Pet Therapy by Dr. Mitch Potter

How do they do it? For those of us with pets we often wonder how our fellow non-pet owning neighbors can live in a home that lacks the love and companionship that comes from sharing our lives with our pets. Of course there are valid reasons that some people cannot have pets - health issues, allergies, and financial considerations are a few. That said, for the rest of the folks… they just don’t know what they are missing.

What’s amazing though is that the benefit of pet ownership for some extends beyond the joy of a knowing the unconditional love of a pet. Research has shown time and again that pets can provide measurable benefits during times of illness, physical and emotional stress, and chronic disease, and that during these times, animals can provide an improved quality of life.

Some of the reported benefits include reduced anxiety, increased sense of well being both physically and mentally, and increased mental capabilities. In other words, having a pet present can really make a difference in your day to day life. They are a source of comfort and love, a constant companion, and can provide a true sense of security during difficult times. Also, attending to the needs of a pet offers some who are often being cared for the ability to be a caregiver themselves.

These benefits are not only recognized by pet owners, in fact the use of animals for therapeutic benefit is an accepted and welcome practice in many hospitals and long term medical care facilities. A number of different animals are used in therapy, including dogs, cats, elephants, birds, dolphins, rabbits, lizards, and other small animals. Right here in Sarasota we are blessed to have an active pet therapy community. I was given the opportunity just last weekend to meet a few of the Humane Society of Sarasota’s own therapy llamas! We also are home to a very active group known as Pet Therapy, Inc. Visit their websites to learn more about pet therapy, or how you can get involved with these outstanding groups.

Pet Therapy Inc: http://pet-therapy.org/

Humane society of Sarasota County: http://www.hssc.org/education.html

Household Toxins in Pets

Most everybody is aware that chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats. It’s a fairly well known fact that antifreeze can be extremely toxic to pets as well. However, there are a few toxins that might surprise you residing in and around most people’s homes.

Indoors some of the most concerning products include prescription and over the counter medications designed for human use. While many of the medications your dog and cat are prescribed are the same as those used in humans the dosage may be very different. In addition, there are a number of medications in your cabinet that, while very safe for people, can be very toxic to your pets. Best advice - store all your medications out of reach of dogs and cats, and never attempt to treat your pet with human medications unless it is directly advised by your veterinarian. We see too many pets that suffer toxicity from medications administered by well meaning owners that were unaware of the potential risks.

If you have any questions about any medications your pet has ingested or if a particular medication can be used in your dog or cat – call your veterinarian or CCVSS and ask!

Other helpful information regarding toxicities can be found at the animal poison control website found here: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/. Also be on the lookout for an expanded article regarding pet toxins in an upcoming publication from CCVSS!

Disease processes commonly managed by an emergency and critical care specialist

A critical care facility like ours operates somewhat like a hospital intensive care unit for humans. Your pet is monitored continually and given necessary treatments for his or her health and recovery. Here is a short list of some of the conditions we manage:

• Severe pneumonia or other pulmonary disease
• Systemic infection (sepsis)
• Severe anemia
• Acute kidney injury/failure
• Acute liver failure
• Intoxications
• Continuous seizures (status epilepticus)
• Complicated diabetes (diabetic ketoacidosis)

It is important to consult your veterinarian and discuss the clinical signs at the time of a physical exam. Early referral leads to early diagnosis and early treatment!