You are on the couch with your pet when you wonder if its necessary to follow-up with your veterinarian after the previous weeks visit. After all, it seems like everything is back to normal, so maybe there’s no need to go back. What you may not realize is that the decision you are making not to follow through could end up being a huge mistake, one that may jeopardize your pet’s health.
Sure your pet might be eating normal again or have their usual energy back but a recheck exam helps ensure that whatever caused the initial problem is truly not an issue anymore. There is also important information to discuss during the visit including medications that were prescribed, the lifting of any dietary or activity restrictions, precautions to prevent reoccurrence and when your pet should be examined next. This is especially important if the problem involves a chronic disease, you will want to make sure all is well now, discuss what to look for as early signs that there might be a problem and have a plan ready for the future.
If your pet is still not 100%, a recheck exam becomes that much more important. It is easy to think that because the problem is still occurring your vet missed the cause or if there was not a definitive diagnosis the first time around why go back to find nothing again. Many times the follow-up exam may reveal further clues that were not present on the initial examination and may be what is needed to figure out your pet’s problem. As a vigilant pet owner, you may spot changes in your pet that no one else would notice, not even your veterinarian. These changes may occur before any specific exam abnormalities can be detected, an indication that the situation is mild and will pass with some time or that it is just the beginning and as the disease progresses further signs to identify the cause will manifest. If your pet was showing non-specific signs before and continues to show them or is now showing new or worse signs, it is imperative that you follow-up. Don’t let the problem drag on to a point where it may become more costly, more complicated or too advanced to intervene.
So the next time you are thinking of skipping the all-important follow-up visit, do what’s best, call and make the follow-up appointment and let the professionals give your pet a clean bill of health.
Showing posts with label halloween pet safety. Show all posts
Showing posts with label halloween pet safety. Show all posts
Monday, August 22, 2011
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Trick or Treat? Halloween Pet Dangers
Halloween is just around the corner. This means another time when you will be distracted or kids will be around with plenty of treats and toys for your dog and cat to get into. Before you hold any special celebration here are a few tips on things to keep an eye on.
Glow Sticks / Jewelry
I have seen a few of these cases, mostly involving curious cats. The solution usually only causes extreme salivation and erratic behavior all due to the severely unpleasant taste of the product. If you can, carefully rine out your cats mouth or provide canned food or tuna water to help dilute the liquid and improve the taste. This can be difficult to do as the cat may not want to stay still and the danger of being too aggressive with the rinse and accidentally sending the solution into the wind pipe and lungs. You may need to take the cat to your veterinarian to be sedated and have the mouth rinsed. The product can be deadly but only in large quantities as an 8 pound cat that ingests the entire contents of one necklace would consume less than one-tenth the deadly dose. In most cases due to the severely unpleasant taste means that most of the liquid will remain in the necklace. Do remember to wash off any product remaining on your cats fur/paws as they will come into contact with it while grooming themselves and lead to a repeat episode!
Trick or Treaters/Noises/Doorbells/Guests in Costumes
If you know your dog or cat is not good with people or noises it may be best to keep them in a quiet part of the house. This will also prevent unexpected treat giving to your pets. If there will be candles around make sure they are not able to be knocked down by a wagging tail or a curious cat. Difficult to avoid this? Having them board for the night may be the next best step for their safety and your peace of mind.
Chocolate
Bakers chocolate is the worst, milk chocolate may or may not be ok depending on the amount your dog ate and white chocolate is most likely ok. Sings of toxicosis include tremors, nervousness, vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, and in severe cases, seizures and death. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA poison control if you suspect an ingestion.
Sugar-Free products
If the package has Xylitol listed make sure to keep them away from pets and be VERY concerned if they got into it. Even a tiny amount of a Xylitol containing product can be deadly (read previous post) and you should seek emergency care as soon as you know there was exposure. Most likely your veterinarian will give a medication to make your pet vomit in hopes of decreasing the amount of product left in the stomach for your pet to absorb. A deadly drop in blood sugar levels or even liver failure can occur.
