Emergencies

Holiday Safety Tips for Pets

Posted on by Laurie Coronel

 

The holidays are a time for decorations, guests, and delicious food—but they also bring new risks for your pets. To ensure a smooth and safe celebration for everyone, here are some important precautions:

· Keep Food Out of Reach: Never leave dishes unattended. Cooked turkey bones, desserts, chocolate, and raw bread dough can all be dangerous to pets.

· Educate Your Guests: Remind family members and visitors not to feed your pets table scraps.

· Toxic Plants: Be cautious with holiday plants like poinsettias, Jerusalem cherry, and Christmas cactus—they’re toxic to pets. Keep them out of reach.

· Tree Safety: Watch for ornaments, tinsel, and breakable decorations on your tree. If you have a real tree, cover the base to prevent pets from drinking the water (it can be harmful). Also, keep in mind that tree needles are toxic to rabbits.

· Gift Safety: Place gifts in a safe area and quickly dispose of any ribbons or bows to prevent choking hazards.

· Manage Stress: The holiday hustle can stress out your pet. If they seem anxious, provide a quiet, comfortable space for them. Consider using Feliway (for cats) or Adaptil (for dogs) to help calm them.

· Prevent Escapes: When guests leave, be extra cautious to prevent your pet from darting out the door.

With these simple steps, you can ensure that your pets stay safe and happy throughout the holiday season!

 

Toxic Plants for Pets: What to Watch Out For

Posted on by Laurie Coronel

 

If you have a cat or dog, it’s important to know which plants in your home or garden can be harmful. Many common plants are toxic to pets, so keeping them out of reach is essential for their safety.

Toxic Plants to Avoid

Here are some plants that are poisonous to pets, according to the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center:

· Amaryllis

· Autumn crocus

· Castor plant

· Christmas cactus

· Chrysanthemum

· Cyclamen

· Daffodil

· English Ivy & Devil’s Ivy

· Holly

· Hydrangea

· Kalanchoe

· Lily (all types, including Asiatic, Daylily, Peace Lily, and Lily of the Valley)

· Marijuana (especially the seeds and leaves)

· Oleander

· Poinsettia

· Rhododendron & Philodendron

· Sago Palm

· Schefflera

· Tulip

· Yew

Safe Plants for Pets

If you’re looking for pet-safe plants, consider these:

· Aster

· Calamagrostis

· Carnation

· Daisy

· Grass Fountain

· Orchid

· Pansy

· Rose

· Sunflower

 

A complete list of toxic an non toxic plants can be found on the ASPCA website at www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants.

 

What to Do If Your Pet Ingests a Toxic Plant

If you think your pet has eaten a poisonous plant, contact your veterinarian immediately. Signs of poisoning can include:

· Vomiting or diarrhea

· Abdominal pain or discomfort

· Seizures

· Weakness or lethargy

· Difficulty breathing

In severe cases, plant poisoning can be fatal, so it’s important to act quickly.

Where to Get Help

If your pet is showing symptoms of poisoning, take them to one of these emergency centers: · Centre Vétérinaire Rive-Sud · Centre Vétérinaire Laval · Hôpital Centre-Ville Montréal

Prevention and Awareness

To protect your pet, familiarize yourself with both toxic and safe plants. If you're unsure whether a plant is harmful, you can visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (ASPCA) website or call their hotline at 1-888-426-4435 for guidance. By keeping harmful plants out of reach you can keep your furry friends safe and healthy.

 

Xylitol – A Threat to Buddy Over the Holidays!

Posted on by Laurie Coronel

 

Xylitol: A Hidden Danger for Pets

The holidays often bring food and treats that pets can't resist. However, some seemingly harmless items, like candy or baked goods, can pose serious dangers. Xylitol, a common sugar substitute, is one of these hidden risks.

What is Xylitol?

Xylitol is a natural sweetener derived from birch bark.. While it’s generally safe for humans, xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs. Even small amounts can lead to rapid and severe health issues. Cats and ferrets are less affected, but xylitol still poses some risks for them.

