The holidays bring coziness, cheer, joy…and potential hazards for any kitties who live in your home. The team at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital can help you prepare—whether you’re a first-time cat parent or a long-timer in need of a refresher. Our tips for how to decorate for Christmas with cats will show you which holiday decorates to steer clear of. 

5 Holiday Decorations to Avoid When You Have Cats at Home

1. Toxic Plants for Cats

Even though the holidays hit in the dead of winter, plants are popular during this time. You might be tempted to pick up a pretty poinsettia from the grocery store while you’re doing some holiday shopping. Or a festive amaryllis. 

Don’t do it. These plants can be toxic to cats—especially amaryllis. 

Here’s a non-exhaustive list of toxic holiday plants for cats: 

• Poinsettia: Contains sap (and usually pesticides) that can irritate your cat’s esophagus and make her sick.
• Amaryllis: Contains lycorine, a toxin that can make your kitty very sick.
• Lilies: If a plant has “lily” in the name or comes from the Lilium or Hemerocallis genera, give it to a cat-free friend, as lilies are toxic to cats. 
• Holly and mistletoe: The leaves and berries alike can be deadly to cats. 
• Fir, spruce, and pine trees: AKA, Christmas trees! That’s right. Cats and Christmas trees don’t necessarily mix. These trees have needles that can be mildly toxic to cats.

Your best bet is to set up a fake Christmas tree and fake plants that look real. Or, stick to non-toxic plants for cats…like catnip. 

2. Essential Oils Toxic to Cats 

Some of the most seasonal-smelling essential oils are toxic to cats and should not be used in a kitty’s home. These include: 

• Peppermint
• Cinnamon
• Citrus
• Pine
• Wintergreen
• Tea Tree
• Birch 

Remember that many potpourri mixes contain these oils, too, so keep those away from your furry friends as well. 

3. Ribbons and Tinsel 

You might not use tinsel or ribbons to decorate your home during the holidays, but are they on the gifts Santa brought under the tree? Or wrapped around the bottle of wine your coworker gave you?

Keep a close eye on any tinsel, ribbon, or stringlike decorations or gift-wrapping accessories in your home. These objects are harmful because they look like toys—but they’re not. If eaten, the ribbon or tinsel can bunch up in your kitty’s intestines and cause a life-threatening blockage. It can even slice through vital organs, causing irreparable damage. 

So keep this holiday hazard far, far away from your beloved feline friend!

4. Salt-Dough Ornaments

Maybe your kids or grandkids brought salt dough ornaments home from school. These precious ornaments last forever, giving you fond memories for years to come. But they also contain, well, a ton of salt. 

And to your kitty’s nose, they smell just like treats. 

That’s why these ornaments are so hazardous to pets. Even small bites can cause salt poisoning, which can make your cat extremely sick—or worse. 

So hang those salt dough ornaments somewhere your kitty can’t reach. Or better yet, put them in a secure memory box where you can take them out to admire when Kitty isn’t around. 

5. Snow Globes

If you have cats, dogs, or toddlers, don’t put snow globes out as holiday decor. 

You know that mysterious liquid inside the globe? The one that allows the fake snow to gently drift down onto a holiday scene? 

That liquid can contain ethylene glycol, otherwise known as antifreeze. 

This is especially true for glass snow globes. So if you have an heirloom snow globe or any type of newer globe that’s made from glass, refrain from setting it out. Keep it locked away in a place your kitty can’t reach. Even a tiny amount of antifreeze can be too much for your kitty’s body. It’s not worth the risk. 

Reach out to the team at Shiloh Mobile Veterinary Hospital to learn more about how to safely decorate for Christmas with cats.

The post Top 5 Most Hazardous Holiday Decorations for Cats appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

You’ve encountered it. You are out at the park with your pet and look over to see someone’s dog “doing their business”. Just as soon as he’s done, the dog and owner quickly trot off, leaving the grossness where it was deposited.

