You may think your dog leads a sheltered life, but it's a jungle in there.  Common household items can spell trouble for your dog unless you take action first.

 Electrical Cords
     Young, teething animals (and even some older ones) love to chew. Keep electrical wires out of reach or use a pet-repellent spray.

 Chocolate
     It's no treat for dogs. Chocolate contains theobromine, a powerful stimulant that is toxic to pets.  Also sweets, cakes and cookies can upset a young animal's gastrointestinal tract and lead to diarrhea and vomiting, which can be serious.

 Bones
     Never give turkey, chicken or rib bones as a treat.  They can splinter and cause serious injury.  Instead, give your dog a rawhide chew or other treats intended specifically for dogs.  Ask your veterinarian for recommendations, or ask a salesperson at your pet supply store.

 Household Products
     Cleaning agents, bleach, ammonia, disinfectants, drain cleaner, oven cleaner, paint, gasoline, rat poison. Keep them locked up.

 Poisonous Plants
     These include lilies, philodendron, dieffenbachia, elephant ear, eucalyptus, spider plants, azalea, ivy, amaryllis, pyracantha, oleander, boxwood, Jerusalem cherry and plant bulbs. In addition, avoid these plants for holiday decorating unless they are kept out of your pet's reach: Christmas rose, mistletoe, poinsettia and star-of-Bethlehem.

 Personal Care Items And Medications
     Cosmetics, shampoos, skin creams, hair "perm" solutions, depilatories, suntan lotions, sleeping pills, antihistamines, aspirin and acetaminophen can all be lethal to pets.

 Plastic Bags
     Don't leave plastic bags out. Inquisitive animals can suffocate.

 Bath Time Safety
     Never blow-dry your dog's hair while he is still standing in a wet tub.

 Hot Stuff
     Watch out for hot irons, coffee pots and space heaters. Young animals will suddenly be able to jump to new heights. And always use a fireplace screen.

 Small Stuff
     If any or all of something will fit in your dog's mouth, it's dangerous.  Watch out for cigarette butts, rubber bands, balloons, sewing needles, thread, string, ribbons and even pantyhose. Because what goes in must come out, often via surgery.

The animal health information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a veterinarian.  All decisions regarding veterinary patient care must be made with a veterinarian, considering the unique characteristics of the veterinary patient.

     Adventurous, curious, playful.  The qualities you love about your dog can also get him into trouble. But you, being an informed pet owner, will know how to keep your dog out of harm's way.

 Lawn Chemicals
     Read the precautions for pesticides and herbicides carefully and keep pets away from newly-treated yards.  If pets come in contact with chemicals, wash their feet, abdomen and chest thoroughly and call your veterinarian.

 Poisonous Plants
     These include lilies, philodendron, dieffenbachia, elephant ear, eucalyptus, spider plants, azalea, ivy, amaryllis, pyracantha, oleander, boxwood, Jerusalem cherry and plant bulbs.

 Allergies
     Common pet allergies include pollen, grass and weeds.  If your dog scratches excessively or chews at its paws, bring it to your veterinarian for an exam.

 Parasites (External)
     Frequent brushing provides early warning of parasites and skin infections by lifting the coat, permitting a view of the skin below.  Fleas, ticks and ear mites thrive in warm, humid environments.  See your veterinarian to set up a preventive program.

 Parasites (Internal)
     Be sure your dog has been heartworm tested and is on a preventive.

 Cars and Critters
     Don't let your dog roam. (Just in case, make sure your dog is licensed.)  They're susceptible to fights, injuries and bite wounds.  And, of course, your pet is no match for a car.
 

     You may think your cat leads a sheltered life, but it's a jungle in there. Common household items can spell trouble for your cat unless you take action first.

 Electrical Cords
     Young, teething animals (and even some older ones) love to chew. Keep electrical wires out of reach or use a pet-repellent spray.

 Chocolate
     It's no treat for cats. Chocolate contains theobromine, a powerful stimulant that is toxic to pets. Also sweets, cakes and cookies can upset a young animal's gastrointestinal tract and lead to diarrhea and vomiting, which can be serious.

 Bones
     Never give turkey or chicken bones as a treat. They can splinter and cause serious injury. Instead, give your cat a treat intended specifically for cats. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations, or ask a salesperson at your pet supply store. As a precaution, keep your garbage can secure from cats' access.

 Household Products
     Cleaning agents, bleach, ammonia, disinfectants, drain cleaner, oven cleaner, paint, gasoline and especially rat poison. Keep them locked up.

