Summer Picnic Safety Tips for You & Your Furry Friends

The Half Moon Bay Veterinary Hospital sent out some great suggestions for pet owners on things to be aware of at your summer picnics and backyard barbeques that may cause illness or injury to your pets. Anyone who knows me knows I’m an animal lover so I had to share!

• FOOD:  Chicken, ribs and steaks all contain small bones that can become splintered and lodged in the esophagus or intestine. Beware of corncobs and peach pits also. Never forget that chocolate is toxic for dogs, and grapes and raisins both cause kidney failure in dogs. And remember, no alcohol, ever.


• BEES & WASPS:  A bee or wasp sting can be minor or send your dog or cat into shock. Puppies tend to get stung more so be aware where your pup is playing.


• CHILDREN:  During the summer months, more children are bitten by dogs – family or known dogs – than any other time of year, usually due to an increase in activity. Keep an eye out for aggressive triggers in your pet.


• BARBEQUES:  Some dogs try to steal food from the barbeque and can suffer from serious burns by putting their paws on hot surfaces  or swallowing very hot food in an attempt to eat quickly.


• SUNBURN:  Watch your pets nose, face and ears as those areas are most prone to get sunburned. Grab a tube of sunscreen for your pet next time you are at the pet store.


• HEAT STROKE:  Heat stroke signs include excessive panting, dark or bright red tongue and gums, staggering, stupor, seizures, or vomiting. If you suspect heat stroke, get your dog to an emergency vet right away. Dogs with short noses like bulldogs or pugs and heavy-coated dogs are more subject to heat strokes, but any dog or cat can suffer from this life-threatening problem.

For more tips or suggestions, contact the Half Moon Bay Veterinary Hospital at (650) 726-9061 or stop by their office located at 719 Main Street in downtown Half Moon Bay!

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Fit "n" Furry Warns: Beware of Chicken Jerky Treats!

Are these jerky treats your dog’s favorite bedtime snack or good behavior reward? Most dogs would gobble up the hand that offered these along with the treats themselves as they are such a hit with pets. However, recent information from multiple veterinary associations as well as the FDA now warn pet owners against purchasing and feeding these types of chicken jerky treats to pets as there have been a large number of complaints of dogs becoming sick after consuming them. The treats in question are the jerky variety including chicken strips and chicken tenders that are supplied by manufacturers in China, including companies such as Import-Pingyang Pet Product Co. and Shanghai Bestro Trading. Testing has been done by the Food and Drug Administration and other veterinary diagnostic labs but a contaminant has yet to be discovered and it does not appear that the perpetrator is melamine, the same contaminant that was found in the massive pet food recall in 2007.

Complaints of pets having decreased appetites and activity level, vomiting, diarrhea, increased water consumption and urination, and lethargy have been associated with dogs ingesting these types of treats. Blood tests may indicate kidney failure in some pets and urine tests may show Fanconi syndrome in others; most pets were reported to have recovered from their illness, but the FDA has received some reports of dogs passing away after continued consumption. The FDA, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), and the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) have all received complaints and are conducting testing to determine the cause, monitoring the situation and posting any updates on their respective websites.

If your precious pooch has consumed any of these types of treats and has displayed any of the symptoms shown above discontinue use and have your veterinarian examine them for a suspected cause for their illness. If the treats seem to be the cause notify the FDA in your region by visiting this website. The FDA has not issued a recall on these products nor have they identified which companies may be involved but are cautioning pet parents to use their best judgement when purchasing treats for their dogs.  Updated information on this issue can also be found at the AVMA’s website here.

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Filed under: dog, Dog food, Dog health, dog tips, losing a pet, Vet, Veterinary Tagged: | American Veterinary Medical Association, dog, Food, Food and Drug Administration, Pet, Shopping