‘Tis the season for holiday decor! Whichever holiday(s) you celebrate, if you have pets, you’ve likely encountered the challenges and laughter that happen when they (literally) collide with your seasonal decorations. Cats, in particular, usually love Christmas trees. They are new, they are fun, and if they are real trees, they smell great. This is why there is no shortage of hilarious photos and videos across the internet of cats peering out from between the freshly lit branches.

Cat people know that many kitties also like to munch on house plants and floral arrangements, many of which are toxic. Some can even be deadly. But are Christmas trees toxic to cats?

Yes. Real Christmas Trees Can Make Cats Sick.

Now, most cats aren’t going to find the taste of pine or fir to be appealing, but it likely takes a nibble for them to figure that out. (And does your cat go along with what most cats do anyway?) There are two points of concern with eating needles from live Christmas trees:

1. Sharp needles from certain species of trees can actually puncture tissues after they are swallowed. Obviously, this is painful and can be dangerous.
2. The resin, or sap, from pines and firs is toxic to cats.

When cats ingest small amounts of a tree’s sap by chewing on branches and needles, it can cause GI distress like vomiting, cramping, drooling, and diarrhea. Chronic consumption or a large amount consumed at once can damage kitty’s kidneys and liver. Further, any method of consuming the resin can cause harm. This includes drinking water from the Christmas tree stand or grooming sap off of their hair if they get some on them from walking under the tree.

Cat-Proof Your Tree.

If you have any reservations at all about your cat nibbling on your tree, please be cautious. Since you know that Christmas trees are toxic to cats, it might be best to use a fake tree to avoid the risk of illness. If a real tree is definitely your choice, some people opt to block access to it with an exercise pen like is used for dogs. It might also be beneficial to bring in the tree and wait a couple of days before decorating it with all the tempting dangly ornaments. This can allow enough time for some to get bored with it, but do supervise…a lot…the first few days. Definitely prevent access to the tree water.

Unsure how it’s going to go? Keep a close eye on your fur kid until you know if they can be trusted with a real tree. Best for all involved to avoid a Christmas CATastrophe.

As for all those internet videos of cats and Christmas trees…watch them all. This not-so-guilty pleasure is actually good for you. Don’t believe us? There is science to prove it!

There are lots of things for animal lovers to consider when we choose to have pets as part of our families. Pet insurance is an increasingly popular part of that equation for many people. More than two million pets are covered in the U.S. While that seems like a lot, it’s only about 1% of the pet population compared to 25% of pets in the U.K. But it still marks a strong increase from the recent past. With multiple insurance companies and different types of policies to choose from, the industry is growing every year. Many of our clients have pet insurance on cats and dogs, but you can even get coverage on exotics and horses!

Is Pet Insurance Worth It?

The main goal of pet insurance is predictability. We’ve all known the unexpected expense of an emergency vet bill or surprise illness, so this helps to mitigate that. There are coverage choices ranging from wellness-only plans for routine/preventive veterinary care to accident plans to assist with expenses involved in repairing a major injury. For example, cruciate ligament tears, back surgeries, MRIs, life-saving measures due to consuming toxic plants or substances (more common than you think), etc.

Beyond accidents and wellness, coverage can also extend to illnesses. This, typically means higher premiums with age just as it does with humans, but it can still be beneficial in the event of significant illness or costly treatment. For purebred lovers, it’s also worth considering the health conditions that are most common in your favorite breed. For example, some breeds are more likely to develop DCM (dilated cardiomyopathy) or certain types of cancer that can become costly over time, depending on treatments and management.

How Does It Work?

Since some plans cover more than others, it’s worth doing some homework to calculate quality care costs and risks then selecting the best plan and company for you and your pet. If you are concerned about certain conditions your pet is at risk for, or want to know about how far dental coverage goes in terms of cleanings or tooth extractions, be sure to ask for specifics.

Two big perks of pet insurance are just a matter of simplicity. There are no networks to worry about, unlike human health insurance plans. Multi-pet discounts are common options, too.

With pet insurance, you are responsible for paying your veterinarian in full, just as you normally would, then you submit the information about your pet’s vet care to the insurance company for reimbursement. It’s typically a straight-forward process.

Pet Insurance Companies

There are many companies to choose from! A quick internet search will reveal dozens. Here are a few to get you started:

Trupanion
Healthy Paws
Embrace
ASPCA Pet Insurance

October has a lot going for it. Cooler weather, the beginning of leaves turning to fiery colors, pumpkin everything, the end of fall allergy season…. It’s also National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month! If you’re reading this, it’s safe to assume that you’re already an animal-lover and might already have dogs. Even if you’re not searching for a new furry family member, your advocacy can make the difference in a shelter dog’s (or cat’s) life.

