ASPCA Lists Top Ten Pet Poisons of 2009

The ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center handles thousands of calls every year from pet owners concerned that their animal has ingested something harmful. In 2009, they received more than 140,000 calls about pets exposed to toxic substances, and they took the liberty of compiling a list of the most common. I've listed them—with examples—below.

Azaleas may look pretty, but they can be poisonous to dogs.

1. Human Medications (e.g. painkillers, cold medications, antidepressants, and dietary supplements)
2. Insecticides (those used around the home as well as misused flea and tick products)
3. People Food (grapes/raisins, avocado, chocolate, and things containing xylitol, like gum)
4. Plants (azalea, rhododendron, sago palm, lilies, kalanchoe, and schefflera, to name a few)
5. Veterinary Medications
6. Rodenticides (rat and mouse poisons)
7. Household Cleaners (bleaches, detergents, and disinfectants)
8. Heavy Metals (lead, zinc, and mercury in the form of paint chips, linoleum, lead dust, etc.)
9. Garden Products (fertilizer)
10. Chemical Hazards (antifreeze, paint thinner, drain cleaners, and pool/spa cleaners)

To read the ASPCA's entire list, including details, click here. And of course, it may be a good idea to keep the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center number on hand somewhere that's easily accessible: 888-426-4435. I've called them before and they were extraordinarily helpful.

Does Your Dog Hate Having His Teeth Cleaned?

Yeah, mine too. I realize it's a necessity, though, especially since according to the American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS), 80 percent of dogs exhibit oral disease by age three, and it is one of most commonly treated health problems in small animal clinics. Bacteria buildup in a dog's mouth can also be at the root of other, larger problems, such as diseases of the heart, kidneys, and liver. Still, my dog clearly doesn't grasp all of these risks, because the last time I tried to clean her teeth, she dramatically gagged, dribbled the paste all over my carpet, and then hid under the bed.

So, since my attempts at cleaning her teeth weren't exactly going well, I was looking for an option to help supplement them. (I know there's the whole professional-cleaning-by- your-veterinarian option, but I'm putting that off until I'm told it's necessary, rightly or not.) My vet suggested dental chews to help clean her teeth between brushing sessions. I highlighted a few below in the hopes that it may be helpful to you. Obviously, I'd discuss with your vet prior to using. 

CET Oral Hygiene Chews
$7.99
1-800-PetMeds
My own vet recommended these, and Riley loves them. According to the site, these "great tasting" chews "feature an exclusive dual enzyme system: a natural antiseptic plus an abrasive texture coupled with chewing fights plaque and tartar buildup."

Bluechews by Vetradent
$14.99
PetSmart
Apparently, these are "wildly palatable canine dental health bars," which are "clinically-proven to reduce tartar by 61% and plaque by 22%. Bluechews have been awarded the coveted Veterinary Oral Health Council seal of approval for both plaque and tartar control."

Ark Naturals Breath-Less Brushless Toothpaste
$15.99
Only Natural Pet Store
Despite the name, these are chews, not actual toothpaste. According to the company, these chews have "real toothpaste" on the inside. These chews have ridges that "are proven effective for teeth scrubbing"; they're highly digestible; they are wheat, corn, and soy free; and they are made with human grade ingredients.

30 Pet Health Innovations

Another favorite website of mine, Trendhunter, recently did a slideshow of 30 recent pet health innovations. It includes everything from pills that combat dog obesity to anti-stress pet vests to doga (yes, that's doggie yoga). It takes just a couple of minutes to click through. I promise it's totally worth it.

To view, click here.

How to Save Money on Pet Care

Last week, CNN picked up a RealSimple.com article on how to save cash while still taking good care of your pet. The story suggests things like skipping the groomer and giving your dog an at-home bath; buying pet food in bulk; and reducing checkup costs by taking your dog to a veterinary college.

To be honest, I wasn't totally sold on every single suggestion, but some were definitely helpful. To read the story, click here.

WebMD's New Pet Site

One of the best resources on the Web now has a pet site, WebMD Pets, and it's pretty amazing.

I checked out the site today, and it has a ton of useful information, including stories such as:

• "Training Tips for Big and Little Dogs"
• "Foods You Should Never Feed Your Dog"
• "The Controversy Over Pet Examinations"
• "Dogs and Flu: What You Need to Know"
• "Best Breeds for Your Lifestyle"
• "6 Signs of Illness in Your Dog or Cat"

There is so much there, you really just need to check it out for yourselves. You can watch instructional videos, take quizzes, and even ask a veterinarian your questions.

http://pets.webmd.com/