Advil For your Dog? Tylenol for Your Cat? Think Again!!!

Here at the clinic, we've had several calls recently from owners who tell us that they've given their pets over-the-counter human medication.  Though we often treats our pets as family, it is important to realize that many human medications can cause dangerous or even fatal health problems for our pets, and should never be given without first consulting a veterinarian.  Cats, dogs, and other small animals handle human medications very differently - here are some of the dangerous effects many human medications may have:

NSAIDs (e.g. Advil, Aleve and Motrin)

Common household medications called non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), which include common names such as ibuprofen (Advil and some types of Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve), can be very toxic. While these medications are safe for people, even one or two pills can cause serious harm to a pet. Dogs, cats, birds and other small mammals (ferrets, gerbils and hamsters) may develop serious stomach and intestinal ulcers as well as kidney failure.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

When it comes to pain medications, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is certainly popular. Even though this drug is very safe, even for children, this is not true for pets—especially cats. One regular strength tablet of acetaminophen causes damage to a cat’s red blood cells, causing severe breathing problems, convulsions, coma, jaundice, and can lead to acute liver failure and death. In dogs, acetaminophen leads to liver failure and, in large doses, red blood cell damage.

Antidepressants (Effexor, Cymbalta, Prozac, Lexapro)

While these antidepressant drugs are occasionally used in pets, overdoses can lead to serious neurological problems such as sedation, uncoordination, tremors and seizures. Some antidepressants also have a stimulant effect leading to a dangerously elevated heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature. Pets, especially cats, seem to enjoy the taste of Effexor and often eat the entire pill. Unfortunately, just one pill can cause serious poisoning.

ADD/ADHD medications (Concerta, Adderall, Ritalin)

Medications used to treat Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder contain potent stimulants such as amphetamines and methylphenidate. Even very small ingestions of these medications by pets can cause life-threatening tremors, seizures, elevated body temperatures and heart problems.

Benzodiazepines and sleep aids (e.g. Xanax, Klonopin, Ambien, Lunesta)

These medications are designed to reduce anxiety and help people sleep better. However, in pets, they may have the opposite effect. About half of the dogs who ingest sleep aids become agitated instead of sedate. In addition, these drugs may cause severe lethargy, incoordination (including walking “drunk”), and slowed breathing in pets. In cats, some forms of benzodiazepines can cause liver failure when ingested.

Birth control (e.g. estrogen, estradiol, progesterone)
Birth control pills often come in packages that dogs find irresistible. Thankfully, small ingestions of these medications typically do not cause trouble. However, large ingestions of estrogen and estradiol can cause bone marrow suppression, particularly in birds. Additionally, female pets that are intact (not spayed), are at an increased risk of side effects from estrogen poisoning.

ACE Inhibitors (e.g. Zestril, Altace)

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (or “ACE”) inhibitors are commonly used to treat high blood pressure in people and, occasionally, pets. Though overdoses can cause low blood pressure, dizziness and weakness, this category of medication is typically quite safe. Pets ingesting small amounts of this medication can potentially be monitored at home, unless they have kidney failure or heart disease. All heart medications should be kept out of reach of pets.

Beta-blockers (e.g. Tenormin, Toprol, Coreg)

Beta-blockers are also used to treat high blood pressure but, unlike the ACE inhibitor, small amounts of these drugs may cause serious poisoning in pets. Overdoses can cause life-threatening decreases in blood pressure and a very slow heart rate.

Thyroid hormones (e.g. Armour desiccated thyroid, Synthroid)

Pets — especially dogs — get underactive thyroids too. Interestingly, the dose of thyroid hormone needed to treat dogs is much higher than a person’s dose. Therefore, if dogs accidentally get into thyroid hormones at home, it rarely results in problems. However, large acute overdoses in cats and dogs can cause muscle tremors, nervousness, panting, a rapid heart rate and aggression.

Cholesterol lowering agents (e.g. Lipitor, Zocor, Crestor)

These popular medications, often called “statins,” are commonly used in the United States. While pets do not typically get high cholesterol, they may still get into the pill bottle. Thankfully, most “statin” ingestions only cause mild vomiting or diarrhea. Serious side effects from these drugs come with long-term use, not one-time ingestions.

