FDA webinar “Advice to Dog Owners Whose Pets Take NSAIDs”

The FDA will host a webinar “Advice to Dog Owners Whose Pets Take NSAIDs” on Wednesday, February 22 at 2:00 p.m. ET.

NSAIDs are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that we give to our pets to help with pain such as arthritis or post-surgery pain. Drugs like Metacam and Rimadyl are included in this category.

The FDA will discuss an overview of the science behind NSAIDs, potential side effects, and what you should do as a pet owner if you suspect your pet is having a reaction to NSAIDs. (Quick hint: contact your vet!)

Don’t forget, that’s tomorrow at 11 a.m. Seattle time (PST).

http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/Transparency/Basics/ucm291745.htm

Chicken Jerky from China Still Making Dogs Sick

A warning has been re-issued by the FDA about chicken jerky products (also sold as chicken tenders, strips, or treats). There have been reports of dogs getting sick and even dying after eating chicken jerky that originated in China. These reports have been intermittent since 2007, and have increased again recently. Unfortunately, we do not yet know what is causing the illness. To be safe, I would personally stop feeding any chicken treats that were imported from China. If you do feed these products to your dog, you need to watch for signs of illness, which may be seen within hours to days after your dog eats them.

Signs to watch for include:
vomiting
diarrhea
loss of appetite
lethargy
increased drinking
increased urination

bloodwork can show kidney failure
urinalysis can show glucose in the urine

If you have fed these products to your dog and see any of these signs of illness, please contact your vet!

For more information, here are some links:

FDA
FDA Continues to Caution Dog Owners About Chicken Jerky Products

Vetstreet
FDA Cautions Consumers About Tainted Chicken Jerky Treats for Dogs

dvm360
FDA issues health warning to vets, #pet owners about chicken jerky products from China

Veterinary Q&A: Pancreatitis, The Seattle Times

What’s near the top of most vets’ holiday health-crises lists?

Pancreatitis.

Dr. Dana Brooks, an internist at Seattle Veterinary Specialists in Kirkland, answers this week’s questions about the problem.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/tailsofseattle/2016832715_veterinary_qa_pancreatitis.html

How Soda Caps Are Killing Birds

How Soda Caps Are Killing Birds, NPR:

http://www.npr.org/blogs/pictureshow/2011/10/31/141879837/how-soda-caps-are-killing-birds?sc=fb&cc=fp

5 reasons you want a veterinarian on your team in a zombie apocalypse

Want to survive the zombie apocalypse?
Make sure to team up with a veterinarian!

5 reasons you want a veterinarian on your team in a zombie apocalypse.

Happy Fall!

We’re getting new carpet this weekend! Yay!
It’s amazing what 6 cats and 2 dogs can do to the floors…
Becky especially loved to use the stairs as her scratching post. :S
I do really miss Sparkle and the 5 cats who are now gone, though.

I’m taking a long weekend – will be closed through Monday.
Happy Fall to you all

Closed for Weekend!

I’m going to be spending as much time outside this weekend as I can. I hope you all get to enjoy our fabulous weather too! Just be sure you remember to keep your pets cool – don’t leave them in the car even for a short time.
See you again Monday.