What products contain Xylitol?

Xylitol can be found in food, cosmetics, and personal care items such as :

  • Food: Peanut butter, candy, chewing gum, chocolate, baked goods, drink crystals, BBQ sauce, ketchup
  • Cosmetics: Lip gloss, lipstick, lip balm
  • Pharmaceuticals: Medications, vitamins, and supplements
  • Personal Care: Face wipes, baby wipes, diapers, sunscreen
  • Dental Care: Toothpaste, dental floss, mouthwash, lozenges

Xylitol can be hidden in many products, therefore it’s essential to be vigilant and check labels carefully. In some cases, the amount of xylitol may not be obvious on the packaging.

What Happens if My Dog Eats Xylitol?

In dogs, xylitol can cause two main problems:

  1. Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar):

Symptoms can occur as quickly as 15 minutes to 2 hours after ingestion and include:

  • Weakness
  • Loss of coordination (walking “drunk”)
  • Trembling or seizures
  • Loss of consciousness
  • In severe cases, death

 

  1. Liver Damage:

Symptoms of liver failure can develop 12 to 72 hours after ingestion and may include:

  • Vomiting and diarrhea
  • Decreased appetite
  • Lethargy or weakness
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)

What Should I Do if My Pet Eats Xylitol?

If you suspect your pet has ingested a xylitol containing product, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Rapid intervention is critical, as the effects of xylitol poisoning can progress quickly. Be sure to provide the veterinarian with the following information:

  • The product ingested (or the recipe if you made the food at home)
  • The amount your pet has eaten
  • The time of ingestion

This information will help the vet determine the best course of treatment, which may include inducing vomiting, administering activated charcoal, and providing supportive care such as intravenous fluids.

Xylitol is a serious and often overlooked threat to pets. By being aware of products that contain xylitol and taking steps to keep them out of reach, you can help protect your pet from this toxic substance.

 

Common Foods That Are Toxic for Your Cats and Dogs

Posted on by Laurie Coronel

 

Toxic or Dangerous Foods for Pets

Many common foods and substances are toxic to pets, and even small amounts can cause serious health issues. Here’s a quick guide on foods to avoid:

  • Chocolate: Contains theobromine, which affects the nervous system and heart. Dark chocolate is more toxic than milk or white chocolate.
  • Caffeine: Found in coffee, tea, cola, and energy drinks. Symptoms of poisoning include hyperactivity, vomiting, muscle tremors, and seizures.
  • Grapes & Raisins: Can cause kidney failure, especially in dogs.
  • Alcohol: Can cause vomiting, seizures, and even death. Never let your pet consume alcohol or food with alcohol.
  • Human Medications: Many medications are toxic to pets and can lead to serious health problems, including ulcers or kidney failure. Always store them out of reach.
  • Pesticides & Rat Poison: Can cause neurological issues and blood clotting
  • Antifreeze: Attractive to pets because of its sweet smell, but even small amounts are deadly.

Other dangerous foods to avoid with your pet

  • Garlic, onions (all forms), chives
  • Fatty foods (e.g., fast food leftovers)
  • Moldy food, rhubarb leaves
  • Avocados, mushrooms, tomatoes (green parts)
  • Xylitol (found in sugar-free candy, gum, and some baked goods)
  • Nuts (especially walnuts, macadamia nuts)
  • Fruit pits (cherry, peach, apricot)
  • Raw eggs, meat, or fish
  • Dairy products (may cause digestive upset)
  • Raw dough, uncooked bread
  • Salt, currants, nutmeg

If your pet eats something toxic, contact your veterinarian immediately, and have the following information ready:

  • Pet’s species, breed, age, weight
  • Symptoms observed
  • Toxic agent and amount ingested
  • Time since exposure

Prompt treatment is crucial, so don’t wait for symptoms to appear. By keeping harmful foods and substances out of your pet’s reach, you can help protect them from poisoning and ensure their health and safety.

