171 Anaphylaxis- a severe allergic reaction

Many of you know that I am a beekeeper. 2 years ago, I had a very bad day when I was stung about 30 times through my bee suit and was very sick. I then got a better bee suit and carried Benadryl with me whenever I worked my bees.

Last weekend, I was stung by a bee (probably) while we were driving in an open antique car. Within 15 min, I felt light head, and could not sit up. My heart was racing and was sweating all over. Fortunately, my husband quickly got some Benadryl into me, and was eventually OK. I now have a new appreciation for my dogs and cats that experience these severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis.

Anaphylaxis is a sudden, severe, potentially fatal, systemic allergic reaction that can involve various systems of the body such as skin, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular. Onset of symptoms may be suddenly in minutes or to two hours after contact with the allergy causing substance. Allergic reactions may be mild to life-threatening. When I see a vaccine reaction in dogs and cats, it is usually withing two hours.

Common skin symptoms are hives, rash, or a prickly feeling, with general flushing or skin & itchiness. Sometime swelling of the eyes, lips, tongue, or throat may occur. I had the general flushing, but not hives this time. Most dogs I see get hives, and facial swelling. The few cats I have see get itchy and a rash all over.

Common symptoms of the circulatory system are paleness/bluish color, dizziness, confusion, fainting. A drop in blood pressure, with shock or weakness may occur. I had dizziness, weakness, and maybe fainting. I do not remember. I have only seen a few animals that fainted, thank goodness.

Lung symptoms look like asthma, including shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing. I rarely see this in pets.

Gastrointestinal symptoms include abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Actually, GI signs very common in dogs and ferrets. I experience nausea much more the first time I got stung by those 30 bees.

Treatment of choice is immediate intramuscular injection of epinephrine, such as an Epi-Pen.

Common causes are insect stings, medications, food allergies, and latex (in humans). The most common one I see in dogs, and rarely cats are post vaccination reactions.

Anyone want to buy some beehives and equipment?

170 Why are Grapes Toxic to Dogs?

We have known for years that grapes are toxic to dogs. But we did not quite know why until maybe now and homemade playdough is the reason. Veterinarian toxicologists at the ASPCA Poison Control Center made the connection between tartaric acid and grapes while managing the case of a dog who ate homemade playdough.


We have known for 20-plus years that grapes, along with raisins and currants, can be poisonous to dogs, but we never knew exactly why. There have been several theories about the toxic component of grapes and raisins. Tartaric acid became suspect when the ASPCA Poison Control Center consulted on a case involving homemade playdough made with cream of tartar, which contains potassium bitartrate, the potassium salt of tartaric acid, instead of table salt like most homemade playdough. Tartaric acid has a wide margin of safety in humans and common lab animals such as mice, and many of the studies in dogs are outdated, so tartaric acid was not previously on the radar as the possible toxic principle.


This dog’s symptoms were different than most homemade playdough cases and were more like the cases of sudden kidney failure seen with grapes than “normal” salt toxicity. The lightbulb moment came with the realization that tartaric acid and potassium bitartrate are uniquely present in high concentrations in grapes, and that dogs are members of a species that has been shown to be sensitive to tartaric acid—with acute kidney failure reported in the older studies. Upon further investigation, tartaric acid and potassium bitartrate kept checking off the boxes in support of the theory that they are the toxic principles in grapes and raisins.


Another food that might fit this explanation includes Tamarinds [a tree that bears fruit that is used both in medicine and in cooking]. Tamarinds also contain high amounts of tartaric acid and potassium bitartrate, and the Poison Control Center has had reports of severe vomiting and acute kidney failure following large ingestions.


The toxicologists anticipate that this breakthrough will open doors to a collaborative effort toward an improved understanding of grape and raisin poisoning and, potentially, better testing, treatment, and prevention.


https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/common-human-snack-toxicities-pets


https://www.aspca.org/news/leahs-close-call-handful-grapes-nearly-cost-one-dog-her-life

166 Easter Dangers

Every season can have potential dangers and toxicity for our pets. According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, the top 4 dangers are chocolate, plastic Easter grass, plants, and pesticides/herbicides.