People not picking up after their pet is a serious problem. Not only is it rude and causes stink and the risk of people stepping on it, but pet waste also carries disease and attracts flies and other parasites.

Picking up your pet’s waste is a part of being a responsible dog owner. The team at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital is here to explain why this unfortunate doody duty benefits your pet, you, and the entire community.

The Trouble with Dog Waste

According to an article in Live Science, dogs produce over 10 million tons of poop each year. That is a disturbing amount of fecal matter, right? Most of this ends up in landfills, as well as on our lawns, in parks, and in natural waterways. 

Some pet owners shrug their shoulders and consider their dog’s waste organic or natural. Unfortunately, while waste disintegrates, there is nothing natural about it. So, what’s the trouble with leaving dog waste behind?

1. Waste can transmit diseases to humans and animals. Many contagious illnesses like parvovirus are carried in a pet’s poop. Sometimes these organisms can live in waste for more than a few days. If a pet comes into contact with it, or if we do, then we are at risk of an illness. A few illnesses that can be carried through poop include Leptospira, E. coli, and Salmonella. 
2. It is smelly. If you have ever walked through a park where there is a lot of dog waste, you know that it can be stinky. This odor attracts flies and parasites that also carry disease. Multiple flies can be a nuisance when you are out trying to enjoy the day with your fur friend.
3. It contaminates water. Your pet’s poop can cause problems for natural water sources, contaminating the area and encouraging bacteria, such as giardia. Creeks, springs, and other forms of natural free-flowing water need to be protected for the ecological health of the region, as well as our own health and well-being.
4. It’s messy. As anyone who has inadvertently stepped in dog poo can attest, it’s inconvenient and gross. No one wants to be out enjoying the great outdoors, only to have a mishap with someone else’s dog feces. It’s also just generally unattractive.
5. It destroys lawns. Dog fecal matter contains contaminants that destroy grass and other plants.
6. It carries intestinal parasites. Hookworm, roundworm, tapeworms, and other intestinal parasites are commonly transmitted through contact with pet waste.

Tips to Dispose of Your Pet’s Waste

Since there are several problems associated with leaving your pet’s waste on the ground, we can all agree that disposing of these can help humans, animals, and the environment. Here are a few tips to make picking up your pet’s waste a snap. 

• Carry lots of biodegradable waste bags with you when you walk with your pup.
• Supervise your pet while you are out and discourage them from eating or sniffing pet waste.
• Throw away the pet waste in the bags in a trash can or other receptacle (don’t flush it in the toilet as this can contaminate public water).
• Consider installing a composting system in the yard for your pet’s waste (do not, however, use your own compost).
• Talk to your neighbors about installing a pet waste station or two in shared spaces and walkways.

Picking up your pet’s waste doesn’t have to be something to be thrilled about, but it definitely is something every dog owner must do. By keeping pet waste out of sight, we reduce the spread of illnesses, smells, unsightly green spaces, and more. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please call us. And, thank you for scooping!

The post A Poopy Problem: Why Picking Up Pet Waste Is Necessary appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

Since you know how curious your cat or dog is, it’s amazing how many things they try and get into. Things we may never even imagine to be edible or tasty to them. But the reality is, pets are like toddlers and try and eat whatever they find. Because of this fact, it’s important to understand all of the potential pet poisons that are in the home and outdoors. 

March is national Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month, and your team at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital is observing the month by raising more awareness among our readers. As loving pet owners, we are sure you want the safest home for your four-legged and more education about pet toxins is key. Let’s take a look at why.

Pet Poisons In the Home

The home is teeming with multiple toxins that are all too accessible to pets. According to the Pet Poison Helpline, these are the top ten most common causes of pet toxicity in cats and dogs each year.