Why is there even a national month for this? Let’s look at the stats (source: HumaneSociety.org):

Why Adopt or Advocate for Shelter Dogs?

The numbers are alarming and largely preventable. The rate of adoptions compared to euthanasias has improved since the 1970s, but not nearly as much as it could. There are two main reasons for this: spay and neuter compliance is still not as good as it should be, especially in this part of the country, and purchases from puppy mills and the pet stores they supply, as well as other breeders, mean that adoptable dogs who are usually on borrowed time in county shelters are often not even considered for adoption.

Many people believe that in order to get a new puppy, they must buy one from a breeder, but this isn’t true. Puppies end up in shelters regularly. But as adorable and sweet as puppies are, we strongly encourage you to consider adult dogs, as well. They deserve love, too, and are a lot less likely to chew your shoes or need 2am potty training.

County or city shelters have limited kennel space. Most run at max capacity all the time. This means that in order to make space for new arrivals of strays or dogs who are unwanted by their owners, they must euthanize cats and dogs to create an empty kennel.  It’s a cycle perpetuated by humans, so it’s up to humans to make it better.

Adoption and/or advocacy—for individuals dogs or for all shelter dogs—is critical to spreading the word for particular pups as well as educating people about the urgency around adoptions, rescues, deaths, or prevention of the cycle.

The Role of Local Rescue Groups in Reducing Shelter Deaths

In addition to your local government–run shelter, there are thousands of nonprofit rescue organizations for all kinds of pets ranging from dogs and cats to horses and pigs! These pull many of their adoptable pets directly from shelters to reduce the shelter burden, or they accept pets from owners who otherwise intend to surrender their animals to a shelter. So supporting or volunteering with a local rescue group, many of which are breed-specific for those who prefer a particular breed, is also a great way to help! Raleigh, NC has some great ones that we’re proud to work with!

How will YOU celebrate National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month? 

Show us your adopted pups on social media! Tag us on Instagram and Facebook!

Dilated cardiomyopathy, also known as DCM, is among the most common of acquired heart diseases in large or giant breed dogs. While it can develop in any dog, it’s more rare in medium or small dogs. Since some breeds are more likely to develop the disease, we know there is a genetic link to many cases, but the exact causes of DCM in our furry friends are not fully understood. There is evidence, though, that taurine deficiency or underactive thyroid can also contribute to DCM.

DCM cannot be cured, but it can be managed to improve both the quality and length of life. This makes it especially important for dog lovers to keep current on your pet’s wellness exams since veterinarians will typically be able to identify the sounds of irregularities in the heart earlier than owners will see more advanced, visible symptoms.

So what do you need to know about DCM and our four-legged family members? Let’s take a look!

Which Dog Breeds Are Most at Risk for DCM?

DCM is most common in adult or senior large and giant breeds, but there are a few exceptions, such as cocker spaniels. Interestingly, a genetic mutation responsible for causing DCM in dobermans and boxers has been discovered and can now be tested for. We hope that soon more breeds will have access to testing too!

Some of the dogs most likely to develop DCM are:

• Great Danes
• Boxers
• Irish Wolfhounds
• Doberman Pinschers
• Newfoundlands
• St. Bernards
• Cocker Spaniels
• English Bulldogs
• Dalmatians

Signs of DCM 

DCM is characterized by dilation of the heart’s ventricles and thinning of the ventricle walls. This impairs the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively. Unless a veterinarian has listened to the heart for abnormalities, the secondary symptoms of this dilation—after time has advanced the condition—are usually what dog owners will notice at home. These signs include lethargy, shortness of breath, weakness, collapse, coughing, or distended abdomen.

If DCM is suspected, your veterinarian will perform diagnostic imaging to confirm and then plan management options with you.

Treatment for DCM in Dogs

Medications can improve and extend quality of life, giving you significantly more time with your furry family member than without any treatment. Treatments will be tailored to your individual pet based on health status. There are several drugs that can be used to address symptoms either individually or in combination, depending on what your pet needs. As with humans, there is no known cure for DCM, but efforts to manage the disease, especially from early onset, are definitely beneficial.

Are you concerned that your pup might have a heart condition? Our stethoscopes are ready. Let’s talk. (New client exams are just $1.)

Dogs, like toddlers, seem to have a knack for testing the boundaries of safety and good sense by getting themselves into less-than-ideal situations. We can safely rely on children to eventually outgrow shoving random items up their noses. Dogs, however, are often well into their adult or even senior years as they continue refining their palates on a variety of ridiculous household items for no apparent reason beyond boredom or the pleasantly full-bodied taste of sweaty, polyester running socks. So what should you do if your dog eats a sock? Or a toy? Or swallows a whole bone? The answer is one to be prepared to address as the results vary from “yuck” to full-blown surgical emergency.