Here are my top dangers for Easter
1) Chocolate. This is easily MY favorite treat, but there is an ingredient, theobromine, that can be toxic to dogs, depending on their size. Theobromine is a relative of caffeine, and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, up to seizures. Dark chocolate is many time more toxic than milk chocolate, and white chocolate has no theobromine. If your pet eats chocolate, call your vet or the ASPCA Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435) to determine if the quantity is in the dangerous range. One Hershey kiss isn’t going to kill any dog or cat, but a whole Hershey bar can. Be prepared tell the vet amount in ounces of chocolate, the type of chocolate ( dark, baking, or milk), and the weight of your pet. I had a patient many years ago that got into the Easter Candy stash not once, but twice, and had to hospitalized both times. Some dogs just really want chocolate.
https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/digestive/c_multi_chocolate_toxicity
2) Plastic Easter Grass. It looks edible, but it isn’t, and can cause GI obstruction
3) Easter Lilies. They are beautiful, but deadly for cats, causing kidney failure. Keep them away from cats, but they don’t seem to be toxic for dogs. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/lily
4) Xylitol. This is a common artificial sweetener, found often in sugarless gum, but there is a granulated version that some cooks use a sugar substitute. Symptoms are vomiting, seizures, low blood sugar, and liver failure.
https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/endocrine/c_dg_xylitol_toxicity
5) Candy wrappers, esp foil. Like the Easter Grass, they can really mess up a gut.
6) High Fat People Food like Ham, or Brisket. High fat can cause inflammation of the pancreas, with intense vomiting and diarrhea. I would not feed a cooked pork bone to dogs.


https://www.aspca.org/news/top-four-easter-hazards-pets

154 Ivermectin to Treat Covid-19?

Some of you may have heard or read about a study that showed some efficacy of using ivermectin to kill corona virus. I was excited when I first read the headline because I have gobs of ivermectin and its cousins (selamectin, moxidectin, milbemycin) in the form of chewable dog heartworm prevention and large animal products (Ivomec) in pour on and injection forms. Heck, I even use diluted cattle Ivomec when I treat little hedgehogs and mice for mites!

But alas, the article is very clear that they were only testing infected cells in a Petri dish with ivermectin, and that is not going to help us right now. So, don’t go crazy and order some cattle Ivomec and ask me the human dose.

Ivermectin is used in many species, including humans (which I can’t prescribe for) as a tablet for parasitic worms (intestinal strongyloidiasis and onchocerciasis) and topical formulations for the treatment of external parasites such as headlice and skin conditions such as rosacea.

When ivermectin was first approved for use in dogs as monthly Heartgard tablet (not even the chewable), it was a really big deal, because before that we had only had daily DEC ( Diethylcarbamazine= liquid Dirocide or chewable Marmaduke tablets) and it tasted nasty. Some good old boys figured out the ingredient, ivermectin, was in the horse paste, and started giving it to their dogs, based on the weight compared to a horse dose. It was highly inaccurate, and some collie type dogs have a weird genetic mutation (MDR1), that makes them VERY sensitive to ivermectin class drugs and other drugs, and these “horse doses” caused neurological signs, seizures, and death. True story. The research finally revealed that dogs need a super tiny dose to prevent heartworms (about 1.5% as much as the deworming dose/# for horse), and it was safe for all dogs, even those with MD1 mutation.

Veterinarians will be closely watching the research of why a dewormer will kill a virus, and I pray we find a simple, inexpensive cure for this darn Sars-Co-2 virus soon. Until then, don’t eat your dog’s heartworm prevention. He needs it more than you do.


https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/product-safety-information/fda-letter-stakeholders-do-not-use-ivermectin-intended-animals-treatment-covid-19-humans

130 Halloween Tips for Pet Owners

Halloween is almost here.  We have some tips to keep the holiday safe for our pets.

1) Lock candy safely away. Dogs have an incredible sense of smell. If you buy that Halloween candy early, he WILL find your stash. If you kids have candy left after Trick or Treating and keep it in their room, he WILL find the sack. The biggest dangers in the candy are the chocolate, xylitol sweeteners, and the wrappers. I have seen problems with all 3.

2) Don’t leave glow sticks lying around. Glow sticks are a handy safety device to have around for the kids to wear while Trick or Treating, but some pets, especially cats, love to play with them. Most have a non-toxic liquid, that is bitter, but still some pets will bite them, race around the house and drool.