Costumes/Decorations
Some of the items may be seen as an attractive new toy for your dog or cat. These could potentially be ingested and cause a trip to the surgery room because of an item causing an intestinal obstruction. If you are putting a costume on your pet make sure that there are no tight fitting straps that may cause circulation problems. Do not allow your pet to be unsupervised while in costume as they may decide to chew it off and potentially swallow pieces of it. Finally, make sure all pieces of the costume are removed, especially any tight fitting bands that could cut off circulation and cause severe swelling of a leg, tail, ear etc.
Outdoor Safety
Make sure to keep your pet on leash and close to you at all times. Unexpected noises or costumes my frighten your pet causing them to react unpexctedly by biting or trying to run away. Having a short leash will allow for better control. Keep a reflective collar, leash or vest on your pet and make sure they have a dog tag and microchip in case they were able to get away.
By following these tips and putting a little extra thought before involving your pets in any Halloween Festivity a great time should be had by all. Next up Thanksgiving and the Holiday Season!
Glow Sticks / Jewelry
I have seen a few of these cases, mostly involving curious cats. The solution usually only causes extreme salivation and erratic behavior all due to the severely unpleasant taste of the product. If you can, carefully rine out your cats mouth or provide canned food or tuna water to help dilute the liquid and improve the taste. This can be difficult to do as the cat may not want to stay still and the danger of being too aggressive with the rinse and accidentally sending the solution into the wind pipe and lungs. You may need to take the cat to your veterinarian to be sedated and have the mouth rinsed. The product can be deadly but only in large quantities as an 8 pound cat that ingests the entire contents of one necklace would consume less than one-tenth the deadly dose. In most cases due to the severely unpleasant taste means that most of the liquid will remain in the necklace. Do remember to wash off any product remaining on your cats fur/paws as they will come into contact with it while grooming themselves and lead to a repeat episode!
Trick or Treaters/Noises/Doorbells/Guests in Costumes
If you know your dog or cat is not good with people or noises it may be best to keep them in a quiet part of the house. This will also prevent unexpected treat giving to your pets. If there will be candles around make sure they are not able to be knocked down by a wagging tail or a curious cat. Difficult to avoid this? Having them board for the night may be the next best step for their safety and your peace of mind.
Chocolate
Bakers chocolate is the worst, milk chocolate may or may not be ok depending on the amount your dog ate and white chocolate is most likely ok. Sings of toxicosis include tremors, nervousness, vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, and in severe cases, seizures and death. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA poison control if you suspect an ingestion.
Sugar-Free products
If the package has Xylitol listed make sure to keep them away from pets and be VERY concerned if they got into it. Even a tiny amount of a Xylitol containing product can be deadly (read previous post) and you should seek emergency care as soon as you know there was exposure. Most likely your veterinarian will give a medication to make your pet vomit in hopes of decreasing the amount of product left in the stomach for your pet to absorb. A deadly drop in blood sugar levels or even liver failure can occur.
Costumes/Decorations
Some of the items may be seen as an attractive new toy for your dog or cat. These could potentially be ingested and cause a trip to the surgery room because of an item causing an intestinal obstruction. If you are putting a costume on your pet make sure that there are no tight fitting straps that may cause circulation problems. Do not allow your pet to be unsupervised while in costume as they may decide to chew it off and potentially swallow pieces of it. Finally, make sure all pieces of the costume are removed, especially any tight fitting bands that could cut off circulation and cause severe swelling of a leg, tail, ear etc.
Outdoor Safety
Make sure to keep your pet on leash and close to you at all times. Unexpected noises or costumes my frighten your pet causing them to react unpexctedly by biting or trying to run away. Having a short leash will allow for better control. Keep a reflective collar, leash or vest on your pet and make sure they have a dog tag and microchip in case they were able to get away.
By following these tips and putting a little extra thought before involving your pets in any Halloween Festivity a great time should be had by all. Next up Thanksgiving and the Holiday Season!
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