Pet Poop, by Dr. Dave

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Table Scraps And Mooching Pooches

I know I shouldn't feed the dog table scraps, but who can resist those...well, puppy-dog eyes?

While refusing to give my dog handouts may be the smartest thing for her nutritionally, I can't resist sneaking her a treat every so often.

That needn't be a bad thing, as long as it's done in moderation and with common sense.

Almost every dog owner knows not to feed a dog chicken bones -- or any bones for that matter.

That's common sense.

As for moderation, keep track of what you feed your dog and count calories.

Table scraps and other treats shouldn't comprise more than 10 percent of her daily caloric intake.

Any more, and you're feeding her too many treats.

GIVING DOGS HUMAN MEDICINE

Reader "Boxerville" writes,

"I saw a site awhile ago (then lost the info), about human drugs that can be used on animals. There was a list of all sorts of medicines; some were prescription but most were over the counter like aspirin and Pepto Bismol. The site gave the appropriate dose for both dogs and cats. Would you know of any site like this? I have searched till my eyes ache!"

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, "Animal poisoning by drugs is by far the most common type of small animal poison exposure, accounting for 75 percent of 1990 toxin exposures as reported by the AAPCC and 82 of 425 fatalities. Dogs and, less frequently, cats, can be poisoned by human or veterinary drugs as a result of accidental ingestion or overdose just like children can."

All medications should be stored where pets cannot get into them.

Giving your dog medicine designed for a human can causes serious problems for your pet.

Sometimes human over-the-counter pain relievers are used in veterinary medicine but they should only be given upon specific advice and direction of a veterinarian.

Cats and dogs do not utilize and tolerate drugs in the same way people do and human drugs should NEVER be assumed to be safe for animals.

An example of this is giving dogs acetaminophen (Tylenol™).

Dogs (particularly small dogs) are susceptible to significant tissue damage from as little as two regular strength Tylenol™ and repeated doses increase the risk significantly.

Symptoms develop quickly and can include salivation, vomiting, weakness, and abdominal pain.

Never give human medication to a dog without the explicit advice of your veterinarian.

Visit the AVMA's site for more information on human drugs and small animals.

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