3) Keep your pet identified and visible. If you take your dogs out Trick or Treating, make sure they stay on a leash, with a reflective collar. It can be frightening out there with strange scary costumed children. Or better yet, leave them at home unless they like Halloween, walking in the dark, noise, and lots of strangers.

4) Calm your pet. Many dogs and cat have rough time on Halloween with the doorbell ringing and noisy strangers at the door. It makes them go a little crazy trying to alert and protect the family. Why not give them the night “off” and keep in the back bedroom, away from the door, with a loud TV show on for distraction? Some pets even need calming pheromones like Adaptil or prescription medicines to make it through the night. Ask your vet ahead of time if medicines are needed.

5) Check those costumes. Dressing up pets is just fun. Even I have indulged in a costume for my little black terrier, Sally. If you are planning on dressing up your fur baby, make sure that the costume fits well, isn’t going to slip and tangle the pet, or cause a choking hazard if chewed on. Never leave a costumed pet unattended. Or you might have a trip to the pet emergency room!

https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/top-5-halloween-safety-tips-vets-and-pets

123 Blue Green Algae Toxicity and Dog Days of Summer

You have read about it on Facebook or heard it on the news this month. Three dogs died in Austin after playing in a water front dog park called Red Bud Island, where 40% of the water was covered by blue green algae, and they died shortly afterward. Three more dogs died in North Carolina, beginning with seizures after only 15 minutes of exposure. These are the stuff of nightmares, for pet owners and veterinarians. I have thankfully never seen a case of this rare toxicity, but it is real.

Blue-green algae are single cell organisms, but make large colonies and filaments. They grow in a wide variety of conditions and can thrive in nutrient-rich stagnant bodies of water. They can form blooms so thick it appears that blue-green paint covers the surface of the water. Blue green algae are found all over the world, and there are many kinds.

Two forms, Anabaena and Microcystis, are found in Texas that are known to produce substances which cause taste and odor problems in water supplies, and they can produce toxins that are poisonous to fish and wildlife that drink water contaminated with the toxins. Fish kills have occurred in private stock ponds as a result of blue-green algal blooms and there have been a few reports of livestock dying from drinking water contaminated with blue-green toxins. In addition to toxicity to fish and wildlife, there are documented cases of blue-green algal toxins harming humans in other parts of the world through the consumption of poorly treated waters.

Symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning depend on what type of toxin (,microcystin vs. anatoxin) is present. Clinical signs of blue-green algae that produce microcystins, typically include:
• Malaise/lethargy
• Weakness
• Not eating
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Black-tarry stool
• Collapse
• Pale gums
• Jaundice (yellow) gums
• Shock
• Seizures
• Death
With blue-green algae that produce anatoxins, symptoms include:
• Inability to walk
• Hypersalivating
• Excessive (eye) tearing
• Tremors
• Muscle rigidity
• Difficulty breathing or blue gums
• Death
Either way, these are bad toxins, with no specific antidote. Best advice is to keep your pets away from stagnant mossy green ponds.

The City of Lewisville has our water checked out by state regulatory agencies and it always passes with flying colors. We normally have outstanding water here in Lewisville, but it can have a “dirt” taste in August. Some people say it is the lake “turning over”, others say it is from algae blooms that are harmless. But it is undeniable that sometimes in August the water can taste funny.

What I see as a vet is more bladder infection and stones in August that I believe might be related to decreased water drinking because of the off taste. Even dogs and cats can taste water and have preferences. If you see that your pet is drinking less water in the hot weather, please offer them filtered or bottled water, or maybe even put some ice cubes in it. We need to do anything to encourage lots of water drinking during these “dog days of summer.”

For more information:
http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/dog-toxins-poisons/blue-green-algae-a-deadly-danger-dogs

https://consumer.healthday.com/general-health-information-16/pets-and-health-news-531/toxic-pond-algae-is-killing-dogs-how-to-protect-your-pooch-749354.html

121 Xylitol Update

We already knew that xylitol is poisonous to dogs; researchers figured that out back in the 1960s.  When dogs eat xylitol, a popular sugar substitute commonly found in sugarless chewing gum, it’s quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and causes a rapid release of insulin. This insulin spike can cause their blood sugar levels to plummet to dangerous levels, leading to hypoglycemia. Other symptoms of xylitol poisoning include vomiting, decreased activity, staggering, collapse, and seizures. Xylitol isn’t dangerous to humans because it doesn’t stimulate the release of insulin.

