fig, Florida Beauty, Floxglove, Fruit Salad Plant
  • Geranium, German Ivy, Giamt Dumb Cane, Glacier Ivy, Gold Dust Dracaena, Golden Pothos
  • Hahn's Self-Branching Ivy, Heartland Philodendron, Hurrican Plant
  • Indian Rubber Plant
  • janet Craig Dracaena, Japanese Show Lily (especially in cats), Jerusalem Cherry
  • Kalanchoe (Panda bear Plant)
  • Lacey Tree Philodendron, Lily of the Valley
  • Madagascar Dragon Tree, Marble Queen, Marijuana, Mexican Breadfruit, Miniature Croton, Mistletoe, Morning Glory, Mother-in Law's Tongue
  • Narcissus, Needlepoint Ivy, Nephthytis, Nightshade
  • Oleander, Onions, Oriental Lily (especially in cats)
  • Peace Lily, Peach (wilting leaves and pits), Pencil Cactus, Plumosa Fern, Poinsettia (low toxicity), Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, Pothos, Precatory Bean, Primrose
  • Red Emerald, Red Princess, Red-Margined Dracaena, Rhododendron, Ribbon Plant
  • Saddle Leaf Philodendron, Sago Palm, Satin Pothos, Schefflera, Silver Pothos, Spotted Dumb Cane, String of Pearls, Striped Dracaena, Sweetheart Ivy, Swiss Cheese Plant
  • Taro Vine, Tiger Lily (especially cats), Tomato Plant (green fruit, stem and leaves), Tree Philodendron, Tropic Snow Dieffenbachia
  • Weeping Fig
  • Yew

Provided by Dr. Jill Richardson, Veterinary Poison Information Specialist, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, www.aspca.org.


Travelling with your pet

Travelling with a pet can be stressful for both you and your pet, but planning ahead can help make the experience better.

pet_travel_suitcaseIf possible, it's best to leave your pet at home with a person you trust or at a reputable kennel. When that's not an option, the first step is to take your pet to the veterinarian to make sure that it’s healthy enough to travel and up to date on necessary vaccines. If your pet requires medication, make sure you have enough to last the length of the trip, as well as any flea, tick and heartworm prevention products. Some regions have a higher risk of certain parasites, so talk to your veterinarian about the risks associated with where you're going.

Car travel

  • Keep your pet in a secure, well-ventilated crate or carrier to keep the animal and passengers safe.
  • On a hot day, a car can quickly become an oven—even if the windows are open—and lead to heat stroke or death. Never leave an animal alone in a parked vehicle.
  • Bring plenty of water for your pet to drink.
  • Some places require documentation, like proof of rabies vaccination. Check ahead and make sure you bring the right paperwork.
  • Make sure your pet has a proper identification tag in case your pet gets loose.

Air travel

For tips on travelling with your pet by air, including any documentation that may be required, visit the federal government's travel page.

Bringing a pet to Canada

Importation of pets into Canada is regulated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Under the National Animal Health Program, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency establishes import requirements for all animals and animal products entering Canada-including domestic pets. The Agency can refuse entry to any animal presented for importation. See import guidelines for the more common pets.

 

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Email: info@ovma.org

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