Cats:

1. Lilies (highly toxic)
2. Flea and tick spot-on medication for dogs
3. Household cleaners
4. Antidepressant medication
5. Essential oils (even the fumes)
6. Anti-inflammatories
7. Rodenticides
8. Stimulant medication (ADD/ADHD)
9. Onions and garlic
10. Vitamin D

Dogs: 

1. Chocolate
2. Rat and mice poison (rodenticides)
3. Anti-inflammatories
4. Xylitol (sugar-free gum and candy)
5. Grapes and raisins
6. Antidepressants
7. Acetaminophen
8. Vitamin D
9. Stimulants
10. Fertilizers

Did any of these surprise you? How many of them are in your home? It’s interesting to note that human medications are often the culprits of poisoning in pets. This is because they’re readily in our home and are often accidentally dropped to the ground where your pet can find them. 

Food toxicity is another big one, since our pets are drawn to what we eat. Chocolate is a toxin not only because it contains caffeine but it also contains the more harmful chemical, theobromine.

Instead of using noxious household cleaners, pest control, and so on, switch to natural cleaning products that are pet safe. 

Creating a Pet Safe Lawn and Garden

Lawn and garden products and the plants and trees you grow may also be poisonous to our pets. There are several plants that are listed as toxins with varying levels of toxicity. The ASPCA has a complete list of toxic plants versus pet friendly plants you can switch to.

Avoid the following poisonous foliage, among others:

• Crocus
• Azalea
• Oleander
• Sago palm
• Lilies
• Daffodils
• Lily of the Valley
• Tulips and Hyacinths
• Cyclamen
• Kalanchoe

Do you have any of these growing in your yard? 

Pet Poison Prevention

The world is full of potentially dangerous things and substances, and pets are endlessly curious. This is why we must take steps to protect our furry friends.

1. Stow all medications, chemicals, cleaners, and other dangerous things in a secure cabinet or other area.
2. Keep all purses and tote bags on a hanger or in the closet.
3. Cover trash cans and compost bins.
4. Do a thorough sweep through the house to identify anything that might pose a threat to your pet.
5. Remove any poisonous plants and trees from the yard, replacing them with pet friendly foliage, trees, and flowers.
   

We hope this overview of pet toxins help to keep your pet safe. With some simple steps to remove any hazards in the home and yard, we hope you will never need to call us about an emergency pet poisoning.

For more information about pet poison prevention, please contact our team. We are here to help!

The post Observing Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month to Protect Your Pet appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

What better way to keep our feathered friends safe than keeping them inside our secure, climate-controlled houses? Bird lovers can sometimes forget that there are dangers for our avian friends indoors, too. 

Keeping our pets safe and healthy requires research, effort, and a little forethought. Shiloh Veterinary Hospital reminds you that we are here to help you do this and wants to bring your attention to those household bird toxins that you may not have thought about before.

It’s in the Air

Birds have exquisitely sensitive respiratory tracts. If you keep birds in your home, you need to consider what airborne dangers you may be exposing your pets to. Of particular concern:

• Teflon-coated pans (best to keep these out of your home altogether)
• Fumes from the clothes iron (often coated with Teflon)
• Cigarette smoke
• Oven cleaner
• Scented candles or air-fresheners
• Aerosol cleaner or other sprays

Things that are only mildly irritating or even go unnoticed by our respiratory tracts can be devastating to the avian species. 

Be sure to remove your birds from your home if using any of the above items. If you choose to use non-stick cookware be sure not to overheat it, and don’t leave the kitchen while cooking.

Gases like carbon monoxide and radon are not good for us, but they affect birds even more.  Consider having detectors for these toxic gases in your home. 

Other Household Bird Toxins to Consider

There are other potential bird toxins in our homes to think about as well:

• Be sure to keep medications stowed safely in closed cabinets or closets in childproof containers. Pills can be attractive to birds and many of them are unsafe. Preventing exposure is crucial as there is often little to be done if a pet bird takes human medication.

• If you have beverages out, keep them covered. Any caffeine-containing drink, including tea, can be very dangerous to a thirsty bird. Alcohol ingestion is also toxic. Invest in a covered insulated tumbler to keep your drinks safe from your pets.

