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Hello Everyone! It is January of the new year, and time to check in with everyone. The holidays are finally over, and hopefully, everyone has made it through relatively unscathed.
I keep and eye on the Handicappedpets.com message board, and from there I know that there have been some very painful losses. I always have a hard time here. If you are one of those who lost a friend, I want/need to say just the right words of consolation to you. Words that will miraculously deliver a warm and fuzzy blanket of comfort making it instantaneously all better. But alas, from personal experience (over and over), I am only too aware that no words of comfort are comforting enough. I never get over losing one of my furry buddies - a pang of personal loss is felt with each and every picture and memory . What I do find great personal comfort in however is the knowing that I truly loved, cared for, and did everything I possibly could to give my friends the very best years filled with infinite love and devotion. And, more importantly, they knew it. Each and every one knew that I loved them - your knew it too. I hope you find comfort in that. But again, as I sit here re-reading this, with tears welling at the thought of your grief, and the memory of my own, I reiterate - there are no words that will make it better.
Jeez. Deep breath and onwards......let's see what I have been able to find that might be of interest.
With the holidays
just ended, how many of you experienced finding that Fido has provided his own
holiday joy by ripping open and vastly enjoying that 10 pound box of
chocolates meant for Aunt Gertrude? I
don’t know why, but dogs and puppies LOVE eating things that are very, very
bad for them – chocolate, bacon (nitrates),
Uncle Peter’s socks, dish towels (you know the drill).
In my world, I know a lot of people with animals and I am always
hearing about this dog and that dog that ate little Johnny’s entire bag of
Halloween chocolate. Rumors and wives tales seem to abound around the issue of
dogs and chocolate, and since I get calls all the time asking me what they
should do now that Spot just ate the entire 20 pounds of miscellaneous
chocolate heaven intended for the kid’s Easter baskets, I figure I should do
a little research and see what the experts have to say. I smack myself
upside the head for not thinking of getting this information out BEFORE the
Christmas/New Year’s Holidays. Well,
at least it’s in time for Valentines and Easter – also big chocolate
holidays.
The following article can be found: http://www.talktothevet.com/ARTICLES/DOGS/chocolatetoxic.HTM
Chocolate Toxicity in Dogs:
We've
all heard it, "Don't give your dog chocolate it will kill him".
We'll how true is it you're probably wondering. Do I have to rush him to an
emergency vet if he ate one of my M&M's?
The truth is chocolate contains theobromine that is toxic to dogs in
sufficient quantities. This is a xanthine compound in the same family of
caffeine, and theophylline.
Toxic Levels
The good news is that it takes, on average, a fairly large amount of
theobromine 100 mg to 150 mg/kg to cause a toxic reaction. Although there
are variables to consider like the individual sensitivity, animal size and
chocolate concentration.
On average,
Milk chocolate contains 44 mg of theobromine per oz.
Semisweet chocolate contains 150mg/oz.
Baker's chocolate 390mg/kg.
Using a dose of 100 mg/kg as the toxic dose it comes out roughly as:
1 ounce per 1 pound of body weight for Milk chocolate
1 ounce per 3 pounds of body weight for Semisweet chocolate
1 ounce per 9 pounds of body weight for Baker's chocolate.
So, for example, 2 oz. of Baker's chocolate can cause great risk to an 15
lb. dog. Yet, 2 oz. of Milk chocolate usually will only cause digestive
problems.
Clinical Signs
Xanthines affect the nervous system, cardiovascular system and peripheral
nerves. It has a diuretic effect as well. Clinical signs:
Hyper excitability
Hyper irritability
Increased heart rate
Restlessness
Increased urination
Muscle tremors
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Treatment
There is no specific antidote for this poisoning. Induce vomiting in the
first 1-2 hours if the quantity is unknown. Administering activated charcoal
may inhibit absorption of the toxin. An anticonvulsant might be indicated if
neurological signs are present and needs to be controlled. Oxygen therapy,
intravenous medications, and fluids might be needed to protect the heart.
Milk chocolate will often cause diarrhea 12-24 hours after ingestion. This
should be treated symptomatically (fluids, etc..) to prevent dehydration.
If you suspect your pet has ingested chocolate contact your Vet immediately!
They can help you determine the the proper treatment for your pet.
Hope that article helps!
Now, onto other matters. In my last newsletter issue, I was looking for feedback from handicapped pet owners that had tried products that had truly helped in the caring for or the comfort of their pets. I am sorry to say that I received not one response! Come now folks! We need to help each other out here by sharing our experiences with tried and true products. What products have you used/tried that you loved? What didn’t work? What products would you like to see on Handicappedpets.com? Now, more than ever, our pets are living longer, fuller lives, and many more are in need of special care of one type or another. What works? What doesn’t work? I’m getting lonely here. Talk to me – please!
Until next issue, folks, I send pets and cuddles to the furrier members of your family, and I bid you and yours farewell. Best wishes, Trisha