Labor Day and Picnic Safety Tips from Upstate Veterinary Specialties Emergency/Critical Care Specialist Dr. Berube

August 31st, 2016 | Posted in General

UVS Criticalist Dr. Danielle Berube shares more summertime advice for your pets:

Picnics/BBQ: Many of us enjoy picnics and barbeques. Although dogs can also enjoy spending time outside with family and friends there are also hidden dangers to be aware of.

• Consumption of alcohol by dogs or cats can lead to weakness, depression and even coma or respiratory failure.
• It is also important to keep your pets on their normal diets. Cats and dogs have very sensitive stomachs and any change can give your pet severe nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
• Also, certain picnic foods can be toxic to our pets.  Some examples are onions, chocolate, coffee, avocado, grapes & raisins, salt, macadamia nuts and yeast dough.
• Foreign material can also be ingested (shish kabob skewers, and corn cobs for example) which can cause life threatening intestinal blockages.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the medical condition of your pet, Upstate Veterinary Specialties Emergency Service is available 24/7 at (518) 783-3198.