Pet Care
Pet Safety By Dr. Eduardo Bernal
Serving Weston Since 2005
Services
Dog Walking Feeding and Watering Medication Administration Retrieve Mail and Newspaper Mid-Day Walks “Rain or Shine” Litter Boxes Cleaned Water House Plants Pet Taxi Se Habla Español
954-687-8594 954-439-4463
www.petsittingatweston.com petsittingatweston@yahoo.com
Insured/Bonded NAPPS Member
P.O. Box 268316 Weston, FL 33326
NOW REGISTERING FOR SUMMER CAMP! CAMP DATES • JUNE 9 - JUNE 27, 2014 Summer Conservatory at Sagemont Upper School in Weston For more information call 954-385-3060 or visit
www.insideouttheatre.org 82
March 2014 | OUR CITY WESTON
P
ets depend on us to keep them happy and
healthy. Safety and improving the quality of life are basic principles that we all appreciate and welcome. Various sources of trouble in our home, and the surroundings areas, can impact our pet’s life and even our own. Perhaps this might be a good time to remember the possible risks. Before we list the many things that can adversely impact our pet’s health and the harmony of our home, let’s remember that prevention is always better. We must ensure pets are up to date with their immunizations and that twice a year they have physical examinations for preventive care and early diagnosis. Routine blood work helps evaluate liver and kidney function, cholesterol, and other markers. Oral health prevents bacteria growth and inflammatory changes in their mouth. Vaccination continues to be the most effective method for keeping our pets, our homes, and possibly us, free of disease. The potential for contagious diseases, such as viruses, exist in many of the areas where our pets live. Common conditions that we vaccinate against include: Rabies (which targets the brain) and Leptospira (which targets the kidneys). Both of these are potentially fatal to humans and pets and can be transmitted to humans from their infected pet. In addition, without vaccinations your pet is at risk for Canine distemper virus (which causes multi organ damage to brain, lungs, digestive and skin), Parainfluenza (which affects the respiratory system), Hepatitis (which affects the liver), Parvovirus (which impacts the intestine and rapidly dividing cells), Influenza (which impacts the respiratory system), and Bordetella (which impacts the respiratory system). Pets also need to be checked and treated for gastrointestinal parasites, which can be transmitted to humans as well. Pets must be tested for Heartworm, a serious illness prevalent in Florida due to the large population of mosquitoes. Potential home toxins include: onion and garlic, which cause gastrointestinal irritation and hemolytic anemia and liver damage; raisins and grapes also cause severe gastrointestinal inflammation, abdominal pain, anuria and renal failure. Acetaminophen causes liver toxicity and necrosis; cats are more sensitive showing swollen face, paws and forelimbs, red or dark brown urine. Aspirin causes gastric irritation to hemorrhage ulcerated stomach to perforation, toxic hepatitis, and anemia in cats. Bromethalin rodenticide causes neurotoxic generate edema of the brain and seizures. Some garden products (Organophosphate and carbamate) cause toxicity, seizures and respiratory failure, gastrointestinal irritation. Some human multivitamins may produce lethargy, anorexia, weight loss, cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, and gastric irritation to bleeding. Xylitol, which is used as a sweetener in sugar-free gums, candies, toothpastes, etc, can cause weakness, vomiting, seizures ataxia hypoglycemia due to excess release of insulin and liver failure. Zinc or zinc containing materials like vitamins and supplementation for humans, as well as nuts, bolts, staples, toys, and American pennies minted after 1982 cause gastric irritation lethargy, pale mucus membranes, destruction of red blood cells, anemia, orange tinged feces, jaundice. Methylxantines in chocolate, caffeinated sodas, stimulants, coffee, tea, and energy bars cause severe gastrointestinal inflammation, ataxia, tremors seizures, cardiac arrhythmias, secondary pancreatitis and coma. Cinnamon, eucalyptus, citrus and melaluca oils produce gastric irritation, seizures, cardiac arrhythmias and tremors. Prevent ingestion of not digestible items including toxins and poisons not described here. Vaccinate your pets and visit your veterinarian. Affection, exercise and a healthy diet, will help you keep your pet well. Dr. Eduardo Bernal, D.V.M. is a veterinarian at All Friends Animal Clinic. He graduated from Veterinary School in 1992 and moved to Weston with his family seven years ago. All Friends Animal Clinic is at 4476 Weston Road. To schedule an appointment call (954) 659-9913. For more information visit www. allfriendsanimalclinic.com.