We’ve seen a wide variety of strange objects in dogs: whole walnuts, multiple garments at the same time, rocks, partial bars of soap, etc. This is a problem that is more common that you might think! Dogs are wonderful and weird. We love them.

When Dogs Swallow Foreign Objects…Don’t Panic

It’s true that pups will sometimes pass or vomit the thing that they swallowed naturally, but you still need to plug in and evaluate the situation. A foreign object, even a sock, can turn deadly if an obstruction occurs. Veterinarians sometimes opt to induce vomiting if the incident just happened, rather than risk waiting for the object to pass through the intestines.

• What did your dog swallow exactly?
• How large was it?
• When did it happen?
• Is your dog already in distress?

All foreign objects in the gut have the ability to be life-threatening, but some are particularly scary, like hard objects or cooked bones which can easily splinter and pierce the intestines. Also, don’t assume that fabric will simply break down in the stomach. The majority of fabrics now are essentially plastics (polyester, nylon, etc.) that aren’t going anywhere, and even cotton and wool aren’t likely to break down well, if at all. To evaluate the safety of waiting to see if the object will pass, definitely call your veterinarian for advice. Generally, it takes 10-24 hours for food to pass through the entire digestive tract.

Signs & Symptoms

Whether you saw the incident and know what’s going on or have no idea at all that your dog gulped down something it shouldn’t have, there are certain signs that she/he is in distress.

• Vomiting
• Painful abdomen
• Bloated abdomen
• Straining to defecate with little production
• Diarrhea
• Decreased appetite
• Lethargy or restlessness

It’s not uncommon for dogs to vomit up the offending item, but when the vomiting is unproductive, especially if it’s been going on for a long time, definitely call your vet. This can be a sign of an obstruction and needs to be evaluated promptly.

Diagnosis & Treatment

If a foreign body is suspected, your vet will need to perform an abdominal xray of your pup to try to confirm and locate the object. They might also want to run blood tests to see if your dog’s health has been impacted and/or to determine if there might be another reason for the vomiting or pain.

If a foreign object is confirmed, or still suspected after xray, an exploratory surgery is needed to remove it. At this point, dogs are often in serious pain, probably more than they actually show you, and declining. Surgery is a life-saving measure. Obstructions can cause irreparable damage to intestines if they cut off blood supply.

Fortunately, most dogs recover well from abdominal surgery!

A Note on Toxic Items

If dogs ingest known toxic items, like chocolate, products containing xylitol, or certain flowers or houseplants, call your veterinarian immediately. This is not the same emergency as waiting for an object to pass, and timing could be critical.

Fall’s seasonal allergies for pets in NC often start before fall actually does. Ragweed and molds, which spike from around early September, are common triggers for dogs and cats, just like they are for people. For our pets, this generally manifests as dermatological problems that require management each year. Unmanaged, things can escalate faster than you can order a pumpkin spice latte…well, almost. Every fall, we see a lot of patients with allergies!

Symptoms of seasonal allergies in pets include itchy skin, smelly and inflamed ears, hair loss, scabbing, chewing on paws (especially in dogs), irritated chin (especially in cats), and all this can progress to bacterial or fungal infections if not treated. As you can imagine, all this is very uncomfortable at best, and since it will typically go on for several weeks with the skin condition getting worse over time, engaging with the problem is important.

First, What NOT To Do.

We can’t overstate this: many of the medications that humans take are toxic to dogs and/or cats. Further, some medications that are safe for dogs, are not safe for cats at all. Don’t give your pet allergy medicine without talking to your veterinarian first.

Safe Seasonal Allergy Treatment and Management

There are some antihistamines that are helpful for pets, though, so definitely check with your veterinarian for a recommendation or prescription as well as the appropriate dosage for your pet. If things have already progressed to a more serious state with an infection, then an antibiotic and/or antifungal may be needed too. Which medication(s) and protocol should be used must be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Since seasonal allergy management will likely be an annual need for your pet, asking questions and finding what works best for your dog or cat this year will benefit you both in years to come. This might include wiping down paws after being outdoors, finding a preferred soothing shampoo and bathing routine for allergy season, or even starting your fur-kid on a quality fish oil supplement with plenty of omega-3 to benefit skin and coat.

For a deeper dive into ragweed pollen specifically, check out our blog from last fall.

As always, feel free to reach out with any questions or to schedule an exam for your pet! And trust that we are still taking COVID-19 precautions during your pet’s appointment to keep everyone safe.

