Four Recommendations That Can Help A Cat With Arthritis

Arthritis is a very common condition diagnosed in geriatric cats. Most of the time this painful condition is treated with pain medications and nutritional supplements. Recent studies provide indications  that certain environmental changes and the use of diets can reduce the amount of pain this cats tend to suffer. Here are four easy recommendations that can improve the quality of life of a cat diagnosed with arthritis.

(1) Probably the most important recommendation is to keep your cat in a healthy weight range. It can help him to maintain mobility and feel better.

(2) Provide your cat with softer bedding for a more comfortable sleep.

(3) Use ramps to help your cat reach his favorite perch.

(4) Place the food and water bowls on the floor or placed at the cat's elbow levels.

If you have any questions on how to deal with a cat with arthritis, please give us a call. Our phone number is (404) 366-4370.

The Top Ten Poisons For Dogs

Pet owners need to be aware that there are certain household items and medication that can put their dogs in danger. For that reason we had created the following list of the most common products involved in cases of dog poisoning across the United States.

1. Chocolate: Bakers and dark chocolate are the most toxic to dogs. Milk chocolate can be dangerous only if ingested in large amounts.  Remember that the darker the chocolate the most dangerous is to your dog.
2. Xylitol: This  sweetener found in sugar-less chewing gum and candy, medications and nasal sprays causes rapid drop in blood sugar. 
3. NSAIDS: Ibuprofen, naproxen and so on, found in products like Advil, Motrin and Aleve, are not easily metabolized by dogs. These products produce stomach ulcers and kidney failure.
4. Over the counter cough, cold and allergy medications: Those products that contain acetaminophen or decongestants, such pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine are particularly toxic.
5. Rodenticides (mouse poison): Products that contain brodifacoum and bromadiolone can cause internal bleeding. Products with the ingredient bromethalin can cause brain swelling even if  a small amount is ingested.
6. Grapes and raisins: These harmless human foods cause kidney damage in dogs.
7. Insect bait stations: These rarely cause poisoning in dogs- the bigger risk is bowel obstruction when dogs swallow the plastic casing.
8. Prescription medications for ADD/ADHD: Amphetamines such as Adderall, Concerta, Dexedrine and Vyvanse can cause tremors, seizures, cardiac problems and death in dogs.
9. Glucosamine joint supplements: Overdoses of products such as Cosequin and More Free typically only cause diarrhea; however, in rare cases liver failure can develop.
10. Oxygen absorbers and silica gel packets: Iron-containing oxygen absorbers found in food packages like beef jerky or pet treats can cause iron poisoning. Silica  gel packs, found in new shoes, purses or backpacks is rarely a concern.

If you think that your dog has been exposed or ingested one of the above products or if you have any questions about other toxins that can affect dogs, please call one of the following numbers:

Pet Poison Help Line : 1-800-213-6680 ( $39 per incident fee applies)

Union City Veterinary Medical Center & Emergency Clinic : 770-964-0700

Southern Crescent Animal Emergency : 770-460-8166

Check our video Ten Toxins That Can Kill Your Dog.