THE PEOPLE ● THE PLACES ● THE LIFESTYLE
ST. JOHNS magazine
Dr. Kathleen Deckard
Pet’s R Family Serving our community with compassionate care
THE MayPET 2020 Issue ISSUE
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ST. Jma OHNS gazine
WELCOME JUNE 2020
THE PET ISSUE Welcome to the annual PET ISSUE! Whether your furry friend is a dog or a cat or something else, pets bring joy and love to our lives. Those who have chosen to dedicate their lives to the care of animals, our local Veterinarians, are important in our community.
KEIKO
In this issue, we have brought you the story of our featured Veterinarian, Dr. Kathleen Deckard of Pets R Family who was lucky enough to have always known she wanted to become a Vet. As you will learn, she and her entire family are truly dedicated to providing compassionate care to the pets of St. Johns. Remember to enter your pet in our PET Photo contest this month and read other interesting articles on pet-related information from local Vets. To the graduates of the class of 2020, my heart goes out to you! I wish you a wonderful journey as you embark on your future! The Desiderata by Max Ehrmann, although written in 1927, is still good advice for life.... ...And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy!
P u b lis h e r & C r e a t iv e D ir e c t o r D e b b ie G a y lo r d d e b b i e @ s t j o h n s m a g .c o m 9 0 4 -6 8 7 -8 5 3 8 P h o to g ra p h e r M in d y K e r r N a t u r e 's C h i ld P h o t o g r a p h y C o n t r ib u to r s D r. K a t h le e n D e c k a r d D r. E s r a D r. H i ll D r. S t e w a r t M i k a y la L i n d e n f e ld
St. Johns Magazine is dedicated to covering the topics readers care about - from hometown stories and community spotlighs to food, health & business. Published twelve times a year, St. Johns Magazine is designed to engage readers adn inspire them to enjoy the good life Northern St. Johns has to offer!
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If you wonder how local grads are feeling about the current situation, please enjoy the honest article Dear COVID-19 by Bartram Graduate Mikayla Lindenfeld, and be sure to congratulate all our local graduates of the class of 2020!! As always we hope you enjoy this issue of St. Johns Magazine and please let our advertisers know you saw them here! Peace & Love
Debbie, Spell & Keiko
All rights reserved Š2012-2020  St. Johns Magazine LLC. St. Johns Magazine is published monthly and distributed by US postal Service to select homes in Northern St. Johns. It is free of charge to consumers receiving it in the mail. It is also availalble at many drop points in Northern St. Johns and by subscription. All material is compiled from sources believed to be reliable and published without responsibility for errors and ommissions. Printed by The Hartley Press, Jacksonville, FL
www.stjohnsmag.com Locally Owned & Designed with
LOVE!
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Photos by Bethany Walter Photography
Pets R Family’s
Dr. Kathleen Deckard, DVM
an Industry Leader, a Compassionate Care Giver
Pets R Family is located at 3035 CR210 West, St Johns, FL
T
he beautiful furry friends that live in 75% of the
care for pets, but also to make a positive difference in her
population’s homes, are more than just cuddly creatures.
surrounding area.
These fun-loving pets are an integral part of so many
of our families. And so often we love and care for them as our
As CR 210 began to grow, land was developed and buildings
children. Those key individuals who dedicate their lives in the
and stores began to open, Dr. Deckard and her husband began
medical care and well being of our pets, are then thrust into the
the search for a good location to set up their dream.
role of “Other Family Doctor”.
Deckard and her husband would proclaim that much answered
Dr.
prayer went into the final approval and financing of the building Dr. Kathleen Deckard was raised in the Fruit Cove area of
they are in, to allow them to own the building and create what is
Saint Johns County. She then went on to graduate from
now Pets R Family Veterinary Hospital.
the University of Florida, School of Veterinary Medicine in 1999, where she was President of her graduating class. She immediately moved back to the North Florida area, where she took up residence on CR 210, and has remained since. This was back when CR 210 had no grocery stores, drug stores or restaurants. But she knew this would be home long term, and her future would be built right here. Dr. Deckard began her career as a Veterinarian in Saint Augustine, at a large multi Doctor practice, with her focus on small animals, reptiles and exotics. However, she had a heartfelt desire to impact her own community where she lived and was now raising her children. Dr. Deckard has always felt a driven purpose to not only provide the very best medical
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Brad Deckard is the Co-Owner and Operator of PRF
Pets R Family opened its doors in 2015, and is a full-service animal hospital, focused on internal medicine, dermatology, dentistry, wellness and prevention, and end of life care. It offers full-service boarding, grooming, pet training and Pups
“ I dedicate my days to improving health, saving lives, and bringing comfort to the beautiful pets with whom I’ve made my life’s work. It’s what excites and fulfills me, it’s what drives me to constant improvement, and it’s what gives me confidence in leading my staff of Doctors and Technicians.”
