Emergency and Life Threatening
Health Concerns for Dogs

Note: The Health & Nutrition section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website is intended as a source of information only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional care, but as an aid to those seeking health and nutrition information. Always consult with your Veterinarian and other professionals about health related matters and any concerns or questions you may have concerning your dog's diet and nutrition requirements. We do not endorse or recommend any one treatment or diet over another.

Information/Resources for Dealing with Pet Poisoning

• PET POISON HELPLINE — 24/7 Animal Poison Control Center - 800-213-6680
  Pet Poison Helpline is a 24-hour animal poison control service available throughout the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean for pet owners and veterinary professionals who require assistance with treating a potentially poisoned pet.
  (Link Added 29 May 2012)
• EMERGENCY INSTRUCTIONS — What to do if your dog or cat has been poisoned - from the Pet Poison Helpline
  (Link Added 29 May 2012)
• ASPCA - Animal Poison Control Center
  (Link Added 29 May 2012)

Articles/Information about Specific Toxins

• Sago Palm Plant — (Also known as Cycads) Highly toxic to people, dogs, cats, and horses — This is a very popular house and garden plant. All parts of this plant, including the seeds, leaves, and roots are highly poisonous to animals as well as people. If ingested, just one seed may be fatal to a dog. Within a few hours of ingesting, vomiting, diarrhea and neurologic signs such as ataxia and seizures can develop and finally, the toxin causes liver failure. If you suspect that your pet has ingested part of a Sago Palm, immediate veterinary attention is required. It is estimated that, once clinical signs occur, one third of dogs will die from the poisoning. Before you bring any plant into your house, check to see if it is safe for pets and small children.
  
  References & Further Reading:
  - Dr. Nelson's Veterinary Blog;
  - Pet Poison Helpline - Sago Palm;
  - Sago palm poisoning cases increase
  (Added 29 May 2012)
• Canadian Poisonous Plants Information System — The CANADIAN POISONOUS PLANTS INFORMATION SYSTEM presents data on plants that cause poisoning in livestock, pets, and humans. The plants include native, introduced, and cultivated outdoor plants as well as indoor plants that are found in Canada. Some food and herbal plants are also included that may cause potential poisoning problems.
• Deadly Indoor And Outdoor Plants Harmful To Dogs — by Kelly Marshall
• List of Toxins (Poisons) that Effect Dogs
• 10 Of The Biggest Dog Killers In Your Home — by Colin Philips
• Chocolate is Sweet...But Can be Deadly
• Pet Health Alert! Chocolate Poisoning In Dogs
• Antifreeze is Dangerous to Pets — Take Special Care
• XYLITOL: Danger or Delight For Dogs? — Xylitol is found in "sugar free" chewing gums, candies, and mints, as well as in a variety of other foods made with sugar substitutes. While xylitol may be wonderful for people, it is deadly for dogs.
• Rimadyl — A Review of Signs of a Potentially Life-threatening Reaction to Rimadyl
  If your dog is taking Rimadyl and you have not been advised of the side effects, you MUST read through the information found at the above websites.
• Top 10 Human Medications that are Poisonous to Dogs — Accidentally leaving out pills in your dog's reach can be more harmful than you think. Here are the top 10 human medications the Pet Poison Helpline says can harm your dog.
  (Added 25 May 2012)

Articles/Information for Other Emergency Situations

• (BLOAT - Gastric Dilatation - Volvulous) — First Aid for Bloat — Prepared by: Siefried Zahn D.V.M
• Dog Breeds at Risk of Swallowing Nonfood Items — Did you know that some dog breeds are more likely than others to swallow potentially dangerous nonfood items? Find out if your dog is at greater risk.
  (Added 25 May 2012)
• Dehydration — Treating Your Dog For Dehydration — by Kirsten Hawkins
• Will Your Dog Survive the Summer Sun? — by Honey Wesley

Emergency Preparedness

• Doggy Distress: Top Three Symptoms That You Should Call The Vet — by Lisa Failla
• Are You Prepared for Dog Emergencies? — Knowing what to do in common dog emergencies can determine whether or not a dog survives. This articles includes tips on what to do in various scenarios.
  (Added 24 April 2012)
• Urgent Care for Canines — If your dog needed immediate medical care, would you know what to do? Take this quiz and find out how you'd react in a canine emergency.
  (Added 25 May 2012)
• Doggy 911 — What would happen if your furry friend needed emergency care? This article includes some lifesaving tips.
  (Updated: 2 August 2012)
• Dog's First Aid Kit
• Emergency Care By Robin M. Smith, DVM
• Providing First Aid For Pets — by Michelle Bery
• Is Your Dog's First Aid Kit Complete? — By Dr. Tracy Dewhirst — Includes a list of must have items as well as tips on how to use them. Read More.
  (Added 24 April 2012)
• Hurricane Katrina: A Lesson in Emergency Preparedness for You and Your Dog — by Kimberly Zlatin

Pet Evacuation Kit - For Small Dogs Earthquakes - Fires - Floods — They can all be 'dog-gone' scary, but you and your dog will be prepared with this Small Dog Evacuation Kit. This kit contains the supplies you need to sustain your small dog for three days. This kit comes with a three-day supply of food and water (food and water have a 5-year shelf life). You'll also get a pack of doggy "clean-up" bags, pet wipes, first aid kit, a collapsible travel bowl, and a leash. This kit also contains a rawhide bone and a chew rope. This kit comes with a soft-sided nylon pet carrier, which has been rated for pets up to 25 pounds. This Small Dog Evacuation Kit will help you provide a safe haven for your furry friend. This item ships directly from the manufacturer.

Note: We are always in need of articles for the Health and Nutrition section, submissions are welcome and encouraged. Please feel free to contact us.