A new danger is presenting itself to our pets and it’s one that is not very obvious. Xylitol, a sugar alcohol found in many products, can be extremely toxic to our pets such as dogs and ferrets. It is a natural product, so it can be found in items that are listed as natural or organic, and may even be listed as a natural sweetener. Xylitol is not toxic to humans, but can cause severe and even fatal issues in our dogs. In quantities as low as 0.1 gram per kilogram of body weight (which is about 0.01 oz per pound), it can cause hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. This means that a 10 lb dog could eat as little as one mint or one piece of gum and show symptoms of hypoglycemia. Symptoms of this include staggering or “drunk” walking, drooling, appearing disoriented, weakness, collapsing, seizures, or even death. At doses of 0.5 gram per kilogram of body weight (roughly equal to 0.04 oz per pound), a more serious issue occurs-liver damage, which can lead to liver failure and death. Signs of liver damage can include changes in appetite, vomiting, jaundice or yellowing of the skin, eyes, and gums. Because it is non toxic to humans, it is often used in various […]
Learn MoreOnline pharmacies are cropping up all over the place, and the FDA is warning consumers that it’s buyer beware. According to the recent report in the Huffington Post, buyers are “likely to get fake drugs that are contaminated, are past their expiration date or contain no active ingredient, the wrong amount of active ingredient or even toxic substances such as arsenic and rat poison.” The report went on to say that only 3% of online pharmacies actually follow state and federal laws. The concern is safety. Wrong ingredients could interact with other medications, cause reactions, or in the case of toxic ingredients, can kill. Inactive ingredients, expired ingredients, or wrong doseage amounts can cause overdoses which can be fatal, or may cause your pet to be deemed “resistent” to a medication, causing the veterinarian to pick a more potent medication that may have more side effects or may be more expensive. Heritage Animal Hospital maintains a well stocked in house pharmacy that contains the medications we use and recommend. A licensed doctor reviews the medical chart for other medications or possible interactions, and calculates a dose based on a physical examination and laboratory testing. We know your pet, and we want to help keep them healthy. So while you may be able to find […]
Learn MoreHeritage Animal Hospital is a full-service veterinarian clinic that provides examinations, diagnostic services, dental care, surgical services, medicine, grooming and boarding services in Maple Grove, Minnesota. We are dedicated to providing the highest level of pet care possible and facilitating an environment where client communication and education are at the forefront of our practice.
12624 Base Lake Road
Maple Grove, MN 55369
Mon-Fri: 7:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Sat: 7:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.