N Play social pet care. Dr. Kathleen Deckard and her husband
Dr. Kathleen Deckard, DVM
are the full owners of what was a dream since she was 19 years of age. Their practice is designed to provide the very best quality family pet medical care and services with stateof-the-art facility, leading edge equipment and continuing education training with a quality, hand-picked staff. Their building that seemed so impossible to achieve, is now the beautiful structure that houses all these great services. Dr. Deckard is the lead Doctor of this 5 Doctor practice at Pets R Family. And her Team has now amassed to over 50 employees. She and her husband Brad run the daily operations with their two children, Gavin who is 13 and Abigail who is 15, and is following in the career direction of her Mother. Their practice is now involved with over 4,500 patients from their community and surrounding areas. Pets R Family supports many charities, local schools, organizations
Prioritizing Health & Wellness Exams and preventative medicine
and churches as part of their larger plan to positively impact the community around them. And it’s the three key tenets of focus in Love, Care and Compassion, that drive all decisions, efforts and focus at PRF. She and her family have built their practice on these key foundational elements, as the root of their Christian faith. Dr. Kathleen Deckard had a dream to become a leader in the pet care industry. And her continued focus on the care and compassion for the family in that process, is something that truly sets her practice and her results, apart. And in a market area where so many of the Pet Care practices are now corporately owned with cookie cutter service plans, and corporately generated wellness levels, Dr. Deckard and her family owned and managed company can choose to treat the
Dr Deckard specializes in internal medicine and dentistry
patients needs with customized medical treatments for each client. She has now been practicing animal medicine for over 20 years, and her dream is being lived out daily. However certainly, as her staff knows, she never rests on her current knowledge or position. Dr. Deckard continues to learn, instruct, guide and forge, medical practice and standards that
We utilize leading edge technology in Laser Treatment and Thermal Imaging
are of the highest level. And her loving, compassionate and caring spirit and demeanor are the qualities that her clients, staff and friends enjoy most.
Read Dr. Kathleen Deckard’s Message from the Vet column in St. Johns Magazine each month on the back inside cover.
www.stjohnsmag.com
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pets r family boarding, grooming, & pups n play
ask
brad de for ckard, practic
eo behind- wner, for a the-sce nes
tour!
grooming • Appointments open Mon - Sat • Experienced, compassionate groomer - Audrey
boarding • Spacious, luxury dog suites
• Pro spa bath with every grooming appointment • Specialty “S’Paw” packages and coat treatments available
• Private, peaceful feline cat condos
• Separate bathing and grooming areas
• Playtime for cats included with boarding
before & after groom
• Relaxing music playing in all boarding suites • Calming care packages available to reduce stress • Medical boarding options available
www.petsrfamilyvet.com 8
pups n play • Play time with friends who are similar in size and temperament • Supervised by experienced technicians • Pool time • Chasing toys • Agility fun • Ask us about your pet’s birthday pawty!