There are also many herbal or 'natural' medications that can cause severe poisoning, blood disorders, gastroenteritis, lethargy, etc. To prevent serious poisonings and fatal drug ingestions, always keep medications safely out of reach and never administer a medication to a pet without first consulting your veterinarian.

Many poisonings require extensive treatment and supportive care, including emptying of the stomach contents, hospitalization, Iv fluid therapy and medication, and may affect organ function on a long-term basis.

If you have given your pet human medication, or your pet has accidentally ingested human medication, the best course of action is to seek veterinary care immediately, and contact the ASPCA Poison Control hotline at (888) 426-4435.

Stuck Inside? Try These Fun Indoor Activities for Pets!

Are you and your pet stuck inside? About this time of year at the our clinic, we're getting just as tired of the cold and the snow as many of you are. Snowy, salty sidewalks can be hard on dog's paws during walks, and shorter days often mean that our Canadian evenings are cold and dark, making outdoor activities with your pet difficult or impossible some days. You may find your pet gaining weight or trying to burn off excess energy through misbehaviour.


Well, we have a few tips from our staff and doctors for fun indoor activities to keep your pets active and occupied indoors until the snow melts and the days lengthen. Both dogs and cats indoors benefit from daily interaction, stimulation and exercise!


For our canine friends and their owners:


Get Back to the Basics

Dogs benefit from mental exercise as well as physical exercise. Practice basic obedience exercises with your dog in your living room, while cooking dinner, even in the bathroom! Work in fast, fun segments of 5 minutes each. Change it up: do a sit-stay for 30 seconds in the kitchen, then run upstairs with your dog and practice a down-stay for 30 seconds in the bedroom. Repeat, changing rooms every time. Make sure to use lots of praise, and reward with treats or toy play.

*For added fun, try other fun tricks! Teach your dog to sit pretty, step up on a stepstool, give a paw, or go through your legs.

Go Chew, Freezie Style

Freeze a Kong toy or other chew toy with treats inside it. Your dog has to do some extra work to get to the food!

Treat...or Not?

Dogs are mentally stimulated by random reward. There are many commercial treat/food balls for dogs that randomly release food when a dog rolls it around.  For a more cost-effective version, cut holes in old soft drink bottles and put treats or kibble inside. As your pet moves it around, food falls out - stimulation and reward all at once! (**This is a great activity for your cat as well!)





Hide-and-seek Dog Treats

Hide dry dog treats or kibble throughout your house, so your dog has to forage for them (not recommended near nice furniture). This takes time and keeps your pup's mind active, helping to avoid misbehaviour caused by boredom and excess energy.

Tug-O-War

In an open area in your house, use a tug toy to play tug of war with your dog.  Practice 'out' and take it commands. Reward your dog for letting go of the toy on command. Playing a game of retrieve down a long hallway (use caution with slippery floors or put down non-slip mats) can burn off excess energy as well.

For the more ambitious dog owner, many local dog trainers provide dog daycare services, indoor agility and obedience classes. You don't need to be competitive to have fun with your dog in these classes, and they can be a great winter workout for both pets and people!


For our feline friends and their owners:

Catch Me If You Can!

Many cats find the lure of a toy on a string irresistible.  Get your cat excited about toys on strings by alternating fast movements with slow ones to mimic live prey. Try luring your cat upstairs, downstairs, on and off the couch.  Laser pointers are also great hits with cats!



Natural Dining Style

Cats are natural hunters, catching and eating their meals in small portions. Instead of leaving food out for your cat all the time, hide small meal portions (if your cat eats dry kibble) in several different areas of the house so that your cat has to 'hunt' for it.  Try under the bed, behind the couch, on top of a cat tree or shelf, etc. This is both physically and mentally stimulating for cats!

Kitty TV

Cats love visual stimulation, and many cat owners have noticed that their cats love to look out the window.  To enhance your cat's viewing pleasure and provide mental stimulation, consider making a soft resting place near a well-lit window. Bird feeders placed close to a window can provide hours of entertainment for your feline friend. As an alternative, live action nature videos can provide this stimulation if a window isn't convenient. Cats like to watch birds, rodents, insects and fish!




