Are They All Risky, or Do Safe Pet Toys Really Exist?

A pitbull playing with a koosh

There’s no question about it: pets need toys in order to remain mentally and physically fit. They are absolutely necessary for animals with extra energy, but the best toys also provide pets with problem-solving opportunities. 

The problem is that many toys designed for and offered to pets actually aren’t that safe. Taking into consideration your pet’s species, breed, size, personality and lifestyle, you can definitely find truly safe pet toys, and we’re here to help.

Conventional Wisdom

The items previously provided to pets are falling out of favor. This is due, in large part, to the ongoing product development of better toys. But this change is also the result of countless, heartbreaking, incidents involving destructive pets and less-than-sturdy toys. 

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Bloat In Dogs: A True Pet Emergency

bloat in dogsAlthough few conditions can kill a dog as quickly as bloat, many pet owners remain unaware of its dangers, and don’t know how to recognize the signs and symptoms of bloat in dogs. Knowing the signs of bloat, as well as your emergency care options, is critical in protecting your dog from this serious, and often deadly, condition.

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Not What the Doctor Ordered: Human Medications and Your Pet

human medications and petsAs pet owners, it’s only natural for us to want our animals to feel better. We often do whatever we can to make that happen. Sometimes, it may be tempting to give your pet some of your medication, and while this may seem harmless, it is often not.

Over the counter medications are not always safe for our furry friends. Summeridge Animal Clinic wants you to think twice before combining human medications and your pet.

Why Human Medications and Your Pet Don’t Mix

It’s true that human medications for pets are sometimes prescribed. However, if you’re not well versed in animal physiology and pharmacology, this can be a dangerous practice. Pets are not people. They often require different dosages than what is on the label. Different species metabolize drugs differently, as well. For instance, both dogs and people often take a medication called levothyroxine for low thyroid hormone. The dose a 100 pound labrador retriever would take, however, could kill a 100 pound person.

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