The Top 10 Pet Poisons of 2024 for dogs were:
1. Chocolate
2. Grapes/Raisins
3. Bromethalin
4. Xylitol
5. Ibuprofen
6. Marijuana (THC)
7. Anticoagulant Rodenticides
8. Vitamin D3 (overdose)
9. Carprofen (overdose)
10. Onions/Chives/Leeks/Shallots (Allium Species)
The Top 10 Pet Poisons of 2024 for cats were:
1. Lilies (Lilium species)
2. Chocolate
3. Onions/Chives/Leeks/Shallots (Allium Species)
4. Garlic
5. Ibuprofen
6. Alstroemeria, Peruvian Lily
7. Vitamin D3 (overdose)
8. Amphetamine Combos
9. Carprofen
10. Tulips
As you can see, the list for cats is significantly different that it is for dogs. The biggest difference is that specific lilies are extremely dangerous for cats, while chocolate is the biggest temptation for dogs, based on the calls received to the Pet Poison Hotline.
Marijuana continues to be a major concern for dog owners and there was a significant increase in THC-related exposures. In fact, from 2019 to 2023, there was a 40% increase in these types of calls. Even if you don't use marijuana, your pet can still be exposed via discarded ends which has been noted several times in BC news over 2024.
Not sure if what your pet ate was toxic? Connect with the Pet Poison Hotline or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for any animal poison-related emergency 24/7.
1. An expert receives your concern and will gather information about the exposure
2. The exposure is evaluated by a highly skilled veterinary team. They run calculations and will determine if the pet can be monitored from home or should be seen by your veterinarian. (consultation fee may apply)
3. If veterinary care is warranted, a report is generated and your veterinarian can work to develop a treatment plan specific to your pet.
The sooner an exposure or poisoning is addressed, the easier, less expensive, and safer it is to treat.
ASPCA hotline: (888) 426-4435
Transitioning a cat to a new diet requires a gradual approach to minimize the risk of gastrointestinal upset and ensure they accept the new food. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
1. Choose the Right Diet
Make sure the new food is appropriate for your cat's age, health, and specific dietary needs (i.e. sensitivities, allergies, prescription diet or medical conditions).
2. Gradual Transition Process
Start by mixing a small amount of the new food with the old food side by side. A typical starting ratio is 75% old food and 25% new food.
Over the next few days, gradually increase the proportion of new food and decrease the old food. For example:
Days 1-2: 75% old food, 25% new food
Days 3-4: 50% old food, 50% new food
Days 5-6: 25% old food, 75% new food
Days 7-10: 100% new food
Monitor your cat’s response, both in terms of appetite and any signs of digestive upset (e.g., vomiting, diarrhea).
3. Offer the New Food in a Way They’ll Enjoy
When transitioning your cat's diet, it is best to offer side by side choice. Potentially mixing incompatible foods can be stresful and result in inappetance. Consider warming the food, adding toppings if recommended, & make sure the texture is the same.
4. Stay Consistent
Cats thrive on routine, so try to feed them at the same time each day and avoid switching back to the old food during the transition process.
If your cat refuses the new food entirely or only picks at it, try offering smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day.
5. Monitor Hydration
Especially if you’re switching to dry food or a food with lower moisture content, ensure your cat is drinking enough water. Consider adding wet food or offering water fountains to increase their water intake.
6. Patience is Key
Be patient and persistent. Don’t force-feed them, but offer the new food consistently and encourage them gently.
7. Consult Your Veterinarian
If you encounter significant issues during the transition (e.g., your cat refuses to eat, exp
Happy birthday to Sarah today and happy 60th birthday to Dr. McCurdy tomorrow! 🎉
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Learn how to help your pet recover from surgery with these tips.
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Learn more about surgery here at Maple Ridge Veterinary Hospital
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Let's TACO about how important Betti, Christina and Niki are to MRVH and how they're NACHO average management team!
🌟 Happy Veterinary Practice Managers Recognition Week! 🌟
This week, we celebrate the incredible dedication and hard work of our Practice Managers who keep our clinic running smoothly every day. From managing schedules to supporting our team and ensuring our clients have the best experience possible, their role is essential in making our clinic a welcoming, efficient, and caring place for both pets and their families.
Thank you to our Practice Managers for all that you do behind the scenes to keep us thriving. We couldn’t do it without you! 🐾💙
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We are closed today from 8:30am -11am for our monthly staff training session where we will be learning all about Diabetes and how to better support our patients and clients as they navigate this complex disease.
Our special guest speaker today is none other than the G.O.A.T. herself, Dr. Paula Bedford! 🐐 🤓
We’re so thankful for our amazing team!
They’re not just pet people—they’re wonderful, caring, and fun-loving people, too!
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Warmer weather is back (hooray!) Hot days with your pet can be a lot of fun, but our four-legged friends can be put in some pretty unpleasant and even dangerous situations if we’re not careful. As always, we have some things to keep in mind.
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Is your pet hiding something from you?
Pets can be pretty good at hiding symptoms of a bigger issue. That’s why seeing us regularly is so important.
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