Help Calli!

Calli hasn't had it easy. At 13 years old and about 6 months into diabetes remission, Calli's momma (and Trailridge client) passed away after a tremendous battle with cancer and Calli came to live here with us. Calli wasn't always so happy to come into our office, it's understandable, after all, she was a diabetic patient who endured a lot of poking and prodding as part of her treatment. We feared that her unfriendly nature would prevent her from ever finding a good home again, but to our surprise, Calli has softened and become quite the loving kitty cat. Once we had gained her trust, Calli had become a very friendly and easy cat to have around. For the last several months though, Calli has been living in a cage here in our clinic. In no way is she mistreated, but living in a cage is not exactly the quality of life we hope for all of the pets we see to have. So, we are asking you to please pass this along to anyone you may know that could be a good home for Miss Calli. She would do best in a home without other pets or children. Although her diabetes is currently in remission, a new owner must stay aware of any health changes and be willing to treat her diabetes if she does relapse. We realize that this is going to be difficult to find but we hope one of you reading this can help! Thank you, from all of us at Trailridge and Calli too!  
 

People foods to avoid feeding your pets

The 3 C's! Chocolate, Coffee, and Caffeine
These products all contain substances called methylxanthines, when ingested by pets, methylxanthines can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death.

Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages and food products containing alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma and even death.

Avocado
The leaves, fruit, seeds and bark of avocados contain Persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.

Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts can cause problems for your canine companion. These nuts have caused weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors and hyperthermia in dogs. Signs usually appear within 12 hours of ingestion and last approximately 12 to 48 hours. 

Grapes and Raisins
Although the toxic substance within grapes and raisins is unknown, these fruits can cause kidney failure. In pets who already have certain health problems, signs may be more dramatic.

Xylitol
Xylitol is used as a sweetener in many products, including gum, candy, baked goods and toothpaste. It can cause insulin release in most species, which can lead to liver failure. The increase in insulin leads to hypoglycemia (lowered sugar levels). Initial signs of a toxic ingestion include vomiting, lethargy and loss of coordination. Signs can progress to recumbancy and seizures. Elevated liver enzymes and liver failure can be seen within a few days. 

Onion, Garlic, and Chives
These vegetables and herbs can cause gastrointestinal irritation and could lead to red blood cell damage. Although cats are more susceptible, dogs are also at risk if a large enough amount is consumed. An occasional low dose, such as what might be found in pet foods or treats, likely will not cause a problem, but we recommend that you do NOT give your pets large quantities of these foods. 

Yeast Dough
Yeast dough can rise and cause gas to accumulate in your pet’s digestive system. This can be painful and can cause the stomach or intestines to rupture. Because the risk diminishes after the dough is cooked and the yeast has fully risen, pets can have small bits of bread as treats. However, these treats should not constitute more than 5 percent to 10 percent of your pet’s daily caloric intake.

Raw/undercooked Meat, Eggs, and Bones
Raw meat and raw eggs can contain bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli that can be harmful to pets. In addition, raw eggs can lead to skin and coat problems. Feeding your pet raw bones may seem like a natural and healthy option that might occur if your pet lived in the wild. However, this can be very dangerous for a domestic pet, who might choke on bones, or sustain a grave injury should the bone splinter and become lodged in or puncture your pet’s digestive tract.

Milk
Because pets do not possess significant amounts of lactase (the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk), milk and other milk-based products cause them diarrhea or other digestive upset.

Salt
Large amounts of salt can produce excessive thirst and urination, or even sodium ion poisoning in pets. Signs that your pet may have eaten too many salty foods include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, elevated body temperature, seizures and even death. 

Information provided by ASPCA.org