We pet lovers all know that chocolate is a big NO NO for cats and dogs.  It can be a deadly treat.  (The chemical methylxantine is toxic and in high doses can cause abnormal heartbeats, seizures and death.) I’ve heard the same thing about onions, although I don’t know if it’s been proven. I’d rather be too safe than forever sorry, though, so I’ve never allowed any of my cats and dogs to have onions.

I just read an article this morning that detailed the dangers of sugar free gum and many sugar free snacks for dogs.  Needless to say, I’d keep them away from cats and other pets as well.

From Paw Nation:

The culprit is a sweetener called xylitol. While you may never have heard of it, there’s a good chance you have it in your house. Xylitol is common in sugarless gum and in sugar-free snacks, reports the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Cases of xylitol poisoning in dogs have increased in recent years as the sweetener has been added to lots of new foods, Sharon Gwaltney-Brant, vice president of the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center, told Paw Nation. “There definitely has been an increase in the exposures of dogs to xylitol over the last several years, simply because there’s more xylitol out there.”

Read the rest HERE.

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If you’re anything like me, you love having candles and potpourri around. Needless to say, however, you have to be very, very careful when you have furry little babies in the house. Curiosity can cause them to investigate and, thereby, land themselves in danger. Be sure candles are never left unattended. Also watch out for tablecloths or anything that a curious cat can pull down on herself in an attempt to check out the “fascinating” candle.

Also be sure liquid potpourri far from your pets’ reach. The essential oils in these fragrant mixes can be harmful to pets who spill it on themselves or get it on their fur. The Cationic detergents in hot scented oils can cause significant burns to a cat’s esophagus, mouth and tongue.

Try putting liquid potpourri far from your pets’ reach or using an air freshener instead.

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The second leading case of nonaccidental death in cats and dogs is kidney disease. The really scary part is that it can be months or even years before symptoms show up, and by then the damage may be severe and irreversible. Even scarier, there is no cure for kidney disease in cats or dogs – yet.

But if caught early, the disease’s progression can be slowed down considerably.

1. Know the facts. Your pet’s kidneys filter out toxic waste. They produce “renin” – a hormone that controls blood pressure and regulates phosporus, calcium, and potassium. Furthermore, they help stimulate bone marrow to produce red blood cells.

Important functions, right? It’s not hard to see what all could go wrong if the kidney’s weren’t functioning properly. Harmful toxins which would otherwise be eliminated are left to make one very sick little cat or dog.

2. Treat Urinary Tract Infections promptly. An untreated UTI can lead to kidney infection and, then, kidney failure. If you notice blood in your pet’s urine, if he’s straining to urinate, or making very frequent trips to releive himself, call your vet – it may be a UTI. Antibiotics, given early, can clear this infection up before damage is done.

3. Watch his eating and drinking habits. Increased thirst and/or loss of appetite are signs of kidney trouble.

In the meantime, keep him hydrated by providing plenty of fresh water. If he eats dry food, mix in water or broth, or switch to canned food which contains more moisture.

4. Keep an eye on his activity level. Laziness and weight loss are also signs of kidney trouble.

5. Schedule regular kidney screening tests. Once your pet hits the age of 7, get blood and urine tests to screen for kidney disease.

WARNING SIGNS OF KIDNEY DISEASE:

Excessive urination
Increased thirst
Nausea
Vomiting
Dehydration
Lethargy
Oral ulcers
Muscle atrophy
Poor hair coat
Loss of appetite

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