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Peanut butter is a popular and very common food item in most pantries. It’s also a good reward for your pet to be included in dog treats and used as Kong fillers. But did you know that your innocuous peanut butter may be hiding a deadly chemical called Xylitol?

Xylitol poisoning is one of the top ten toxins reported by Pet Poison Helpline. Each year, thousands of cases of Xylitol poisoning occur. But what is this substance and what products should you avoid? The team at East Sacramento Veterinary Center is here to tell you more about Xylitol in peanut butter and other foods and what you should do to avoid these toxic treats.

From the cupboards to the garage, there are many possible pet poisons that can be intriguing to a curious pet. Things we may think they would never investigate, they will. In fact, each year there are more than 180,000 pet poisonings. The effects of a pet poisoning can range from mild symptoms to critical, but even the mildest of toxicity is still frightening (and potentially expensive to treat).

March is national Pet Poison Prevention Awareness month and your friends at East Sacramento Veterinary Center want pet owners to be informed about pet poisonings and potential toxins. Through education, awareness, and vigilance, our hope is to decrease our beloved fur friends’ exposure to poisons.

Pets don’t exactly have to be camera ready, but when it comes to their teeth, good habits do matter. That’s because plaque and tartar can lead to much bigger problems for them. In fact, dental disease is the most common health condition in pets, bar none. 

The good news is that a simple plan of routine oral health at home coupled with regular dental exams and cleanings is extremely effective at preventing dental problems. And when you think about avoiding a painful mouth, tooth fracture and loss, and bacterial infections that can lead to organ failure, it’s so worth it. 

With East Sacramento Veterinary Center’s simple tips for how to brush your pet’s teeth, you can start building a habit that can give your pet a lifetime of good health. 

Marijuana, cannabis, pot, weed… whatever you want to call it, if you live in California, it’s legal. With recreational and medical marijuana use becoming more and more mainstream, there are an increasing number of pets who are being accidentally or intentionally exposed to the stuff. 

Part of responsible marijuana use is knowing what risks it may have for you and your family. East Sacramento Veterinary Center would like all of our readers to understand pot and pets and how they mix.

When Pot and Pets Mix

When pot and pets mingle, the results aren’t always for the best. Whether Fido finds your edible stash, decides to eat a discarded roach on the ground outside, or you give him something to help with his arthritis (please always call us before giving medicine or supplements to your pet!) there can be some serious consequences.

Kittens are among the cutest animals out there, but they are also the most vulnerable. They need a lot of help in the first few months in order to eventually grow into healthy, strong adult cats.

While a kitten’s cuteness goes a long way toward ensuring they get the support they need, not everyone knows how to go the distance. When it comes to kitten care basics, we got you covered.

Why Kitten Care Is So Important

Kittens are usually adopted from shelters or foster homes between 6-8 weeks of age. If you adopt a kitten younger than that you may need to meet their special feeding requirements.

Welcoming a new puppy into your home is one of the most exciting experiences there is, in our humble opinion. Just as with a new baby, there are joys and happiness, and also may be a few bumps in the road as your new puppy joins your family.

Each puppy comes with its own personality, characteristics, and challenges each day. But regardless if this is your first puppy, or another addition to your crew, there are some things that should be kept in mind across the board when it comes to puppy care. 

Your East Sacramento Veterinary Center veterinarians and staff are with you every step of the way as you navigate the pathway of puppy care!

Whether it’s a special skill one consciously works on, or it’s simple, dumb luck, getting through the holiday season without getting sick or hurt is critical. While this way of thought definitely applies to people, it’s of equal importance for the pets in our care. 

Since a pet’s wellness isn’t accidental, their overall health utterly depends on an owner’s approach to holiday pet safety. Don’t worry, your friends at East Sacramento Veterinary Center have you covered.

It’s an all too common scene: you arrive home from work, tired, but happy to relax and unwind with your favorite furry friend. But what greets you instead is a couch chewed to smithereens, or a fresh urine spot on the carpet. Welcome home! 

It can be natural to think that your dog is angry with you or that your cat is trying to teach you a lesson when they exhibit these behaviors, but in reality, it’s likely that fear, anxiety, and stress are the root causes. 

Fear and anxiety are common contributing factors in behavioral problems in pets. Learn how to spot the signs of pet anxiety and steps to take to help your furry best friend.

…And Other Thanksgiving Pet Safety Tips

Anyone who has pets knows the pain of resisting those puppy dog eyes; but when it comes to Thanksgiving safety for pets, it’s important to understand the risks and repercussions of giving in. 

Letting your pet partake in your Thanksgiving feast is not the only risk to their health around the holidays, however. Keep reading for East Sacramento Veterinary Center’s best tips for Thanksgiving pet safety, and avoid an emergency room visit on this, the most festive of holidays. 

From the hordes of costumed children ringing the doorbell all night and the bowl of chocolate bars left on the end table, to the scary animatronic witch on the front porch, Halloween can be a stressful and even dangerous time for pets.

Fortunately, Halloween pet safety is pretty simple, and mostly boils down to common sense and a bit of planning and supervision. While you make your last minute preparations for the big day, keep our tips in mind to meet your goals for an uneventful holiday for your furry companion.