But it turns out there’s way more of it out there than we realized—and in a lot more products than just sugarless gum. So many that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued a xylitol update.

Other Foods Containing Xylitol
Gum isn’t the only product containing xylitol. Slightly lower in calories than sugar, this sugar substitute is also often used to sweeten sugar-free candy, such as mints and chocolate bars, as well as sugar-free chewing gum. Other products that may contain xylitol include:
• breath mints
• baked goods
• cough syrup
• children’s and adult chewable vitamins
• mouthwash
• toothpaste
• some peanut and nut butters
• over-the-counter medicines
• dietary supplements
• sugar-free desserts, including “skinny” ice cream

Xylitol can be used in baked goods, too, such as cakes, muffins, and pies — often because the baker is substituting another sweetener for sugar, as in products for people with diabetes. People can buy xylitol in bulk to bake sweet treats at home. In-store bakeries also are selling baked goods containing the sweetener. Some pediatric dentists also recommend xylitol-containing chewing gum for children, and these products could end up in a dog’s mouth by accident. It’s a good idea to keep all such products well out of your dog’s reach.

Why is Xylitol Dangerous to Dogs, but Not People?
In both people and dogs, the level of blood sugar is controlled by the release of insulin from the pancreas. In people, xylitol does not stimulate the release of insulin from the pancreas. However, it’s different in canines: When dogs eat something containing xylitol, the xylitol is more quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, and may result in a potent release of insulin from the pancreas.  This rapid release of insulin may result in a rapid and profound decrease in the level of blood sugar (hypoglycemia), an effect that can occur within 10 to 60 minutes of eating the xylitol. Untreated, this hypoglycemia can quickly be life-threatening.

A note to cat and ferret owners: Xylitol does not seem to be as dangerous for cats and other pets. Cats appear to be spared, at least in part, by their disdain for sweets. Ferret owners, however, should be careful, as ferrets have been known to develop low blood sugar and seizures, like dogs, after eating products containing xylitol.

Symptoms to Look For in Your Dog
Symptoms of xylitol poisoning in dogs include vomiting, followed by symptoms associated with the sudden lowering of your dog’s blood sugar, such as decreased activity, weakness, staggering, incoordination, collapse and seizures.

If you think your dog has eaten xylitol, take him to your vet or an emergency animal hospital immediately. Because hypoglycemia and other serious adverse effects may not occur in some cases for up to 12 to 24 hours, your dog may need to be hospitalized for medical monitoring.

What Can You Do to Avoid Xylitol Poisoning in Your Dog?
Check the label on products, especially those your dog can get into.
• Keep products that contain xylitol (including those you don’t think of as food, such as toothpaste) well out of your dog’s reach. Remember that some dogs are adept at counter surfing.
• Only use pet toothpaste for pets, never human toothpaste.
• If you give your dog nut butter as a treat or as a vehicle for pills, check the label first to make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NUK-kWaN4w&feature=youtu.be

106 Easter Toxins

The ASPCA has put out their list of the top 5 Easter Toxins. Let’s be careful out there this Easter Weekend!

Chocolate– we all know chocolate is “bad”, but it does depend on the type of chocolate and the size of the dog. Check out the  chocolate calculator link. So if my little 16# terrier ate 2 oz of dark chocolate, it is WAY worse than 2 oz of milk chocolate. Did you know white chocolate isn’t toxic?

Lilies– Keep cats away from Easter lilies, even their leaves and vase water. See the link for the types of “true” lilies.

Easter grass– this plastic stuff isn’t digestible and clogs up intestines. Be super careful if you use it in Easter baskets where it might get food smells on it.

Table food– Many of us will make special holiday foods like ham or brisket. They can be fatty and very rich for our pets, so only tiny amounts if you must share. And I have a picture of peeps on this blog, but peeps aren’t toxic. I just love the photo of rabbit peep getting neutered.

Herbicides– gardeners will often be using herbicides in the spring, so follow the directions, especially if you have pets. Most are safe when dried.

https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/shelter-health-poison-control/top-5-easter-toxins

103 The Top 10 Animal Toxins of 2018

National Poison Prevention Week- March 17-23, 2019.

It’s that time of year when the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center examines its data and releases the Top 10 categories of toxins pets come in contact with each year. The data was gathered from about 213,773 cases of potential animal poisonings examined by the APCC in 2018.
Here are the top 10 toxins, beginning with the category which caused the most calls to APCC toxicologists.