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by Dr. Esra; Nease Animal Hospital
Unique Therapies for your Pet's Arthritis
I
s my dog just getting old or slowing down? My dog is limping now. What can I do? These are all great questions. Arthritis is very common in pets as they age but can be seen in young pets, too. Recognizing arthritis in dogs can be difficult because it progresses slowly. Most dogs are stoic and do not complain especially during the early signs of pain. Arthritis can be caused by injury, infection, the body’s own immune system, or hereditary abnormalities. The treatments can be ranging from weight loss to medication to surgery. Arthritis may not be a curable but it can be managed through combination of different therapies. These options are likely to change over time as the condition progresses. Some owners think that signs of arthritis are “normal” in older animals. Treatment options can depend on the cause of the arthritis and the severity of the pet’s condition. Supplements and Chinese herbs are great to help support your pet. At Nease Animal Hospital, Dr Esra can help you with selecting appropriate supplements for your pet. Keeping a dog slim throughout his or her lifetime can help
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immeasurably by decreasing the load on his or her joints over time. An active dog is a healthy and happy dog. Playing in backyard is great but not enough. While walking is a great exercise, it does not target problem areas. That is where a certified veterinary rehab therapist can help design an exercise program, fitness program and can offer therapeutic exercise sessions. Dr Esra can help design a home exercise plan or in clinic therapy regimen for you dog or cat. During therapeutic exercise sessions, we use equipment like balance pads/boards, Cavaletti Poles, mats and cones. Using lots of treats and praise, Dr Esra and her staff guides your dog through exercises designed to promote normal walking patterns, strengthen muscles and improve balance and coordination.The exercise sessions are designed for each pet to be as fun and pain-free as possible. If your dog is overly tired or sore following a session, we adjust the exercises to meet his or her needs. Underwater treadmill is another tool we do offer that can help your pet. With this therapy, a treadmill is encased and warm water then fill the chamber from the bottom upward. The water level is controlled as well as the speed of the treadmill based on your pet’s needs. At higher levels, the buoyancy of the water supports the weight of pets so they can use painful limbs or uncoordinated limbs with less pain and effort to gently regain strength and improve weight bearing. The water temperature is warm promoting increased muscle flexibility and relaxation. At lower water levels, the water creates resistance for strengthening muscles in the final stages of recovery. This is also a great low impact exercise for pets who need to lose weight or improve stamina. Arthritis, post-surgical recovery, neurological problems and muscle/tendon injuries are helped with water treadmill therapy. Pool swimming is great but underwater treadmill therapy allows for a much more low-impact and controlled exercise. There is less chance of injury because jumping in and out of the water is eliminated. The water temperature and depth as well as the speed of the belt are all set for your pet’s needs. it is a more weight bearing activity and hence more engaging the joint and muscles. Therefore it is a great tool to maintain muscle strength and improve stamina. Most dogs who do not like water do great with underwater treadmill. We do our best so that your pet is not stressed or scared during their visit. Acupuncture can provide pain relief to pets with arthritis, intervertebral disc disease, hip dysplasia and other orthopedic problems. Patients with neurological problems like Degenerative Myelopathy may benefit from acupuncture as well. With acupuncture, very small needles are placed in specific points on the patient's body.. As a result, pain-relieving and calming enzymes are released by the body. Generally, acupuncture treatments last 20 minutes. Acupuncture takes times and some cases need multiple sessions. Most common side effect is that your pet may be sleepy for approximately 24 hours after an acupuncture treatment. We do offer acupuncture to help with arthritis, neurological conditions and other ailments as well. Also laser therapy is great to help accelerated healing, decreased pain, reduced inflammation and increased blood flow in your pet. Laser treatments can range between 5-15 minutes depending on the condition and number of areas treated. LASER is a cumulative therapy, meaning, more than one treatment is necessary to see an effect. We typically recommend starting with 6-8 treatments scheduled once to twice weekly and can be combined with underwater treadmill or acupuncture sessions. Keeping your pets healthy and happy is our passion.
Nease Animal Hospital is located at 10440 US-1 STE 101, St. Augustine, FL 32095
Can’t Sleep? Is your pet driving you crazy with SCRATCHING, SLURPING & LICKING?
Skin problems can be unpleasant. Your pet can suffer from many of the same dermatological conditions that we do, including allergies and infections. Dealing with itchy, dry or painful skin can significantly diminish your pet’s quality of life. We are here to help you and your pet.
Dr. Esra, DVM Owner
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904-209-5740
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10440 US Highway 1 N, Suite #101 St. Augustine, FL 32095 An AAHA accredited veterinary hospital.
