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11021 Wakefield Commons Dr. • Raleigh, NC 27614

August News

Most Common Toxic Substances for Pets

Raw eggs are a danger for pets

It's hard to resist handing your pet a little scrap from the table when they bat those big sweet eyes at you.  But resist the urge because many human foods and substances can prove very dangerous, if not fatal, to your pet.  Below are some of the most toxic substances to pets that are hiding in your home and yard.


  • Human medicines - Make sure every prescription or over the counter medicine (including aspirins, ibuprofen, etc.) is closed tight and put away high.  Never give your pet a human medication.  

  • Rat and mice traps.  These traps are usually grain based and can be fatal to your pet if ingested.

  • Fertilizers and antifreezes should be locked away from your pet's reach.  So should household cleaning supplies that contain toxins such as bleach.

  • Chocolate, coffee, tea or other caffeine infused products can cause heart and nervous system problems in dogs and cats.

  • Alcoholic beverages can cause coma in pets.

  • Grapes and raisins can lead to kidney damage in dogs.

  • Baby food can contain onion powder that is toxic to both dogs and cats.

  • Macadamia nuts affect the nervous systems and muscles of dogs and cats.

  • Raw eggs can contain salmonella and can lead to digestive problems.

  • Bones from chicken, fish or other meat sources can cause obstructions or lacerations of the digestive system.

  • Houseplants should be kept out of reach of pets.  Ingesting them can lead to liver failure.

  • Veterinary medicines - be careful of keeping these in your pet's reach.  If they find it tasty, they will ingest the whole bottle!  Make sure directions are followed closely for dosage.  

Keep your eyes open and make sure what is good for you is not applied to your pet.  Their systems are quite different from us humans, so be vigilant and don't let those sweet begging eyes lead you down the wrong path!


How Pets Can Improve Your Health

It has long been known that pets have health enhancing benefits for their owners but you may be surprised just how much your pet can help....

  1. Elderly Love

    Natural mood booster - Who can resist smiling after snuggling with a pet?

  2. Pets relieve stress and lift depression by raising seratonin, a chemical associated with well-being.

  3. Much research has proven that pets can lower blood pressure and lower heart rates.  Because of the calming effect they infuse, stroke rates tend to be lower in pet owners.

  4. Your dog can keep you fit.  By walking your dog, cholesterol is lowered, obesity is avoided and fitness levels are enhanced across the board.  A walk in the morning and a walk at night count as the 30 minutes necessary per day of cardiovascular exercise.

  5. Contrary to myths, pet owners actually have fewer allergies than non-pet owners.  Immune systems are stronger too.

  6. Dogs actually detect diabetes in humans.  They are so tuned in to their owners that if blood glucose levels drop, they become instantly alerted.

  7. Walking your dog will strengthen your bones and stave off osteoarthritis.

  8. Pets help children with ADHD by teaching them self-esteem, patience and responsibility.  They also can help release excess energy.

  9. Stretching with your cat eases arthritis.

  10. The elderly become less depressed and more engaged in daily activities when a pet is nearby.  

  11. Looking for love?  Pets are the ultimate date magnets!

The list can virtually go on and on but the bottom line is...your pet is one of the best ways you can improve your health and keep a happy outlook on life.  Face it, who can resist the unconditional love and understanding of a pet?  Just being near them will put a smile on your face!

 

Surprising Pet Facts

Doggy Kisses

For centuries there have always been a host of myths and facts thrown around concerning dogs and cats.  But what is really the true story when it comes to these myths and facts? We are here to set the story straight!

MYTH - Cats need milk.  As a matter of fact, many cats are lactose intolerant.  Unless it is their mother's milk, most milk upsets their tummies.

 

MYTH - Dogs see in black and white.  While they may not see bright colors like red, orange or yellow, dogs actually see blues and violets and many more shades of gray than humans.

 

FACT - A limp can signal a lung problem in dogs.  Cancer in the chest can activate the legs to grow extra tissue, thereby causing swelling in the legs.

 

MYTH - Tail wagging = happy dog.  Tail wagging can signify three different moods.  One is happiness when the tail is wagged in a level motion.  A stiff and high wag means the pup is agitated while a low tail wagging can signify fright.

 

FACT - Cats smell with their mouths.  Their scent gland is located in the roof of their mouth.

 

FACT - White cats are often deaf.

 

FACT - Dogs can learn up to 250 words.  The smartest and best-trained breeds (German shepherds, border collies, poodles and golden retrievers top the list) are similar to a two-year-old in their ability to understand language.  

 

FACT - Dog kisses can make you sick.  While the myth is that dogs have the cleanest mouths in town, the truth is that because they use their tongues as toilet paper, they can spread bacteria and salmonella to their human friends.

 

The facts and myths are plentiful but now you can sit back and relax as we have put a few to rest!

 

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