 Poisonous Plants
     These include lilies, philodendron, dieffenbachia, elephant ear, eucalyptus, spider plants, azalea, ivy, amaryllis, pyracantha, oleander, boxwood, Jerusalem cherry and plant bulbs. In addition, avoid these plants for holiday decorating unless they are kept out of your pet's reach: Christmas rose, mistletoe, poinsettia and star-of-Bethlehem.

 Personal Care Items And Medications
     Cosmetics, shampoos, skin creams, hair "perm" solutions, depilatories, suntan lotions, sleeping pills, antihistamines, aspirin and especially acetaminophen can all be lethal to pets.

 Plastic Bags
     Don't leave plastic bags out. Inquisitive animals can suffocate.

 Hot Stuff
     Watch out for hot irons, coffee pots, stove elements and space heaters. Cats can jump to amazing heights. And always use a fireplace screen. Cats love warmth so much, they'll sit on stoves, radiators and furnaces! But excessive heat can dry out their skin, and some cats even get burned without realizing it. Keep hot areas covered or off limits to your cat if possible. 

Small Stuff
     If any or all of something will fit in your cat's mouth, it's dangerous. Watch out for cigarette butts, rubber bands, balloons, sewing needles, thread, string, ribbons and even pantyhose. Because what goes in must come out, often via surgery.

 Windows
     Cats love to look out windows. But if they get distracted by a bird or squirrel, they have been known to jump out, even from great heights. And contrary to popular belief, cats don't always land on their feet. Keep windows closed or securely screened to keep your cat safely inside.

       Adventurous, curious, fearless.  The qualities you love about your cat can also get him into trouble.  But you, being an informed pet owner, will know how to keep your cat out of harm's way.

 Lawn Chemicals
     Read the precautions for pesticides and herbicides carefully and keep pets away from newly-treated yards.  If pets come in contact with chemicals, wash their feet, abdomen and chest thoroughly and call your veterinarian.  Keep toxic items like herbicides and insecticides securely locked up.

 Poisonous Plants
     These include lilies, philodendron, dieffenbachia, elephant ear, eucalyptus, spider plants, azalea, ivy, amaryllis, pyracantha, oleander, boxwood, Jerusalem cherry and plant bulbs.

 Allergies
     Common pet allergies include pollen, grass and weeds.  If your cat scratches excessively or chews at its paws, bring it to your veterinarian for an exam.

 Parasites (External)
     Frequent brushing provides early warning of parasites and skin infections by lifting the coat and permitting a view of the skin below.  Fleas, ticks and ear mites thrive in warm, humid environments.  See your veterinarian to set up a preventive program.

 Parasites (Internal)
     Most internal parasites found in cats are worms.  One of the most common is the tapeworm, which cats contract by ingesting fleas, lice, or rats and mice that already have tapeworms.  Ask your veterinarian about symptoms and treatment for internal parasites your cat may come in contact with.

 Cars and Critters
     Don't let your cat roam. (Just in case, make sure your cat is licensed.)  They're susceptible to fights, injuries, infections and bite wounds.  And, of course, your pet is no match for a car.  Also, in winter cats like to get under the hood of a warm car.  Check before you start up!

 Cats and Water
     Although cats can swim, they don't have the endurance of dogs.  Trying to scramble out of a swimming pool or backyard pond can be too difficult for some cats.  Kittens in particular are susceptible to falling into tubs, buckets, even kitchen sinks from which they can't escape.  Don't leave your cat unsupervised around water.  And if you take your cat boating, use a pet life jacket or harness to keep your cat safe.

      The bad news: these canine diseases are common and can be devastating, even deadly.  The good news: they are preventable by routine examinations and clinic-administered vaccinations.
     Remember, the single most important factor in determining your dog's risk for the following diseases is its lifestyle.  And the best way to determine that is through regular clinic visits and careful discussion with your veterinarian about the environment in which your dog lives.
     After all, the better we know them, the better we can protect them.

Coronavirus (ka-ROW-na-VY-rus)
     The second leading viral cause of canine intestinal disease. In puppies, it can contribute to severe disease when combined with other intestinal infections, leading to diarrhea, dehydration and possibly death.

Distemper (dis-TEM-per)
     A widespread, often fatal disease, distemper can develop in up to 75% of unprotected dogs.  It is characterized by diarrhea, fever, seizures, skin lesions, lethargy and watery discharge from the eyes and nose.

Parvovirus (PAR-vo-VY-rus)
     This highly contagious disease is relatively new (1974) and often results in death, especially in puppies.  Parvovirus normally infects the dog's intestines, lymphoid tissue and bone marrow. The result is vomiting, diarrhea and severe dehydration.

Bordetella (board-e-TELL-a)
     This highly contagious bacteria causes respiratory disease and is the most common contributor to canine cough and pneumonia.  Signs of infection include a dry, hacking cough or coughing spasms followed by retching or gagging.  Toy breeds and geriatric dogs are at especially high risk for chronic respiratory disease.

