Posts by Bill Lynch

22 Holiday Items That Can Harm Your Dog By PetMD Editorial. Helen Anne Travis Reviewed by Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP The holidays bring plenty of joy and celebrations, but the merrymaking could put your pet in harm’s way. Many of the decorations, foods, and festivities we associate with the holidays could cause big problems for your…

7 Common Holiday Plants Toxic to Dogs By Pet Poison Helpline Veterinarian Team. Reviewed by Renee Schmid, DVM, DABT, DABVT Petmd.com Indoor plants can be a temptation for your dog to lick, chew, or dig up. During the holiday season there may be additional plants due to decorations, seasonal purchases, and gifting. It’s important to keep in…

Antifreeze Poisoning in Dogs By Veronica Higgs, DVM Petmd.com Antifreeze, or automotive radiator coolant, is the most readily available source of ethylene glycol. This colorless, odorless, possibly sweet-tasting liquid is highly toxic to dogs. According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, ethylene glycol is the second most common cause of fatal poisonings in animals. This is likely…

Are Essential Oils Safe for Dogs? By Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP Petmd.com   We think of essential oils as natural and safe, and we use them for everything from cleaning to freshening the air. But are they safe for our pets? And if we use them at home, are there varieties or options that should…

Imodium® For Dogs: Can You Give Dogs Imodium? By Stephanie Howe, DVM Petmd.com What Is Imodium®? Imodium® is an anti-diarrheal medication used in dogs to treat diarrhea that is not caused by an infectious agent such as bacteria, viruses, or intestinal parasites. While Imodium® and its active ingredient loperamide are FDA-approved for use in humans, these medications are…

Does a Dog’s Breed Affect Their Behavior? By Victoria Schade, CPDT-KA Petmd.com We’re quick to make assumptions about dog behavior based on the way our furry best friends look. But is a dog’s breed an accurate predictor of the way they’ll behave? It’s easy to assume that a dog’s breed is a genetic blueprint for the exact way…

Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potatoes? By April Saylor. Reviewed by Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP Petmd.com NOTE: Always check with your veterinarian first before giving your dog any new foods, especially “people foods.” What might be OK for one dog might not be good for your dog, depending on multiple factors, such as their age, health history,…

Dog Arthritis and Cold Weather: Helping Your Dog’s Arthritis Pain in Winter By Rhiannon Koehler, DVM Petmd.com Winter can bring a lot of joy, but for some people, it means more arthritis pain. Unfortunately, the same goes for our dogs. Learn how to help your dog’s arthritis pain in the winter to make the season a…

6 Holiday Food Scraps That Are Dangerous for Dogs By Laci Schaible, DVM, MSL, CVJ Petmd.com As the holidays approach and our plates overflow with home-cooked meals, it’s important to remember that many holiday foods are bad for dogs and can even be toxic. From savory mashed potatoes and gravy to sweets and treats, learn which foods…

Can Dogs Eat Raisins? By Hector Joy, DVM Petmd.com Raisins may seem like a harmless and healthy snack, but for dogs, they can cause a lot of trouble. Why are raisins bad for dogs if they’re fine for us to eat? Here’s some valuable info on why dogs can’t eat raisins and what to do if…