We aren’t really sure why cats tend to get less regular veterinary care from their owners than their canine counterparts, but it’s a fact. Perhaps it’s that independent nature of theirs tricking us into thinking they don’t need as much as dogs do. To a limited extent, this may be true because—let’s face it—cats are far less likely to swallow a pair of socks just for fun. They are far too sensible. When it comes to routine care, though, we need to remember that their bodies go through the same, natural “wear and tear” over time that we all do.

Dental disease in cats is an area of high concern for veterinarians. It happens to them all, and it begins sooner than you probably think. Almost all cats will develop dental disease before they even reach their senior years, so this is not an “old cat” problem.

The Risks of Dental Disease

What’s the big deal? Heart, liver, and kidney problems caused by the bacteria associated with dental disease. Pain. Broken teeth. Inflamed gums. What begins as tartar and gingivitis, even in young cats, turns into severe problems over time. Addressed early enough, many dental problems can be reversed, but there is a point of no return as permanent damage is done.

This is why it’s so important for cats to get routine wellness checkups. Veterinarians look at your cat’s teeth, checking for signs of dental disease, as part of any wellness exam. Catching—and addressing—this early really is critical for whole body health over time. Often, even an exam on a sick cat who isn’t eating or who is drooling will show that the problem is pain and disease or damage in the mouth.

Dental Cleanings and Tooth Extractions

For pets, a thorough dental cleaning and tooth-by-tooth examination is typically needed at least a couple of times in their lives. Your vet will recommend a good time to have this done based on the condition of the teeth and gums during your exam. Just like with dogs, dentals are done under anaesthesia and with the same attention to detail that human dentists give their patients. If needed, x-rays will be done to see if a tooth needs to be surgically removed due to damage, The status of each tooth and surrounding tissue will be charted out for future reference as well.

Dental cleanings are very thorough, utilizing special equipment to help remove tartar and gunk from teeth, which in turn reduces or eliminates gingivitis and bacteria load. This can help maintain a healthy mouth in a way that is far, far superior to a cat never having a dental cleaning at all.

Kitty hasn’t had an exam in the past year? Signs of mouth problems? We’d love to see them!

Cancer is common in dogs, as much as we hate to say it. Our pets are members of our families, so if our dogs get the most dreaded diagnosis, it’s scary. It’s upsetting. Dogs and humans have a lot in common with regard to cancer. They can get many of the same kinds that we can and often have very similar treatment options.

For all pet owners of any species, it’s good to have a basic familiarity with potential health problems that they might encounter in the future. This includes everything from hip dysplasia and diabetes to cancers. It could inform your decision on choosing a breed, preventive care choices, signs to look for and when to seek a diagnosis, as well as on treatment options.

The types of cancers that are common in dogs can affect bone, blood, soft tissue, etc., so the signs and symptoms can vary greatly. Let’s take a look at a few of the most common cancers to be aware of.

Lymphoma

Lymphoma accounts for 7-14% of all cancers in dogs, making it one of the most prevalent cancers. Dogs are more likely to develop this type of cancer than humans are. There are many types of lymphoma. Some progress slowly and are well-managed while others are very aggressive. The most frequently seen sign of lymphoma is enlarged, firm lymph nodes, though this may vary. Chemotherapy is the most effective treatment, but radiation and tumor removal are also options for some dogs.

Mast Cell Tumors

Mast cell tumors (MCT) make up about 20% of skin tumors in dogs. They can take on many shapes and sizes, even resembling common benign tumors like lipomas. They can also change quickly, becoming larger or even smaller. Any skin mass that is removed should be biopsied to confirm that it isn’t MCT given the varied nature of their appearance. Surgical removal is the primary treatment, but supportive radiation can also be beneficial.

Melanoma

Melanoma is a cancer of pigment-producing cells. In dogs, these are most often found in the mouth, but may also appear elsewhere, including toes and nail beds. They typically appear as enlarged tumors that are found after a pet owner notices excessive drooling, bad breath, or that the pet is dropping food. Melanomas should be removed surgically, but radiation before surgery can help to shrink the tumor before removal.

Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma accounts for about 85% of bone cancers in dogs. It is seen most often in large breeds and usually appears in the legs. The most common sign is simply lameness, as bone cancers are very painful. Amputation is the best treatment, and while this may sound extreme, dogs as a whole adjust remarkably well to running and playing on three legs. Unfortunately, amputation does not guarantee that the cancer will not still metastasize elsewhere over time. As with all illnesses, treatments should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Perhaps the most important thing to take from all this information is that life-threatening illnesses can often have subtle symptoms and limited windows of time for intervention. Careful attention at home and prompt diagnosis by a veterinarian are so important to the life of your furry family member.

If you have questions or concerns, always feel free to call!