neaseanimalhospital.com
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Grow Up Sm il i
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Laura Sullivan, DMD Susie Perry, DMD
Kind , gentle & compassionate staff Board Certified Pediatric Dentists Parents always welcome in the treatment room
1949 CR 210 St. Johns FL 32259 904.808.4700
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Dear
COVID-19... by Mikayla Lindenfeld Class of 2020
Dear Covid-19... You have taken so much from people this year: lives, jobs, trips, weddings, shows, events. For me, and all of the other members of the Class of 2020, you have taken away many time-honored traditions that we have been working towards since Kindergarten. The administrations within the school district are doing their best to recognize our hard work and accomplishments, but I cannot say you are making their job any easier. You see, my friend, it hurt my heart to hear that I wouldn’t have the chance to go to my senior prom. I felt for my friends who learned they would not be finishing out their last season in the sport in which they loved. When I learned my dance recital at both school and my studio was also taken away I was just short of devastated. However, nothing pierces a student’s heart like having their chance to walk across the stage in front of family, friends, and peers ripped away from them. Okay, COVID, I see your point. I am being dramatic. But, just for the duration of this letter, put yourself in my shoes. My last day of high school, I woke up early and attended a “Senior Sunrise” put on by our student council and the incredible administrators of Bartram Trail. Sweaty, dirty, and exhausted afterwards, I went about the rest of my day, wishing for the school day to end and for spring break to finally be upon us! To be completely honest with you, I don’t remember much else from that day. I don’t remember the last time I ate lunch with my people, or listened to my favorite teacher’s lecture, or smiled at a friend in the hall. What I learned most about humans through all of this is that we don’t actually appreciate a moment unless we know we won’t have the chance to experience it ever again. At the time I am writing this letter to you, my “graduation ceremony” is about a week away, and to be honest I’m not super excited about it. I hope you don’t mind me complaining, COVID, but that isn’t exactly how I pictured my big send-off into adulthood. I will sit at the same table I have sat at the last couple of months, probably in my pajamas or something similar, and watch yet
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another screen for a few hours. Big. Whoop. Despite all of that, one thing I will accredit you with is how you have inspired people to get creative. Every other year, there has been a precedent for a graduation ceremony, and the people who run the ceremony could use the past as a model for the current year. This year, those people in charge of recognizing us do not get that same precedent. They are tasked with giving students and families closure and appreciation, all without being able to actually interact with them. Whatever the ceremony is like, it will be the best virtual graduation the school has ever put on and possibly ever will. So, COVID, now that I’ve shared my grievances, I just have a few things to thank you for. Thank you for not harming my friends and my family. Thank you for allowing human impacts on the environment to lessen, at least for the time being. And lastly, thank you for making the class of 2020 one to go down in history.
Congratulations Mikayla Lindenfeld
Class of 2020
Future Plans: Attending UF in the fall and pursuing a major in Biology and continuing her dance training. Fondest Memory:Competing in the Miss
Bartram Pageant
Message to Graduate: We are proud of your accomplishments in the past & the present & are looking forward to you soaring into your future. We love you!
Congratulations Abby Cebulko
Class of 2020
Future Plans: Attending USF in the fall and pursuing a major in ASL interpretation Fondest Memory: Going to Dance Worlds in 2018
Message to Graduate:
We love you so much Abby and are so proud of our future Bull!
Congratulations James Stundis
Class of 2020
Future Plans: Attending SJRS in the fall pursuing Entrepreneurship and growing his current business Sugar Rush Vending Fondest Memory: Earning a spot on the Bartram swim team senior year
Message to Graduate: We are so proud of all your achievements and look forward to seeing your future unfold. Congratulations, we Love you! Congratulations Emma Boloutchi
Class of 2020
Future Plans: Attending UCF in the fall and majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Go Knights! Fondest Memory: Participating in
homecoming week with friends and becoming an officer in the National Honor Society.
Message to Graduate:
We love you and are so proud of you! Your future is bright!
come in, we’re
OPEN
Tues-Thurs 5 to 9pm
Fri-Sat 5 to 10pm
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Lobster Roll... $15 Flatbreads: Cheese... $12 Veggies... $14 Pepperoni... $16 Grilled Cheese & Prosciutto Panini... $14 Quesadillas: Veggies... $12 Pork... $16 Cheesesteak... $18 Blackened Shrimp Tacos... $10 Chef’s Choice Cheeseboard 2 Gourmet Cheeses+One Meat - $25 with Crackers/Pepperoncinis/ Herbed Almonds/Honey WINE Red/White/Blend of Both 6 Bottles - $120* 12 Bottles - $215* CRAFT BEER 6 for $12* 12 for $20* *Includes specialty discount pricing. Sales tax to be applied.
Venmo(@coastalwine) or credit card
CURBSIDE PICKUP Call for same day pick-up Congratulations Sophie Marie Araman
Class of 2020
Future Plans: Attending UCF and pursuing a major in Kinesiology Fondest Memory: 2020 Prom
Celebration while in quarantine
Message to Graduate: So very proud of you! Blessings on your new adventure begin! We love you!