1) OTC Medications:
Over-the-counter medications were the most common group of toxicants pets ingested this year. This is a varied group of medications including items such as vitamins, OTC pain medications (acetaminophen, ibuprofen and naproxen), herbal supplements, antihistamines and cold and flu medications. Ingestion of OTC medications are usually accidental, but I have seen owners give too much aspirin for pain, over several days. Last year this was #2, after human prescriptions.

2) Human Prescriptions:
Medications prescribed for people dropped to number two this year. ADHD medications, antidepressants and heart medications make up a significant amount of these cases, which is typically what I have seen, along with birth control and topical hormones. Remember to keep all medications out of reach of pets.

3) Food:
Food is number 3. Xylitol, grapes and raisins, and onions and garlic make up most of these cases. Xylitol is one that I worry about because it is in many sugar free gums, and not harmful for people. Who knew gum could be toxic?

4) Chocolate:
Chocolate moved up another spot from last year! The popularity of chocolate gifts for occasions like Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Easter adds to the danger. If your pet has eaten some chocolate, call us or the poison control center. We have a calculator to determine if the amount and type of chocolate is enough to be toxic. (Dark chocolate is stronger and more toxic)

5) Veterinary Products:
Chewable medications and misread labels are a big reason pets run into trouble with veterinary products. I have had more than one patient eat six months of heartworm prevention at a time. Those are expensive dog “treats.” Make sure to read the prescription labels and keep the containers safe. Just because it is childproof doesn’t mean it is dog proof.

6) Household Items:
This group includes cleaning products, moth balls, batteries, detergents, cigarettes, and alcohol. Or maybe alcohol should be food?

7) Rodenticides:
Rodenticide exposure is increased from last year. Unfortunately pets, along with rodents, find baits very tasty. We had a patient die this winter after eating rat bait from a bait station. While anticoagulants and bromethalin baits are still available, cholecalciferol baits made a comeback this year. Rats are tough.

8) Insecticides:
Insecticide exposure cases decreased for the second year in a row . Insecticides includes items such as ant baits, bug sprays and yard products. Ant baits use attractants like peanut butter which unfortunately attract pets as well as ants. I don’t see nearly as many insecticide toxicities as I used to. Thank goodness.

9) Plants:
Plants remained in ninth place. Indoor and outdoor plants as well as prepared bouquets can present major problems. The APCC app has lots of helpful information regarding plant exposures as well as other toxins. Would this include marijuana and edibles? I expect to see more therapeutic uses of CBD oil for humans and pets, which seems to have low toxicity.

10) Garden Products:
Garden products still came in last. Fertilizer, bone meal and compost are all garden products many dogs find irresistible. Many pet owners call about herbicides like Roundup, but they usually aren’t tasty, even though we commonly use them in pet areas like yards.

87 Thanksgiving Pet Safety

This is straight from the AVMA website.

Thanksgiving is a special holiday that brings together family and friends, but it also can carry some hazards for pets. Holiday food needs to be kept away from pets, and pet owners who travel need to either transport their pets safely or find safe accommodations for them at home. Follow these tips to keep your pets healthy and safe during the holiday.

Poison Risks
Overindulging in the family feast can be unhealthy for humans, but even worse for pets: Fatty foods are hard for animals to digest. Poultry bones can damage your pet’s digestive tract. And holiday sweets can contain ingredients that are poisonous to pets.
Keep the feast on the table—not under it. Eating turkey or turkey skin – sometimes even a small amount – can cause a life-threatening condition in pets known as pancreatitis. Fatty foods are hard for animals to digest, and many foods that are healthy for people are poisonous to pets – including onions, raisins and grapes. If you want to share a Thanksgiving treat with your pet, make or buy a treat that is made just for them.
No pie or other desserts for your pooch. Chocolate can be harmful for pets, even though many dogs find it tempting and will sniff it out and eat it. The artificial sweetener called xylitol – commonly used in gum and sugar-free baked goods – also can be deadly if consumed by dogs or cats.
Yeast dough can cause problems for pets, including painful gas and potentially dangerous bloating.
Put the trash away where your pets can’t find it. A turkey carcass sitting out on the carving table, or left in a trash container that is open or easily opened, could be deadly to your family pet. Dispose of turkey carcasses and bones – and anything used to wrap or tie the meat, such as strings, bags and packaging – in a covered, tightly secured trash bag placed in a closed trash container outdoors (or behind a closed, locked door).
Be careful with decorative plants. Don’t forget that some flowers and festive plants can be toxic to pets. These include amaryllis, Baby’s Breath, Sweet William, some ferns, hydrangeas and more. The ASPCA offers lists of plants that are toxic to both dogs and cats, but the safest route is simply to keep your pets away from all plants and table decorations.
Quick action can save lives. If you believe your pet has been poisoned or eaten something it shouldn’t have, call your veterinarian or local veterinary emergency clinic immediately. You may also want to call the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline: 888-426-4435. Signs of pet distress include: sudden changes in behavior, depression, pain, vomiting, or diarrhea. Contact your veterinarian immediately.