• Many other human foods are dangerous for birds as well. Things like avocado, garlic, onion, chocolate fruit pits or seeds, and any food containing a lot of salt, and xylitol are of concern.

• When bringing plants into your home, you should also be sure that they are bird-friendly. Some common species including lilies, poinsettia, daffodils, ivy, mistletoe, and honeysuckle are toxic to birds if ingested. 

Our staff at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital loves all birds, and we want to help keep them safe. Be sure to not let your guard down even in your own home – some everyday things that we take for granted are actually dangerous bird toxins!  Because of their fast metabolisms, it is even more vital that you act quickly.

Please call us right away if you suspect that your bird may have been exposed to something toxic.

The post Danger at Home: Household Bird Toxins to Know About appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

When you look around your pet’s environment and consider potential toxins, the usual suspects probably come to mind: chocolate, Xylitol (a key ingredient in sugar-free foods and some peanut butter), antifreeze, medications, etc. However, in regions like ours – where the winters are mild and beautiful foliage and robust agriculture are plentiful – there’s an increased risk of exposure to outdoor pet toxins.

Reducing or eliminating your pet’s exposure to toxins, as well as being able to recognize and respond to a pet poisoning emergency, are key when it comes to protecting your furry loved one.

Outdoor Pet Toxins

Always make sure the following outdoor pet toxins are stored safely out of your pet’s reach (or avoid them altogether!):

• Rodenticides/insecticides – Anything designed to kill a rodent can also kill a cat or dog. Even if the poison is placed out of reach, rodents may move the granules to a different located to which your pet has access. Avoid these toxins by switching to a safer form of pest control, such as traps or ultrasonic devices.
• Bone meal/blood meal/fertilizers – The high nitrogen levels in most soil amenders can have serious consequences for pets, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and pancreatitis. Ingestion of bone meal or the packaging it came in can lead to dangerous intestinal obstructions.
• Herbicides – Common herbicides, such as glyphosate, pyridine, and 2,4–D, can cause gastrointestinal distress, aspiration pneumonia, nervous system depression, and tremors. Use sparingly, and make sure your pet doesn’t go outside once they’re applied. Switch to more natural products whenever possible.
• Cocoa bean mulch – This fragrant and richly colored mulch is a popular choice for landscaping, but since it’s a byproduct of chocolate production, it’s also a potential pet poison. Dogs are particularly drawn to cocoa bean mulch, and eating it can result in toxic side effects similar to that of chocolate.
• Compost – Compost bins should be securely covered at all times, as they may contain coffee grounds, egg shells, onion peels, decaying food, and other items pets should avoid.
• Antifreeze – All automotive fluid poses a threat to pets, but antifreeze takes the cake. Many pets find the sweet odor and taste irresistible. It only takes a tiny amount to sicken or kill a pet (two teaspoons for a cat and two tablespoons for a medium-sized dog). Always store this product in a tightly sealed container out of reach, and clean up any spills immediately. Consider switching to a less toxic version containing propylene glycol.

Dangerous Greenery

No discussion of outdoor pet toxins is complete without mentioning the many lovely plants and shrubbery that could be hazardous. Check the ASPCA’s list of toxic plants before making any additions to your home or yard. Some of the more common toxic outdoor plants include:

• Lilies (all parts of the lily plant are extremely poisonous to cats)
• Rhododendrons
• Azaleas
• Crocus
• Oleander
• Laurel
• Sago palm
• Aloe vera

Handling a Pet Toxin Emergency

Any exposure to an outdoor pet toxin should be considered a medical emergency. If you think your pet has ingested something poisonous, please don’t wait to seek treatment. If possible, save the packaging of whatever your pet ingested, as this can help with the process of diagnosis and treatment. Remember to call Shiloh Veterinary Hospital right away or contact a nearby veterinary emergency clinic if a situation occurs outside our normal business hours.

Our team is always here for you and your pet! Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.

The post On the Lookout for Outdoor Pet Toxins appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.