CWM DIGITAL GIFT CARDS Gift cards available anytime through Venmo(@coastalwine) or by phone
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est
t u C
Pet Photo Contest!
With Prizes from Pets R Family Veterinary Hospital, Animal Medical Clinic St. Johns, Nease Veterinary Hospital
St. Johns LOVES furry friends!
Kristy Robinson of Body Brites with Jax
Help us pick a winner for our annual Cutest Pet Photo Contest!
• To enter email Debbie@stjohnsmag.com (include your pet’s name, your name and email address) • like St. John's Magazine's Facebook page to see results of the contest • Photo clarity must be high resolution - 300 dpi (on an iphone use large setting) • Professional Photos are not permitted • Contest runs from June 1st-20th
OFFICAL JUDGE Mindy Kerr owner of Nature’s Child Photography (with her new puppy Bailey) is the official judge of the contest!
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Enter Today!
Diana Brummer of Goodl Mental Health LLC with Karen
5 FINALIST
will be chosen based on the number of LIKES received by June 15th on facebook. Mindy will choose the final winner from the FINAL FIVE!
Winner Announced June 20th, 2020 on Facebook
Jeanne Hernandez of Premier Travel Advisors with Lilly
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The Importance of a Wellness Exam for your Pet by Dawn Stewart, DVM & Lisa Hill, DVM Animal Medical Clinic at St. Johns Dr. Stewart
A
wellness exam is a good investment in your pet’s longterm health — so you and your furry best friend can potentially enjoy more years together. Just like us humans, it’s good to schedule routine checkups for your dog or cat In fact, in some ways, it’s even more important for them — since they can’t talk and tell us how they’re feeling, sometimes it’s hard to know if something’s wrong. Unfortunately, dogs and cats often don’t show symptoms of a medical problem until it’s advanced and more difficult or expensive to treat. But that’s where wellness exams come in: A wellness exam will allow your veterinarian to spot developing diseases early on, and treat them before they become a big problem. As they say, An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
What does the veterinarian do during a wellness exam? There are three main parts to a checkup for your dog or cat, including:
Taking a history
We’ll start by asking you about your pet’s lifestyle, such as their diet, whether they go outdoors, and whether they’re having any symptoms of illness at home, such as vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, or sneezing. Be sure to ask questions, too! Whether you’re concerned about something unusual your pet is doing at home, or just want some general advice on things like nutrition or bathing.
Dr. Hill If there are any abnormal findings on the exam — such as lumps, swellings, pain, or another symptom of illness — we’ll explain them, answer all of your questions, and discuss the next step.
How often does my pet need a wellness exam?
This varies depending on your pet’s age, breed, and medical history. But there are a few general rules of thumb. Most pets fall into the timeline of needing a wellness exam every 6 to 12 months. Often these visits coincide with vaccines and refills for parasite prevention, so you can take care of everything all in one visit. But even if your pet doesn’t need a vaccine at the time, it’s still a good idea to come in for their wellness exam. That’s because pets age more quickly than humans do. So, regular exams and preventive care help to keep them in their best shape, so they can live a longer, happier life. Pets that are at a higher risk of diseases — whether infections, genetic or age-related conditions — will be recommended to come in more often. This includes growing puppies and kittens, certain breeds, and senior pets.
Now open by appointment Hair Removal and Skincare packages available
A full physical exam
As we mentioned, pets can’t talk and tell us what’s wrong. So, a thorough physical exam helps your veterinarian get a much better picture of your dog or cat’s health. Your veterinarian is educated and trained to check ALL body systems. Think of it as a full health evaluation, checking everything from nose to tail! These include: Heart and lungs; Gum color, temperature, and pulse; Abdomen and digestive system; Lymph nodes; Urinary tract and genitals; Teeth and mouth; Eyes, ears, nose, and throat; Skin and fur; Muscles and joints.
Recommendations and Treatment
If all is well, then we’ll give you a plan for routine care. This may include: • Vaccines • Diagnostic testing, such as bloodwork and parasite checks, • Recommendations for nutrition, weight loss, behavior and training, dental cleanings, or any other topic you’d like to know more about when it comes to your pet’s health. • Discussing the risks of parasites and diseases in St. Johns, and the best ways to prevent them, so your pet can be protected. • Advice for when to schedule your pet’s next visit
Book your consultation today!
