Thursday, December 30, 2010

Lily flower danger to cats

All flowers of the Lilium species, including Stargazer, Easter, Tiger, & other Asiatic lilies, are extremely poisonous to cats. (Lilies are not toxic to dogs, & only self-limiting vomiting is expected if a dog ingests them.) Ingestion of just 1 or 2 leaves or petals is enough to cause sudden kidney failure. Even the po...llen from these flowers is toxic to cats. See a vet ASAP! Prognosis is good when treated early. http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Mikes-Pet-Care/189572726193

Monday, December 20, 2010

North American Tick Paralysis

Tick paralysis is the only tick-borne disease that is not caused by an infectious organism. Tick paralysis results from inoculation of a toxin from tick salivary glands during a blood meal. The toxin causes symptoms within 2-7 days, beginning with weakness in both legs that progresses to paralysis. The paralysis ascends to the trunk, arms, and head within hours and may lead to respiratory failure and death. The two ticks most commonly associated with North American tick paralysis are the Rocky Mountain wood tick and the American dog tick. Treatment is simply removing the tick. http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Mikes-Pet-Care/189572726193

Monday, December 6, 2010

Pet allergies

Did you know that people who are allergic to animals are often allergic to the saliva, dander (dead skin that is continually shed), or the urine. Saliva actually being the most common reason. Also there are no hypoallergenic dogs or cats.

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Pyrethrin and Permethrin are Not the Same Thing

Recently i noticed a client is treating her cat for fleas with a spray that contains both Pyrethrin and Permethrin. Pyrethrin is safely used for feline flea control, while permethrin is toxic to cats, and can be deadly. Safe flea control depends on knowing the difference. Read this article. It has great info. I have helped treat many cats for Permethrin toxicity. It's not pretty .. http://www.suite101.com/content/pyrethrin-and-permethrin-are-not-the-same-thing-a146310

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Xylitol danger

Did you know Xylitol, found in sugarless gum, candies, etc. can be fatal to pets? It is a sugar alcohol and can cause hypoglycemia and liver failure. I just read an article where a dog ingested 10 pieces of Cinnamon Trident and had to be rushed to the ER. Make sure your candies and gum are stored well for your pet's sake ..

Friday, November 19, 2010

Transfusions for puppies and kittens

Blood transfusion for puppies and kittens: If a puppy or kitten is anemic and a vein cannot be found for a catheter, intraosseous infusion (needle placed into the top of the femur or the shaft of the humerus) is the best option. But believe it or not you can actually inject the blood right into the abdomen. Many cells will be destroyed but this will still benefit the tiny pup or kitten in an emergency. http://twitter.com/MikesPetCare

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Help stop dolphin captivity!

Dolphins in captivity is cruel. They are way too social and intelligent for this act. Sign the petition or spread the word to stop this in the future. http://www.thepetitionsite.com/5/stop-dolphin-captivity

Cherry pits are toxic to your pets!

When Cherry trees are dropping their cherries, remember if you have a goofy enough dog that would eat them, the pits are toxic. They contain cyanide. Symptoms can include rapid breathing, vomiting, & salivation to name a few. If you suspect your dog has ingested multiple pits get him to your vet immediately.

Tylenol is dangerous for cats

tylenol is very dangerous for cats. they don't have normal levels of the enzyme glucuronyl transferase and can't metabolize. symptoms include respiratory distress, cyanosis, facial & paw edema, vomiting, hyperthermia and liver failure. never give them any..

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Metcam warning

Metacam: Is anyone giving their cat Metacam for pain or arthritis? If so the FDA has a new warning. "Metacam Solution for Injection is approved for one-time use in cats before surgery to control postoperative pain & inflammation associated with orthopedic surgeries, spays & neuters, FDA reports. Metacam Oral Solution is approved for dogs only. "No safe and effective dose of the oral suspension is approved for cats." http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/San-Clemente-CA/Mikes-Pet-Care/189572726193

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Canine gout treatment

Treatment for gout involves a diet that supports the liver & ph levels, combined with different meds, such as colchicine developed just for canines. The human form of this drug can prove to be fatal if administered to a dog. Your veterinarian is well trained in the difference between the two. Therefore, seeking your vet's advice is an essential part of keeping your pet healthy..

Canine gout

Gout is caused by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood which crystallize and are deposited in joints, tendons, and surrounding tissues. I have seen many sites saying that Dalmations are the only dogs that get this. Untrue. Prob the breed that gets it most often, but Irish Wolfhounds, English Pointers, Rottweilers, Labrador Retrievers, & German Shepherds can get it.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Canadian Medical Schools End Live Animal Labs!