Precautions for Parties
If you’re hosting a party or overnight visitors, plan ahead to keep your pets safe and make the experience less stressful for everyone.
Visitors can upset your pets. Some pets are shy or excitable around new people or in crowds, and Thanksgiving often means many visitors at once and higher-than-usual noise and activity levels. If you know your dog or cat is nervous when people visit your home, put him/her in another room or a crate with a favorite toy. This will reduce the emotional stress on your pet and protect your guests from possible injury. If your pet is particularly upset by houseguests, talk to your veterinarian about possible solutions to this common problem.
Learn about dog bite prevention.
. If any of your guests have compromised immune systems (due to pregnancy, some diseases, or medications or treatments that suppress the immune system), make sure they’re aware of the pets (especially exotic pets) in your home so they can take extra precautions to protect themselves.
. If you have exotic pets, remember that some people are uncomfortable around them and that these pets may be more easily stressed by the festivities. Keep exotic pets safely away from the hubbub of the holiday.
Watch the exits. Even if your pets are comfortable around guests, make sure you watch them closely, especially when people are entering or leaving your home. While you’re welcoming hungry guests and collecting coats, a four-legged family member may make a break for it out the door and become lost.
Identification tags and microchips reunite families. Make sure your pet has proper identification with your current contact information – particularly a microchip with up-to-date, registered information. That way, if they do sneak out, they’re more likely to be returned to you. If your pet isn’t already microchipped, talk to your veterinarian about the benefits of this simple procedure.
• Watch your pets around festive decorations. Special holiday displays or candles are attractive to pets as well as people. Never leave a pet alone in an area with a lit candle; it could result in a fire. And pine cones, needles and other decorations can cause intestinal blockages or even perforate an animal’s intestine if eaten.

Travel Concerns
Whether you take your pets with you or leave them behind, take these precautions to safeguard them when traveling over the Thanksgiving holiday or at any other time of the year.
Your pet needs a health certificate from your veterinarian if you’re traveling across state lines or international borders, whether by air or car. Learn the requirements for any states you will visit or pass through, and schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to get the needed certificate within the timeframes required by those states.
Never leave pets alone in vehicles, even for a short time, regardless of the weather.
Pets should always be safely restrained in vehicles. This means using a secure harness or a carrier, placed in a location clear of airbags. This helps protect your pets if you brake or swerve suddenly, or get in an accident; keeps them away from potentially poisonous food or other items you are transporting; prevents them from causing dangerous distractions for the driver; and can prevent small animals from getting trapped in small spaces. Never transport your pet in the bed of a truck.
Talk with your veterinarian if you’re traveling by air and considering bringing your pet with you. Air travel can put pets at risk, especially short-nosed dogs. Your veterinarian is the best person to advise you regarding your own pet’s ability to travel.
Pack for your pet as well as yourself if you’re going to travel together. In addition to your pet’s food and medications, this includes bringing medical records, information to help identify your pet if it becomes lost, first aid supplies, and other items. Refer to our Traveling with Your Pet FAQ for a more complete list.
Are you considering boarding your dog while you travel? Talk with your veterinarian to find out how best to protect your pet from canine flu and other contagious diseases, and to make sure your pet is up-to-date on vaccines.

Food Safety
Don’t forget to protect your family and loved ones from foodborne illnesses while cooking your Thanksgiving meal. Hand washing, and safe food handling and preparation, are important to make sure your holiday is a happy one. The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers tips for handling, thawing and cooking turkey, as well as saving your leftovers.