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
(904) 718-3264
120 EVEREST LANE, SUITE 3, ST. JOHNS, FL 32259
904-718-3264
@bodybriteusa.com/stjohns
www.stjohnsmag.com
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Award Winning • Voted one of the Best Places to Work! • Gold Star Award to Dr. Tracy LaDue & Dr. Jennifer Locke from the Florida Veterinary Medical Association, nominated by their peers for outstanding contribution to veterinary medicine.
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Appointments with your physician from your computer or mobile Device Schedule Today 904-298-1800
Schedule your telehealth visit or in-person appointment with Dr. Watkins & Team! We will get you started on an effective treatment plan that allows you to control your symptoms and • We focus on our patients’ needs first • Same day appointments • On-site Physician for personal attention • Dedicated shot clinic with nurse *open during lunch hours • Asthma Educators on staff
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Michael L. Duncan, Esq. Attorney & Florida Certified Circuit Civil Mediator
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A Message From The Vet
by Dr. Deckard, DVM, Pets R Family Are the Foods I Eat Also Good for My Pets?
W
hile we consider our dogs and cats family members and want to share everything with them, some foods that we enjoy are not good for, and even at times, not safe to feed to our pets. Our Pets digest and process foods differently than people. Certain foods we consume can cause our pets mild to moderate upset stomachs- often causing diarrhea and vomiting. Oily, fatty foods, milk and dairy are usually not well-tolerated by our pets. We also need to be aware that some foods we eat regularly can be very toxic to our pets and may cause our pets life-threatening illness. Chocolate is the most common toxic food. Chocolate contains theobromine, which has side effects in dogs and cats that range from simple upset stomach, to increased heart rate, cardiac arrythmias, seizures, and death. The amount of chocolate that is toxic is relative to the size of the pet eating it, and the type of chocolate it is. The darker and purer the chocolate is, the more dangerous it is. Allium plants such as garlic, onions, and chives break down into organosulfoxides when chewed. In cats and dogs, this compound causes injury to red blood cells- causing profound illness such as anemia and impaired oxygen transportation. Raw, cooked, or powdered forms can cause illness, and garlic is the most potent of the allium plants- about five times as toxic as onions. Grapes and Raisins are also toxic to some pets, causing acute kidney failure. We don’t yet know a lot about why it causes kidney injury in some pets and not others, but it’s best to avoid giving them to pets altogether to be on the safe side. Xylitol is a sugar substitute that is often found in human-grade products such as peanut butter, gum, and toothpaste. It is extremely toxic to dogs and causes an acute drop in blood glucose levels, and when a large amount is ingested, liver failure occurs. Xylitol toxicity symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, disorientation, seizures, coma, and death. Nuts- Most nuts are not well-tolerated in dogs and can
cause stomach upset. When eaten in large quantities, they can also cause electrolyte imbalances and seizures, not to mention they pose a choking hazard and can obstruct the intestinal tract. Of all nuts, Macadamia nuts are the most toxic to dogs and can cause significant illness even if just one nut was ingested. Raw Dough- dough expands once in the stomach, and can cause distended abdomen, and in serious cases, bloat, which is a life-threatening occurrence. Additionally, fermenting yeast in the dough releases alcohol, which results in alcohol poisoning. Drops in blood pressure, blood sugar, and temperature will occur, and in severe cases, seizures and respiratory failure. Stone fruits, such as cherries, peaches and plums have pits in their centers that can pose a threat to pets in several ways. They can cause bowel obstruction and broken teeth, but the pits contain cyanide. When enough are ingested, cyanide toxicity can occur, which is a life-threatening emergency. Raw food and bones can pose threats such as parasite infections and bacterial infections, particularly from salmonella and e. Coli, which cause significant gastrointestinal disease. Bones are a choking hazard, can cause bowel obstructions and can also can splinter if chewed, posing a risk of a possible bowel perforation, which is a life-threatening emergency. If your pet has ingested any of the foods mentioned above, please be sure to contact your veterinarian or an emergency pet facility right away. There is no magic number of how much of a certain food a pet must eat before it’s toxic to them as it depends on many factors. However a Veterinarian will know if any action needs to be taken.
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