A Kenneling Alternative

Xylitol

March is Poison Prevention Awareness Month

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March is Poison Prevention Awareness Month. According to the Pet Poison Hotline, fifty percent of the calls they receive are situations where an item that was not toxic to a person was ingested and was toxic to pets.

Categories

Let’s take a look at the top categories of potential toxins and identify ways to keep your pets safe:

  • Xylitol. This is a substance in many sugarless products that is toxic to pets. It can be found in anything from sugar-free gums, mints, and even peanut butter. Symptoms that you may notice include vomiting, weakness, difficulty walking, tremors and seizures.
  • Medications. Human medications can have lots of adverse impacts on your pets. From red blood cell damage to neurological problems, make sure to keep all human medications safely stored away from pets and small children. 
  • Flowers. With Easter around the corner, lilies are one type of flower that pets should not be exposed to as they can be toxic. If you have tulip or daffodil bulbs, keep an eye out for pets that like to eat them. These can also cause illness. 
  • Chocolate. In keeping with our Easter theme, those chocolate bunnies can be bad news. The real danger is in the darker and more bitter chocolate as it contains a chemical compound related to caffeine. If you pet ingests these types of chocolates, or you think it might be possible, watch symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, and seizures. Death is a possibility to seek medical attention promptly if you think your pet has eaten chocolates. 
  • Pest Control and Fertilizers. You might be preparing for vermin and gardening, but keep your materials out of the pathway of your pets. Some items can be fatal in small doses, so don’t take any chances.

If you do need immediate assistance with possible poison situations, contact your local veterinarian’s office or reach out to either the Pet Poison Helpline at 800-213-6680 or contact the Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.

Those Final Days of Making Summer Frozen Treats

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Time is short for those finals moments of summer treats. Why not take advantage of the last of the hot, steamy summer days and make your pet  a scoop of ice cream?
 
Your pet may not be able to digest the contents of your favorite human batch of frozen goodness. So, we will give you some ideas and methods to make your own. 
 
We’ve assembled these ideas for you to whip up some homemade treats that will taste way better than what is in the store. And making it yourself will give you the benefit of knowing exactly what each treat contains.
 
First up, many people are familiar with Frosty Paws in the grocery store. Our friends over at HGTV have concocted a similar treat with fewer ingredients. It contains yogurt, peanut butter and baby food. If your dog doesn’t take well to plain yogurt you can use an alternate. Click this link to get the recipe.
 
Maybe you have fresh fruit and would prefer to mix up something a little less creamy, but still tasty. The AKC has options that extend beyond traditional peanut butter ice cream. Check out the various options they have available at https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/diy-frozen-dog-treats/.
 
Remember that too much dairy can cause an upset tummy. Also, some sugar free additives can be toxic to your pet. Be especially cautious with peanut butter as the additive xylitol can be fatal to your pet if ingested. If you have questions about your pet’s health and nutrition we always recommend consulting your veterinarian. 
 
We hope that these ideas help you create a nutritious and delicious treat to share with your pet during the decreasing number of hot summer days ahead of us.

Making Ice Cream As A Summer Treat

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What sounds better on a hot, steamy summer day than a big ole scoop of your favorite ice cream? Not much!
 
But, your pet may not be able to digest the contents of your favorite batch of frozen goodness. So, why not make some ice cream for them?
 
We’ve assembled some ideas for you to whip up some homemade treats that will taste way better than what is in the store. And making it yourself will give you the benefit of knowing exactly what each treat contains.
 
First up, many people are familiar with Frosty Paws in the grocery store. Our friends over at HGTV have concocted a similar treat with fewer ingredients. It contains yogurt, peanut butter and baby food. If your dog doesn’t take well to plain yogurt you can use an alternate. Click this link to get the recipe.
 
Maybe you have fresh fruit and would prefer to mix up something a little less creamy, but still tasty. The AKC has options that extend beyond traditional peanut butter ice cream. Check out the various options they have available at https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/diy-frozen-dog-treats/.
 
Remember that too much dairy can cause an upset tummy. Also, some sugar free additives can be toxic to your pet. Be especially cautious with peanut butter as the additive xylitol can be fatal to your pet if ingested. If you have questions about your pets health and nutrition we always recommend consulting your veterinarian.
 
We hope that these ideas help you create a nutritious and delicious treat to share with your pet during the hot summer days ahead of us.

The Dangers of Xylitol for Dogs

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TheDangersofXylitolforDogs

Xylitol… Worse Than Chocolate For Dogs

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that’s gaining popularity as a sugar substitute. Xylitol has about two-thirds the calories sugar has, and xylitol effects blood sugar differently than table sugar, which makes it an attractive alternative for folks with blood sugar issues. You’ll see xylitol in gum, candy, mints and some chocolates. It’s also in some cough syrups and even nut butter! It’s good for human teeth, making it popular for toothpastes and gum.

However, xylitol is very, very dangerous for dogs—even a little bit can be toxic. It causes hypoglycemia in dogs which is often fatal, and in large enough doses, liver failure, also fatal.

The VCA Animal Hospitals website lists symptoms of xylitol poisoning as weakness, vomiting, difficulty walking or standing, depression or lethargy, tremors, seizures and/or coma. If you suspect your dog has eaten something containing xylitol call your vet immediately. If a dog consumes xylitol, symptoms can develop rapidly. There is currently no “antidote” for xylitol toxicity, therefore prompt veterinary treatment is key to increase your dog’s chances of recovery. [Read more…] about The Dangers of Xylitol for Dogs