 

 

 

 

Mushrooms: Not as harmless as they seem!

Posted on by Laurie Coronel

 

Taking a walk through the forest with your pet is one of life's simple pleasures. The fresh air, the chance to spot wild animals, and the beauty of Quebec’s flora all make for a wonderful experience. However, as many pet owners know, not all mushrooms are as harmless as they appear, and this applies to our furry friends as well!

While we enjoy exploring nature, wild mushrooms can be dangerous—some are highly toxic to pets. Ingestion of even a small amount of a poisonous mushroom can cause severe poisoning. So, it’s important to be aware of the risks and take precautions when venturing into the woods or other areas where mushrooms grow.

Compost:

However, it's not just wild mushrooms that pose a threat to pets. Your household compost can be a hidden danger. As food decomposes in your compost pile, fungi and yeasts begin to grow, and these can be toxic to pets. Dogs and cats may be tempted to scavenge through compost piles, and while it may seem harmless, ingesting decomposing food can lead to serious health issues.

To keep your pet safe, we recommend blocking access to compost piles and ensuring that the bin latches properly—this can help prevent not only the risk of poisoning from fungi, but also the potential ingestion of foreign objects like bones, corncobs, or other harmful debris.

If you suspect that your pet has eaten a mushroom or ingested something from a compost pile, contact a veterinarian or animal poison control center and look out for the following signs:

  • Hypersalivation (excessive drooling)
  • Severe muscle tremors or stiffness
  • Vomiting or diarrhea

These symptoms can indicate that your pet has ingested something toxic, and quick intervention is crucial. The sooner your pet receives care, the better the chances of a positive outcome.

What to do if you suspect poisoning

If you notice any of these symptoms and suspect your pet has consumed toxic mushrooms or compost, do not wait for symptoms to worsen. Contact an emergency veterinary center immediately for guidance and treatment. Time is of the essence when it comes to poisoning, and fast action can save your pet’s life.

 

 

 

Help! My Dog Has Run Away!

Posted on by Laurie Coronel

Although we do everything in our power to prevent it, a pet is not immune to running away, when out for a walk, visiting a friend or even staying in a boarding kennel.

Here are a few tips to assist you should the situation arise:

At the time of the event and in the hours that follow:

If you see your pet running away:

  • Analyze the environment for possible dangerous situations or opportunities for the animal to escape.
  •  If possible, block or prevent the animal from fleeing into situations that could be dangerous for them, or make the next step more difficult WITHOUT pursuing the animal.
  • Follow and observe your animal, without frightening them, to avoid losing track of them.
  • If your pet is in a precarious or specific situation and you cannot rescue them, call in a rescue service (e.g. Sauvetage Animal Rescue).

Use social media – they can help you find your pet:

  • GE Cherche Charly - Chiens perdus on Facebook. They are the reference in this kind of situation and their services are free.
  • Alerte Reven - for dog disappearances and to create an alert.
  • Facebook “Spotted” pages from your town and surrounding areas.

Important: Always use the same search notice or message to create a consistent sharing effect with maximum impact.

48 hours after the event, if the animal still hasn’t been found:

Contact a “blood hound handler” in your region:

  • Blood hounds are used to find wild animals that are still alive but injured during hunting.
  • For the list of blood hound handlers, click here (in French only): Liste des conducteurs
  • Continue searching the area.

What to Do When a Dog Gets Lost

Contact GE Cherche Charly:

Their experienced team will give you the right advice to suit your circumstances and guide you through the runaway situation.

 

 

Here is a list of resources to use:

  • Veterinarians in your area
  • Animal rescue services in your area
  • Ge cherche Charly – Chiens perdus (Facebook)
  • Your local police
  • Alerte Raven – disparition canine (Facebook)
  • Sauvetage Animal Rescue and/or its director, Éric Dussault (Facebook)
  • The Association des conducteurs de chiens de sang du Québec: https://www.accsq.com/fr

Emotional Support:

It can be very difficult for a pet owner to go through this ordeal, especially if it ends in death. There are resources available, such as pet bereavement and intuitive communication counselling. We encourage all owners going through this experience to seek help and make use of the resources available to them.

