pets health
We are not vets nor do we offer veterinary advice. We are involved in pet care. If owners tell us of a good product we try it out and let others know. But when we hear of a product that could be harmful to our furry friends we try to research the truth behind it, so if our clients ask we can give them correct answers. Again we are not a vet, if your animal ingested these things and shows signs of problem contact your veterinary!
ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435
Cool Product alert:
FURminator Is it worth the hype and cost?
Yes, in my opinion as a groomer and dog owner. I got to use one on a Lab that my sister owns. The dog is what we call "evershed" it seems no amount of brushing or blow drying stops the shed! She brought the dog in for a bath and the FURminator too. It took the shed out of the dog with little to no effort, was easy on my wrists and easy on the dogs coat. It is a combo of several tools we groomers use to remove shed and put into an functional handle. This is something I am adding to my grooming brushes. Other customers have also sung this products praise on may different breeds, Pug to Golden Retrievers and coats in between. She also found useing it has cut down the amount of shed in her house although she doesn't use it every day. Call around local stores for best price. My sister bought hers only to find a better price at another store!
Pill Pockets
This product is in the same family as "Greenies" and makes giving dogs pills easy. Customers have brought them in to be used on thier dogs medications. It comes in different sizes and flavors and also has a line of pockets for Cats. It is a yummy flavored, semi-soft product shaped in cup.(I say "yummy" because dogs in the other runs wanted to eat it too!) You just place the pill in, press the top shut and feed to dog. No mess, No refrigerator or knife needed!!
Here are some common questions and concerns:
Chocolate, is it really harmful?
Yes. It has 2 potent substances- Theobromine and Caffeine. Theobromine is both a cardiac stimulant and diuretic. Dogs who eat large amounts of these substances may show increased heart rate and excitability leading to possible seizures, as well as increasing the frequancy of urination. If the amount is too much it can cause death. The amount of theobromine and caffeine very in the kinds of chocolate, white, milk, dark and bakers. Be careful this includes cats and other small animals.
Fertilizer, including "plant food"
This can be attractive and enticing to dogs. Basic formulas of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus are generally not highly toxic. Additives such as fungicides can be. Most dogs that ingest fertilizer show gastrointestanal signs such as vomiting and/or diarrhea. If this happens contact your vet.
Xylitol, what is it?
It is a sweetener found in many sugar free products such as gum, candy, food, and even toothpaste. It is not toxic to humans. When dogs and other small animals eat xylitol, it causes blood sugars to drop, depression, loss of coordination, seizures, and is linked to liver damage or failure and can be fatal. Even a just few pieces of gum can be dangerous!