Category Archives: Cat Stuff

Cat Stuff, Dog Stuff, Small Animal Care

What should you put in your pet’s first aid kit?

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dog_petfirstaidAnne and I recently attended a pet first aid class held by Lindsay Renzullo, DVM, Assistant Medical Director at Bulger Veterinary Hospital in North Andover, MA.

Dr. Renzullo supplied us with a list of items that you should have in your pet’s first aid kit. I would like to share this list here…

What should you put in your pet’s first aid kit?

Your veterinarian’s emergency numbers and the numbers of veterinary emergency hospitals in your area. Call your veterinarian or go to an emergency hospital immediately if you see your pet eating something toxic. Induce vomiting with hydrogen peroxide only if your pet eats something toxic – mushrooms, antifreeze, rodenticide, alcohol, chocolate, etc.

Bandage materials

3×3 gauze squares

Sports tape

Scissors

Rubber gloves

A flashlight

Q-Tips

A sock. The sock can be used as a muzzle, or to wrap around a wound, it can also be used to apply pressure to a bleeding wound.

A muzzle – injured pets bit. They are not trying to hurt you, they just don’t want you to hurt them.

Extra leashes (in case you find a stray who needs help).

Diluted betadyne solution, or diluted iodine solution (dilute 1 part betadyne to 5 parts water).

Benadryl 1mg/1lb (the PINK box. Ingredients in Allergy Benadryl can be toxic to pets) this can be administered for bee stings, or other allergic reactions. Call your vet or an emergency veterinary hospital before administering.

I think this is a great basic list and I would like to add a few items I’ve found a need for.

Tweezers – the flat slant tip kind for removing splinters and/or ticks) There is a device called a tick scoop

Thermometer – normal temperature of dogs and cats is 100.5 to 102.5. Take your pets temperature under normal conditions so that you’ll get a baseline.

A first aid guide book.

Note that this is a basic list. Your kit could include many other items but this is a good start.  My honest reaction to most injuries or medical concerns is to bring my pet to the vet. Quick reliable veterinary care can actually save you money in the long run.

 

 

Cat Stuff, Dog Stuff, Small Animal Care

10 Things Not to Feed Your Dog or Cat

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Ten Things Not To Feed Your Dog Or Cat

I got this list from our pet sitting insurance company and thought I’d share it…

Nellie Playing with a Stick

Nellie Playing with a Stick

10 things not to feed your dog:

  1. Chocolate, tea, coffee, caffeine – these foods and drinks contain substances that can cause severe or even fatal heart or nervous system problems and should never be given.
  2. Grapes, raisins or currants – contain an unknown toxin that can cause kidney failure.
  3. Xylitol containing gum or candy – can cause severe low blood sugar or liver failure.
  4. Garlic, onion, or chives – contain a substance that can cause anemia. This includes garlic and onion powder in prepared foods.
  5. Corn on the cob – pieces of the cob can be swallowed and cause a bowel obstruction.
  6. Bones that splinter or can be swallowed – certain bones can cause lacerations to the mouth or digestive tract or cause obstruction.
  7. Raw eggs – contain an enzyme in the egg white called Avidin, which prevents the absorption of a B-Vitamin called biotin which can lead to skin and hair coat problems.
  8. Avocado – contain a substance called Persin, which causes vomiting and diarrhea.
  9. Liver – when fed in large quantities causes Vitamin A toxicity causing bone and muscle problems.
  10. Fish – raw, canned or cooked when fed exclusively or in large quantities a Thiamine deficiency leading to anorexia, seizures, an in severe cases death.

10 things not to feed your cat:

  1. Chocolate, coffee, tea or caffeine -for the same reason as dogs.
  2. Canned tuna for human consumption and raw fish – when fed exclusively or in high amounts can cause thiamine deficiency similar to dogs.
  3. Grapes, raisins, or currants – same as dogs
  4. Nuts – some nuts like macadamia nuts contain an unknown toxin causing intestinal, nervous system or muscle problems. Also if swallowed can cause a bowel obstruction.
  5. Xylitol gum or candy – same as dogs
  6. Baby food – many times contain onion powder, which can cause anemia when fed exclusively for in large quantities. Also is not completely balanced for a cat.
  7. Onions and Garlic raw, cooked or powder – contain sulfoxides and disulfides which cause anemia. Cats are more sensitive than dogs, and onion is more toxic than garlic.
  8. Dog food – if fed repeatedly causes taurine deficiency, which can cause malnutrition and heart disease.
  9. Bones – can cause obstruction or lacerations of the digestive system.
  10. Raw meat – may contain ecoli or salmonella causing diarrhea or vomiting.

Many of the foods listed can be used occasionally or as part of a balanced diet, but if not using a commercially prepared diet consult your veterinarian or an animal nutritionist.