All our clinics, hospitals and centres are proud to apply these recommendations and are able to support you if your pet has run away. Do not hesitate to contact your veterinary team.

 

Source (original French version): GE Cherche Charly 2022

Under Pressure

Posted on by Laurie Coronel

Did you know that Max can suffer from hypertension? The most common causes of high blood pressure in cats are hyperthyroidism and chronic renal failure. Sometimes, there is no specific cause; this is called idiopathic hypertension.

Hypertension affects:

  • 2% of all cats, and 9% of cats older than 10
  • 80% of cats with hyperthyroidism
  • More often males than females

This condition is called the "silent killer" because Max may suffer from it without showing any symptoms. However, his eyes, brain, heart and kidneys are at risk of damage. Hypertension over 200 mm can cause retinal detachment. Cardiac hypertrophy develops within one month of chronic hypertension appearing. As a result, 42% of hypertensive cats will also have a heart murmur or arrhythmia. As well, 92% of cats with high blood pressure also have kidney disease at the onset. They may also show changes in mental status due to brain damage.

A diagnosis is made with a device similar to the one used for humans, but adapted for pets. An adequate measurement may be difficult to obtain if Max is under a lot of stress when being handled.

How is hypertension treated?

  • By addressing the primary cause, for example by treating hyperthyroidism if present.
  • By avoiding foods that are rich in sodium, especially cat treats!
  • By putting Max on a weight-loss diet to control his obesity.
  • By prescribing medication with blood pressure monitoring. Pressure should be monitored regularly until normal values are achieved. Afterwards, it is best to have blood pressure checked 2 to 4 times a year.

 

Halloween Safety – No Tricks Needed!

Posted on by Laurie Coronel

Halloween night doesn't have to be a scary experience for your cat! All you have to do to make sure the festivities run smoothly is to make sure everything is safe for your cat, without sacrificing the fun, of course! Here are some tips to make your Halloween celebrations spooky... only for humans!

Outdoor Cats
Don't let Kitty go out on Halloween night, there will be plenty of people roaming around in the streets! To prevent her from sneaking between your legs while you're handing out treats, you can confine her to a room with a window view so she can see the little monsters outside! When children come to your door, go outside to hand out treats and close the door behind you.

Candy and Wrappers
Remember, do not give your cat treats intended for human consumption! Everyone has their own treats! Keep Halloween bags and their contents in a closed area that is inaccessible to other pets in the house. Some cats are just too curious! While enjoying your candy, make sure you throw away the wrappers and lollipop sticks and don't let your cat play with them! There is a significant risk of intestinal obstruction if they were to be ingested.

Decorations and Candles
Decorate the house wisely. Use safe decorations and avoid anything that cats can eat or chew (e.g., rope, string, spider webs, etc.). Never leave lit candles unattended.

Halloween Costume
Although it may seem like a lot of fun, it's preferable not to dress up or have your kitty wear Halloween accessories. Costumes are uncomfortable and stressful for your cat, who might chew on them and even ingest parts of them. Of course, dressing them up for a few pictures isn't a big deal, but the entire evening might be more difficult for Kitty!

Nervous Cats
If your pet gets nervous when she hears sudden noises, doors slamming, or children screaming outside, isolate her in a room. To prevent further stress from surrounding noises in the evening, put on some quiet music to cover them.

Various alternatives such as Feliway and Zylkene can greatly help with stress management; talk to one of our animal health technicians!

In short, the most important thing to remember is prevention! If you have any questions or concerns about your cat's safety this Halloween, don't hesitate to talk to our team!

Besides, our whole team wishes you and your feline companions a very happy (and safe) Halloween!