What Should I Do If My Dog Ate Weed?
“My dog ate weed—now what?” You’re not alone in asking this question. According to a veterinary study in Colorado, incidences of marijuana intoxication in dogs increased dramatically following the drug’s
Poisons (Topical)
All sorts of chemicals — from tar and paint remover to gasoline and stinging nettles — can cause skin irritation and burns when they contact a dog’s skin. They can
Poisons (Swallowed)
Dogs will put almost anything in their mouths, and may view something as simple as a weekly pill holder as a plastic chew toy. Unfortunately, this means they are prone
Poisons (Inhaled)
Toxic fumes may come from substances like insecticides, tear gas, and smoke from fires where certain plastics and other materials are burned. These types of fumes irritate and inflame a
Gastrointestinal Stasis in Rabbits
Is it Really a Hairball Causing the Blockage? By Laurie Hess, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian Practice) The term “hairball” has been used for decades to describe a syndrome in rabbits
Rat Poisoning in Rabbits
When Rabbits Ingest Rat Poison If a rabbit eats certain rat poisons, the blood will not clot properly (coagulopathy). This is a relatively common type of poisoning in rabbits, as
Electric Cord Bite Injury in Rabbits
By Laurie Hess, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian Practice) Like human infants, rabbits are very oral creatures; they like to put everything in their mouths to check things out. Unfortunately, also
Heat Stress in Chinchillas
Heat stress is a condition that occurs when the body gets over heated due to an abnormality in the heat-regulating system of the body. High environmental temperature, high humidity, and
Dehydration in Horses
Dehydration occurs when there is excessive loss of water in the horse’s body. Generally due to strenuous exercise or long bouts of diarrhea, this loss of water and electrolytes —
Heat Stroke in Horses
Hyperthermia Also known as heat exhaustion or hyperthermia, heat stroke is a condition that occurs with horses performing a great deal of work in excessively hot or humid conditions. When
Seizures in Horses
Epileptic Seizures Much like in humans, horses suffer from epilepsy. And although equine epilepsy may not be the most common of horse afflictions, it is one that horse owners should
Rodent Bites in Reptiles
There are many reptiles that feed on live rodents. Because of this, rodent bites are a major cause of various injuries and infections in reptiles. Symptoms and Types Reptiles
Fractured Shell in Reptiles
Shell Fractures The shells of turtles and tortoises act like a second skin, protecting the interior of their body. Therefore, if a reptile’s shell is crushed or fractured, it needs
Fractured Bone in Reptiles
Bone Fractures in Reptiles No matter how well you care for your pet reptile, it may break or fracture a bone. These fractured or broken bones can occur anywhere in
Burns in Reptiles
Burns Although reptile owners take care in protecting their pet reptiles from all possible traumas, accidents may still happen. A little inattentiveness can lead to injury, and in some cases
Heavy Metal Poisoning in Birds
Avian Heavy Metal Poisoning Birds are easily poisoned by the heavy metals found in their environment. Each heavy metal causes distinct symptoms and affects birds differently. The three heavy metals
Aerosol Poisoning in Birds
Fumes And Aerosol Poisoning Many fumes and other aerosol poisons that affect your bird can be found either in your home, or outside it. From your cookware, to your carpet
Outdoor Plant Poisoning in Cats
Many homes have several common outdoor plants as part of the garden foliage, vegetation, or landscaping. Cats will eat plants that grow in the wild for digestive purposes, to
What You Should Know About Cat Bites, Fights and Antibiotics
Image via Marie Charouzova/Shutterstock By Dr. Alison Birken, DVM I evaluate and treat many cats at my animal hospital in Fort Lauderdale. These funny, adorable, independent and very much peculiar
What to Do If Your Cat Eats a Lizard or Frog
By John Gilpatrick Cats, ever curious, will often stumble into trouble when allowed to explore outside. Trouble might take the form of a neighboring dog, a roaming racoon, or an
Vomiting in Cats
Emesis in Cats Cats vomit. It’s just a fact of life. The question is, is it for a benign reason like a hairball, or a more serious problem like liver
Treating Venomous Insect Stings in Cats
By Dr. Hanie Elfenbein, DVM Cats are inquisitive creatures. Unfortunately, that sometimes get them into trouble — like when they mess with the wrong bug. Allergic Reactions to Insect Bites
The 10 Most Common Poisons That Affect Cats
What are the most common cat poisons—do you know? Back in 2006, an article published in Veterinary Medicine reported “The 10 most common toxicoses in cats” based on the 10 most
Swollen Paws in Cats
A cat’s foot doesn’t swell up too often, so when it does, it is cause for concern. This condition is usually painful, so it will need to be checked by
Shock in Cats
Shock is a set of physiologic changes that has many different causes. Regardless of the cause, there is a set of characteristic signs that indicate the cat is in shock.
Seizures and Convulsions in Cats
It can be very upsetting to see your cat have a seizure. Fortunately a single seizure is usually of short duration, and your cat is unconscious while convulsing.
Rat Poison Ingestion in Cats
Anticoagulant Toxicity in Cats Although designed to kill rats and mice, cats often find rodenticides (rat and mouse poison) tempting as well. Most (but not all) rodenticides are composed of
Poisons (Topical)
Contact Dermatitis in Cats Your cat rubs against things every day. This is normal behavior and seldom causes any problems. If he should rub against something that leaves a residue
Poisons (Swallowed) in Cats
Let’s face it, your cat will be curious about anything new placed in his environment. He will sniff the new thing, maybe lick it. If it sticks to his nose
Poisons (Inhaled)
Inhaled Toxins Affecting Cats A variety of inhaled substances can have adverse affects on cats. In general, these substances are the same things that would cause problems for people. Carbon
Poisoning in Cats (Overview)
Poisons, or toxins, are often thought of as something that, if swallowed, will kill you in a matter of minutes — that is, unless you take an antidote. This is
Petroleum Poisoning in Cats
Gasoline, kerosene, turpentine, and similar volatile liquids are all classified as petroleum-based products. They may be stored in the garage or in your backyard, and if your cat accidentally licks
Near Drowning in Cats
Although most cats do not choose to go swimming, they are capable swimmers nonetheless. Drowning and near drowning usually results when a cat falls into water and cannot find a
My Cat Can’t Pee! Difficulty Urinating in Cats
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) When you see that your cat can’t pee or is straining to urinate, you know he or she must be uncomfortable. This straining is
Lily Poisoning in Cats
Lily Nephrotoxicity There are many different species of plants called “lily”: Easter lily, day lily, Asiatic lily, tiger lily, peace lily, calla lily, and lily of the valley, among others.
Lead Poisoning in Cats
Plumbism in Cats Lead poisoning is rare in cats, but it does happen and it should be considered an emergency. Exposure typically occurs when the cat ingests objects that contain
Hypothermia in Cats
Low Body Temperature in Cats Even with a fur coat, cats that are exposed to cold environmental temperatures, especially when wet, can result in hypothermia, which in cats is defined
Human Foods That Are Dangerous for Cats
Updated and reviewed for accuracy on February 24, 2020 by Dr. Nicole Silva, DVM Cats are part of the family, so you may be tempted to share a few pieces
