Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Thanksgiving Cautions: Some Tips to Give Thanks For

With aromas filling the house and visitors coming and going, Thanksgiving can be an exciting time, for you and your pets.  Such a meaningful holiday doesn't come without it's hazards though, and we'd like to give you every opportunity to avoid a hiccup in your holiday plans.  Here are some items and information to keep your pets happy come dinner time:

Fatty foods:  Too much fatty, rich, or unfamiliar foods can give your pet pancreatitis or gastroenteritis; two medical conditions that can be very painful and even life-threatening.

Bones:  Make no bones about it.  Certain bones can lacerate or obstruct your pets' insides.  Save the bones for the broth, not your dog.

Onions:  Onions and onion powder, widely found in stuffing and used as a general seasoning, will destroy your dog or cat's red blood cells, which can lead to anemia, lowering the ability of the blood to carry oxygen to different parts of the body.

Grapes and Raisins:  Grapes and raisins, in stuffings, pies, and other Thanksgiving goodies contain a toxin that can cause kidney damage to both dogs and cats.

Chocolate:  Chocolate can actually be fatal to your dog or cat; so all those sweets should be kept far out of reach.

Food wrappings:  Aluminum foil, was paper, plastic wrap, and other food wrappings can cause intestinal obstructions, which can be life-threatening.  Make sure these items are kept out of reach and find their way to the garbage.

Garbage:  Keep an eye on the garbage and make sure it's always secured.  If you dog gets into it, he may think he hit the jackpot!  But all he'll be winning are potential health problems such as gastric disturbance, vomiting, diarrhea, and possibly death.

Other tips:
Fresh water:  Make sure your pet always has fresh water available.  With so many people coming and going, their stress level may be higher, causing them to drink more.  And also, with so many people, there's often a chance their bowl may get knocked, dumped, or forgotten.

Quiet place:  Also be sure to give your pet a quiet place to retreat to during the holiday hustle.  Watch their behavior to be sure they're not too stressed.

Diet and Exercise:  Maintain your pet's regular meal and exercise schedule and avoid too many holiday leftovers.  A disruption in their dietary routine can cause stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting.

With a careful eye, some due diligence, and plenty of attention, your pets can have a happy Thanksgiving too.  From all of us at Norwich Regional Animal Hospital, we hope pets and owners have a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday!

Monday, November 3, 2014

Questions and Answers about Ebola and Pets

The ongoing epidemic of Ebola in West Africa has raised several questions about how the diesase affects the animal population, and in particular, the risk to household pets. While the information available suggests that the virus may be found in several kinds of animals, CDC, the US Department of Agriculture, and the American Veterinary Medical Association do not believe that pets are at significant risk for Ebola in the United States.

How are animals involved in Ebola outbreaks?
Because the natural reservoir host of Ebola has not yet been confirmed, the way in which the virus first appears in a human at the start of an outbreak is unknown. However, scientists believe that the first patient becomes infected through contact with an infected animal, such as a fruit bat or primate (apes and monkeys), which is called a spillover event. Person-to-person transmission follows and can lead to large numbers of affected persons. In some past Ebola outbreaks, primates were also affected by Ebola, and multiple spillover events occurred when people touched or ate infected primates. In the current West African epidemic, animals have not been found to be a factor in ongoing Ebola transmission.

How does Ebola spread?
When infection occurs in humans, the virus can be spread in several ways to others. Ebola is spread through direct contact (through broken skin or mucous membranes in, for example, the eyes, nose, or mouth) with:
  • blood or body fluids (including but not limited to urine, saliva, sweat, feces, vomit, breast milk, and semen) of a person who is sick with Ebola
  • objects (like needles and syringes) that have been contaminated with the virus
  • Ebola is not spread through the air or by water, or in general, by food.  However, in Africa, Ebola may be spread as a result of handling bushmeat (wild animals hunted for food) and contact with infected bats.
  • Only a few species of mammals (for example, humans, monkeys, and apes) have shown the ability to become infected with and spread Ebola virus.  There is no evidence that mosquitoes or other insects can transmit Ebola virus.
Can dogs get infected or sick with Ebola?
At this time, there have been no reports of dogs or cats becoming sick with Ebola or of being able to spread Ebola to people or other animals.  Even in areas in Africa where Ebola is present, there have been no reports of dogs and cats becoming sick with Ebola.  There is limited evidence that dogs become infected with Ebola virus, but there is no evidence that they develop the disease.

Here in the United States, are our dogs and cats at risk of becoming sick with Ebola?
The risk of an Ebola outbreak affecting multiple people in the United States is very low.  Therefore, the risk to pets is also very low, as they would have to come into contact with blood and body fluids of a person with Ebola.  Even in areas in Africa where Ebola is present, there have been no reports of dogs and cats becoming sick with Ebola.

Can I get Ebola from my dog or cat?
At this time, there have been no reports of dogs or cats becoming sick with Ebola or of being able to spread Ebola to people or animals.  The chances of a dog or cat being exposed to Ebola virus in the United States is very low as they would have to come into contact with blood and body fluids of a symptomatic person sick with Ebola.

Can my pet's body, fur, or paws spread Ebola to a person?
We do not yet know whether or not a pet's body, paws, or fur can pick up and spread Ebola to people or other animals.  It is important to keep people and animals away from blood or body fluids of a person with symptoms of Ebola infection.

What if there is a pet in the home of an Ebola patient?
CDC recommends that public health officials in collaboration with a veterinarian evaluate the pet's risk of exposure to the virus (close contact or exposure to blood or body fluids of an Ebola patient).  Based on this evaluation as well as the specific situations, local and state human and animal health officials will determine how the pet should be handled.

Can I get my dog or cat tested for Ebola?
There would not be any reason to test a dog or cat for Ebola if there was no exposure to a person infected with Ebola.  Currently, routine testing for Ebola is not available for pets.

What are the requirements for bringing pets or other animals into the United States from West Africa?
CDC regulations require that dogs and cats imported into the United States be healthy.  Dogs must be vaccinated against rabies before arrival into the United States.  Monkeys and African rodents are not allowed to be imported as pets under any circumstances.

Each state and US Territory has its own rules for pet ownership and importation, and these rules may be different from federal regulations.  Airlines may have additional requirements.

Can monkeys spread Ebola?
Yes, monkeys are at risk for Ebola.  Symptoms of Ebola infection in monkeys include fever, decreased appetite, and sudden death.  Monkeys should not be allowed to have contact with anyone who may have Ebola.  Healthy monkeys already living in the United States and without exposure to a person infected with Ebola are not at risk for spreading Ebola.

Can bats spread Ebola?
Fruit bats in Africa are considered to be a natural reservoir for Ebola.  Bats in North America are not known to carry Ebola and so CDC considers the risk of an Ebola outbreak from bats occurring in the United States to be very low.  However, bats are known to carry rabies and other diseases here in the United States.  To reduce the risk of disease transmission, never attempt to touch a bat, living or dead.

Where can I find more information about Ebola and pet dogs and cats?
CDC is currently working with the US Department of Agriculture, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and many other partners to develop additional guidance for the US pet population.  Additional information and guidance will be posted on the CDC website as well as partner websites as soon as it becomes available.

Information for:
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Questions and Answers about Ebola and Pets