Top 10 Cat Toxins

While there are well-known substances such as chocolate that are toxic to dogs, feline poisons are sometimes less-known.  Cats are curious and independent, so it is important to know what is toxic in your household in order to keep your cat safe and healthy. Pet Age and The Pet Poison Helpline created this list of items, presented in order of frequency, that caused the most emergency calls to the Helpline in 2013.

1) Lillies: Plants in the Lillum species, such as Easter, Tiger, Asiatic lilies, cause kidney failure in cats.  All cat owners must be aware of these highly toxic plants!

2) Household cleaners:  Most general-purpose cleaners (e.g., Windex, Formula 409) are fairly safe, but concentrated products like toilet bowl or drain cleaners can cause chemical burns. Other symptoms can include profuse drooling, difficulty breathing, vomiting, and even organ damage. After cleaning your home, make sure all excess liquid or residue is wiped up or eliminated as soon as possible.

3) Flea and tick-spot-on products for dogs:  Those that are pyrethroid or pyrethrins based (e.g. Zodiac, K9 Advantix, Sergeant's, etc.) cause tremors and seizures that can be deadly to cats. Even more “natural” or “holistic” flea medication can be very dangerous to cats.

4) Antidepressants: Cymbalta and Effexor topped the medically prescribed antidepressant list in 2013. Cats seem strangely drawn to these medications.  Beware, ingestion can cause severe neurologic and cardiac effects

5) Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs):  Cats are even more sensitive than dogs to drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen.  Even veterinary-specific NSAIDs like Rimadyl and Meloxicam should be used with caution.

6) Prescription ADD/ADHD medications:  These amphetamines, such as Adderall, Concerta, Dexerdrine and Vyvanse can cause tremors, seizures, cardiac problems and death.

7) Over-the-counter cough, cold and allergy medications:  Those that contain acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) are particularyly toxic, as they damage red blood cells and cause liver failure.

8) Plants containing insoluble calcium oxalate crystals:  Common houseplants like the pace lily, philodendrom and pothos can cause oral/upper GI irritation, foaming at the mouth, and inflammation when ingested, but severe symptoms are uncommon.

9) Household insecticides: Thankfully, most household sprays and powders are fairly safe, but it's best to keep curious kitties away until the products have dried or settled.

10) Glow sticks and glow jewelry:  Summer is a popular time for glow sticks, but don't become lazy by leaving them around the house. These irresistible "toys" contain a chemical called dibutyl phthalate.  When it contacts the mouth, pain and excessive foaming occurs, but the signs quickly resolve when the cat eats food or drinks water.

All the detrimental effects can easily be avoided.  Keeping this list handy in your household will help all members refrain from leaving these toxins available for your cat to consume! 

Source: Pet Age and The Pet Poison Helpline

How Dogs are Good for Your Health

We all feel better with our pets around. Nothing compares to a cuddle with your four-legged friend after a long day. The benefits of having a dog, however, may be more than just mental and emotional. Numerous studies have found that pets may have an impact on our physical well-being. Take a look at some of the recent research and give your pup an extra hug for all the good they bring you!

Dogs lower your blood pressure. Although your stress levels may rise if your pup gets into trouble, a recent University of Maryland study showed that dogs helped to lower their owners’ blood pressure during daily activities. Under normal living conditions, dog owners with regularly high blood pressure saw significantly lower levels with their pet around.

Dogs keep you in shape. Walking the dog may seem like it’s just for your pet’s benefit, but the physical activity that you get in return is good for you, too. Studies from the American Journal of Public Health and the American Journal of Preventive Medicine showed that children with family dogs were more likely to spend time being active than those without pets. The studies also showed that adults with dogs walked almost twice as much as those without dogs.

Dogs protect your heart. A report from the American Heart Association released earlier this year stated that dogs may protect their humans from heart disease. While a key factor here is the amount of physical activity in dog owners, decreased stress due to the presence of their dog helps owners keep a low heart rate and lessens stress hormones in their bloodstream.

Dogs are like apples. “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” so the saying goes, but could dogs also keep you out of your doctor’s office? With so many specific health benefits to owning a pet, dogs just might decrease the number of visits to your doctor. A national study out of Australia found that dog and cat owners made fewer annual doctor visits and had a lesser need for medical services altogether. 

So take your dog for a walk, relax on the couch or give your pet an extra pat on the head. It’ll be good for both of you!

Pet Wellness: Providing Pets with High Quality Care

Did you know that Morris Animal Inn has a Pet Wellness Department? Yes. That's right. Unlike other pet care options, Morris Animal Inn has dedicated staff just to monitor the overall health and well-being of your four-legged family member. Our Pet Wellness Department consists of trained pet care professionals who understand that different pets have different needs.

The comprehensive Pet Wellness Department allows your mind to be at ease knowing that Fido and Fluffy are receiving the care you've come to expect from Morris Animal Inn. You can be reassured that our staff has your pet's health and happiness in mind.

"We think it is important to pay attention to any possible concerns early and intervene to keep your pet happy and healthy," says Pet Wellness Assistant Jenna.

If your furry friend is lodging at Morris Animal Inn, our Pet Wellness Department establishes interaction and wellness checks for all guests from young to senior! For the care of your precious pet, their devotion and attention is incomparable.

Would you like to learn more about what makes Morris Animal Inn the right choice for your pet care needs? Please call 973-539-0377 with your questions!