Adenovirus (ADD-no-VY-rus)
     The two strains of adenovirus, type-1 and type-2, cause infectious hepatitis and respiratory infection, respectively.  Most adult dogs can recover from hepatitis, but puppies often can't.  Adenovirus type-1 can cause fever, diarrhea and severe liver, kidney and eye damage. Adenovirus type-2 can contribute to respiratory disease (canine cough).

Leptospirosis (LEP-toe-spur-ROW-sis)
     Able to cause permanent kidney and liver damage, this bacterial disease is easily spread to other animals and to humans.  Clinical signs include fever, vomiting, depression, dehydration, anorexia and muscular stiffness.  Leptospirosis can lead to kidney failure, liver failure and blood clotting disorders, all of which can be fatal.

Parainfluenza (PAIR-a-in-floo-EN-za)
     Another cause of canine cough, parainfluenza is considered a minor respiratory infection among healthy adult dogs.  It can be severe in puppies or debilitated dogs, and is characterized by mild fever, nasal discharge, reddened tonsils and a harsh, non-productive cough.

Rabies (RAY-bees)
     This widely feared pet disease attacks the brain and central nervous system.  It's transmitted to all warm-blooded animals, including humans, mainly through the bite of an infected animal. Infected dogs may withdraw and avoid contact with people or become unnaturally aggressive. Once clinical signs appear, death always occurs.  All states have laws that require vaccination against rabies to protect both pets and their owners.

Lyme Disease (lime)
     Lyme disease is transmitted by the bite of an infected deer tick, and is the most common arthropod-borne disease among dogs and humans in the U.S.  Signs of infection include sudden lameness, evidence of severe pain, swollen joints, depression and a total reluctance to move. Incidence varies by geographic region.

      The bad news: these feline diseases are common and can be devastating, even deadly. The good news: they are preventable by routine examinations, clinic-administered vaccinations and good pet health care. 
     Remember, the single most important factor in determining your cat's risk for the following diseases is its lifestyle. And the best way to determine that is through regular clinic visits and careful discussion with your veterinarian about the environment in which your cat lives. 
     After all, the better we know them, the better we can protect them.

Panleukopenia (pan-LOO-ko-PEE-nee-a)
     Also known as feline distemper, panleukopenia is among the most widespread of all cat diseases and is extremely contagious.  Clinical signs include fever, loss of appetite or coordination, tremors, vomiting and diarrhea.  Death occurs in three-fourths of kittens and about half of adult cats that get the disease.

Rhinotracheitis (RYE-no-tray-key-EYE-tus)
     A highly contagious respiratory disease, rhinotracheitis is characterized by sneezing, loss of appetite and eye inflammation.  It is the most serious of the upper respiratory diseases in cats, and, in advanced stages, produces a discharge from both the eyes and nose.  Rhinotracheitis can be fatal to kittens and can become chronic.

Calicivirus (kaa-LEASE-ee-VY-rus)
     This serious upper respiratory disease often occurs simultaneously with rhinotracheitis.  Signs of infection are similar, but cats with calicivirus may also have ulcers on the tongue. Death is uncommon.

Chlamydiosis (kla-MID-ee-OH-sis)
     Another highly contagious respiratory disease, chlamydiosis was previously called pneumonitis.  Signs are similar to rhinotracheitis and calicivirus. However, the main signs of infection are inflammation of the eyes or nose and excessive lacrimation (tears).  Symptoms sometimes appear in only one eye.

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) (loo-KEEM-ee-a)
     This virus suppresses the cat's immune system, leaving it unable to resist other infections, including pneumonia.  Infection can be transient and recoverable or permanent and fatal, depending on the situation.  Signs of possible infection are continuing poor health or frequent illness or fever.  Feline leukemia virus, as its name suggests, can also cause leukemia and other cancers of white blood cells.  (To find out more, see your veterinarian.)

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) (PAIR-ah-ton-EYE-tus)
     This disease is caused by a virus that uses the cat's own immune system to create disease. Once clinical signs develop, it is virtually 100% fatal.  Clinical signs may include fever, weight loss, poor appetite or a swollen abdomen.  Vaccination is done through nose drops instead of shots, targeting the initial replication site of the virus.  (To find out more, see veterinarian.)

Rabies (RAY-bees)
     This widely feared pet disease is more prevalent in cats than in any other domestic animal.  It's transmitted to all warm-blooded animals, including humans, mainly through the bite of an infected animal.  Infected cats may withdraw and avoid contact with people or become unnaturally aggressive.  Once clinical signs appear, death always occurs.  Vaccination is vital, not only to protect your cat, but yourself and your family.