Meowing up the Right Tree

Scratching is a natural and necessary behaviour for cats, both to mark territory and to remove excess nail sheath.  Cats prefer a tall, solid scratching post, at least double their length so that they can stretch to scratch. A rough, easily shredded material like sisal rope is preferred by many cats.  Cat trees provide exercise in the form of jumping, scratching and stretching, and give your cat a safe place from which they can view the world around them!

Keep Your Pet's Smile Bright - 5 Simple Steps

February is Dental Health Month here at Molson Park Pet Hospital.  We can all appreciate the effect a healthy mouth can have on our pet's breath, but did you know that even mild to moderate dental disease can shorten your pet's lifespan? Bacteria and tartar on the teeth can irritate the gums, leading to gingivitis (gum inflammation). The gums then pull away from the teeth, leading to bleeding, sore gums and dental root infections. This bacteria can then travel into the bloodstream to other organs, affecting the lungs, kidneys, heart and liver.

A simple way to help prevent this is to brush your pet's teeth regularly! Brushing your pet's teeth every 1-2 days removes plaque and bacteria. But what if my pet HATES toothbrushing, you say?  Well, here's a simple, step-by-step guide to helping your pet adjust to regular toothbrushing. The process of helping your pet become accustomed to toothbrushing can take several weeks to a month or more, but your pet's health will benefit immensely!

1. Start by gently handling your pet's muzzle area on a regular basis, for a few seconds at a time.  End each session with a treat, positive reward or playtime. Do not force your pet to submit to handling, go slowly, at their own pace.


2.  Next, introduce a small amount of pet toothpase with a finger. Start with the canine teeth (fangs), and gradually work around the entire mouth, including the gums.


3. Now introduce the toothbrush. Wet the bristles and place a line of toothpaste on the brush, pressing it firmly into the bristles with your finger. Hold the toothbrush like a pet, and concentrate soley on the canine teeth, using a circular motion.


4. Now start to work along the top teeth from the canines  to the back of the mouth using a gentle circular motion. Gradually build up the amount of time and pressure applied to each tooth.


5. Finally, brush the front teeth. Gently hold the muzzle and lift the upper lip. Use an up and down motion on the front teeth.

The veterinary technicians here at the clinic are all willing demonstrators of the toothbrushing technique, and would be happy to go over your pet's dental health status with you at any time.

Happy Brushing!

Lost and Found

If your dog or cat wandered away today, could you describe your pet? Would you have a recent phot to identify them? Would you rely on signs, rewards and ID tags on collars to bring them home?

Collars can be lost or removed...

Tags can fall off or be too worn to read...

Perceptions of breeds and colours or patterns can vary from person to person...

A microchip could be your best insurance for having your beloved pet returned. A microchip is tiny (about the size of a grain of rice) and can be inserted under the skin on your pet's back between the shoulder blades.

The process is painless, and the microchip will remain in the same spot for the lifetime of your pet. Veterinarians, animal shelters, and even road departments have a special scanner designed to detect and read the unique file number on your pet's microchip. A quick call to the microchip company allows them to contact you and reunite you with your pet as soon as possible.

Animal shelters and humane societies routinely scan all cats and dogs admitted to ensure that the rightful owner can be contacted as soon as possible. A microchip implant can be done at any time, and usually costs around $60 (a one- time only cost).

Your name, address and other contact information, as well as the name and description of your pet, are filed in a secure database which can be accessed when needed and updated free of charge if you move or the ownership of your pet changes. Many local bylaw offices offer a discount on pet licensing fees for microchipped pets!

Some microchip companies also partner with pet insurance companies to offer an option for you to allow

your pet to undergo emergency medical treatment in the case of injury to your pet while you are separated.

Over 10,000 pets in North America have been reunited with their pets, thanks to microchipping. Ask us today about a safe, permanent way of identifying your pet!

Credit: Gloria Klowak, Office Manager

Photo credit: freedigitalphotos.net

Welcome to our new blog!

Molson Park Pet Hospital would like to welcome you to our brand new blog! Here at our newest home on the web, you'll be able to find informative articles by our staff, updates about our clinic, and the occasional comment from one of our staff pets. We look forward to seeing you!