Victory! Canadian Medical Schools End Live Animal Labs- http://pcrm.org/newsletter/nov10/pittsburgh.html

Blood components

There are 3 main components to blood: Simply put Red blood cells (RBC's) carry oxygen. White blood cells (WBC's) fight infection. Platelets are what clots in a wound so you don't bleed out.

Friday, October 29, 2010

Gift cards available

gift cards will be available soon for mike's pet care. you can purchase a card for my services and give to a friend or family member for x-mas, birthdays, etc. there will be a link on my site for purchases & info. i will post when the gift cards and link are available. thanks to everyone for the constant comments and support!
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/San-Clemente-CA/Mikes-Pet-Care/189572726193

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Teflon fumes toxic to birds

According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, fumes from Teflon are lethal to birds. Toxicity occurs when pots are overheated releasing fumes into the air that are inhaled, causing irreversible damage to the lungs. Even if they are in the other room they can die. http://www.facebook.com/pages/San-Clemente-CA/Mikes-Pet-Care/189572726193

Sunday, October 24, 2010

The Incredible Sense of Smell in the Dog

The Incredible Sense of Smell in the Dog: 40% more of a dog’s brain than a human’s is committed to smell. Dog's olfactory bulbs are 4x's larger than ours.The avg person has 5 million smell receptors (olfactory), while the avg dog, depending on breed, has 125 to 250 million smell receptors. The Bloodhound has an incredible 300 million smell receptors!

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Do dogs need their teeth brushed?

Does a dog need to have its teeth brushed? -

Periodontal disease is one of the most common health problems in dogs. More than 75 percent of domestic dogs 3 years and older are affected by gum infections.

Once or twice a week an owner should use a canine toothrush, a soft child's toothbrush or a gauze pad wrapped around a finer to brush the dog's teeth. The AKC recommends toothpaste formulated for dogs (human toothpaste can upset the pets's stomach and ingestion of too much fluoride can be fatal.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Gestation periods

a dog's gestation period lasts approx 63 days. cats range a bit but on avg are also 63.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Animal Abuse: Southwest National Primate Research Center

Animal Abuse: Southwest National Primate Research Center’s Disturbing History. "Southwest staff was 10 minutes into a necropsy of a male baboon before discovering that the animal was still alive!" http://pcrm.org/newsletter/oct10/alamogordo.html

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

The Spleen

Ever wonder what the spleen does? Simply put it acts as a storage center for red blood cells in case of emergency & filters out old & damaged RBC's then recycles components like iron & hemoglobin that are returned to the bone marrow & the circulatory system to create new & healthy blood. Also the spleen works in conjunction with the lymph nodes to produce lymphocytes to fight off bacteria & viruses..

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Ever wonder which was domesticated first the dog or the cat?

Ever wonder which was domesticated first the dog or the cat? Dogs were probably the first tame animals. They have accompanied humans for some 10,000 years. Some scientists assert that all dogs, domestic and wild, share a common ancestor in the small South Asian wolf. http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/San-Clemente-CA/Mikes-Pet-Care/189572726193?ref=ts

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Feline scent glands

ever wonder why a cat rubs up against a chair or the wall? they have scent glands in each side of their face. they are marking their territory. it s called "bunting" ..http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/San-Clemente-CA/Mikes-Pet-Care/189572726193

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Flehming

Daily fact: Ever wonder why a cat smells something and then keeps mouth open like he/she is smiling? it's called flehming. they are using their vomeronasal organ on the roof of their mouth to taste/smell particles in the air..http://www.facebook.com/pages/San-Clemente-CA/Mikes-Pet-Care/189572726193

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Feline herpes

Daily fact: Feline herpes isn't curable but you can suppress it and treat it with oral Lysine. if you know of a kitty that has this, they should be on oral Lysine. write for a dosage..http://www.facebook.com/pages/San-Clemente-CA/Mikes-Pet-Care/189572726193

Friday, September 24, 2010

Where do seagulls get their water

Daily fact: Ever wonder where sea gulls and other pelagic birds get their fresh water? prob not, but they have glands behind their eyes that remove the salt so they can get fresh water out of the ocean ..http://www.facebook.com/pages/San-Clemente-CA/Mikes-Pet-Care/189572726193

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a virus that is spread orally when contaminated food or water is ingested. Mussels and clams, growing in polluted waters, often harbor the virus. It is the mildest form and usually people recover in a month or 2. It is an acute disease, and recovery means complete elimination of the virus. http://www.facebook.com/pages/San-Clemente-CA/Mikes-Pet-Care/189572726193

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Taurine for cats

tuna makes a great treat for your kitty but it would go blind if that was it s only food source. tuna lacks the essential amino acid taurine found mostly in red meats. http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/San-Clemente-CA/Mikes-Pet-Care/189572726193