I’ve spent more time in front of digital screens during the COVID-19 pandemic than to which I wish to admit. I’ve watched some new shows and rewatched some others. This morning, a re-run of the heart-wrenching Downton Abbey episode that saw Lady Sybil die of eclampsia had me feeling all sorts of ways again. Did … [Read more…]
Animal lovers know most dogs don’t have discerning tastes. They’ll put almost anything in their mouths, even items that are potentially toxic and even lethal. Some of these would-be toxins are compounds called tremorgenic mycotoxins. Many pet parents have never heard of them, so this week I’ve dedicated time to spread information about this toxicity. … [Read more…]
Fleas are disgusting. Honestly, every time I see one I get the heebie-jeebies. I immediately need to take a shower. This is just one of many reasons why I’m a huge proponent of flea control, and I strongly recommend pet parents speak with their primary care veterinarians about the best preventative for their fur babies. … [Read more…]
I love mice and rats. I think they make great first pets for children. I also know not everybody shares my adoration for these rodents. Indeed, many go out of the way to expunge them from their homes, employing various traps and poisons. One common type of rodenticide contains a toxic chemical called bromethalin. When … [Read more…]
Whenever my family and I visited my maternal grandparents, my Papou (Greek for grandfather) would obsess about making sure we had enough to eat. There was always a jar of mixed nuts on the coffee table. Inevitably macadamia nuts were among the mixture of delicious nuts. They have such a delicate flavor and crunchy texture. … [Read more…]
I’ve just returned from a week in Cartagena, Colombia where I had the privilege of presenting several lectures at the 41st World Small Animal Veterinary Association Congress. As I was hurriedly maneuvering through the airport, I saw a young woman use an inhaler after she had clearly run to her destination. Readers of this blog … [Read more…]
Everybody loves chocolate, right?! I can’t resist a succulent plump strawberry dipped in semi-sweet dark chocolaty deliciousness. Unfortunately, many of our furry friends also can’t resist these sweet sensations either. Yet, their cocoa indulgence can be problematic and even deadly. This week I share with you some words about chocolate toxicity, and I hope you … [Read more…]