Winter Pet Care Tips: Keeping Your Furry Friends Safe and Warm
As temperatures drop, it’s essential to ensure your pets stay safe, healthy, and comfortable throughout the winter months. At Petvise Animal Hospital, we’re committed to helping you provide the best care for your furry companions. Here are some key tips to keep in mind this season.
1. Keep Your Pets Warm
Just like humans, pets can get cold too! Ensure they have a warm, dry place to sleep, away from drafts. If your pet enjoys outdoor time, consider a cozy sweater or jacket, especially for short-haired breeds. Never leave your pet outside for extended periods in freezing temperatures.
2. Watch Out for Antifreeze
Antifreeze is highly toxic to pets but has a sweet taste that can attract them. Be mindful of any spills in your garage or driveway, and opt for pet-safe antifreeze whenever possible.
3. Keep Them Hydrated
Indoor heating can cause dehydration, so make sure your pet has constant access to fresh water. You can also add moisture to their diet with wet food or pet-safe broths.
4. Protect Their Paws
Ice, salt, and de-icing chemicals can irritate your pet’s paws. Wipe their paws after walks and consider using pet booties to provide extra protection.
5. Maintain a Healthy Diet
Colder weather can increase calorie needs, especially for active pets. Consult with our veterinarians to ensure your pet is getting the right nutrition without overfeeding.
6. Regular Vet Visits
Winter can exacerbate conditions like arthritis and other health issues. Regular check-ups at Petvise Animal Hospital will help ensure your pet is in top shape to enjoy the season.
At Petvise Animal Hospital, we’re here to support you with expert advice and compassionate care. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health this winter, give us a call or visit us at our McKinney location.
Stay warm and keep your pets happy!

Allergic Dermatitis in Pets: Causes, Prevention, and Control in Texas
What is Allergic Dermatitis?
Allergic dermatitis is a common skin condition in pets, caused by hypersensitivity to various environmental or dietary allergens. It leads to intense itching, redness, inflammation, hair loss, and secondary infections due to excessive scratching and licking.
Main Causes of Allergic Dermatitis in Texas
Texas has a warm climate that contributes to a variety of allergens that can trigger allergic dermatitis in pets. The most common causes include:
Environmental Allergens (Atopic Dermatitis):
- Pollens: Grasses, trees (like oak and cedar), and weeds (ragweed) are prevalent in Texas.
- Mold Spores: Humidity encourages mold growth in homes and outdoor areas.
- Dust Mites: Common in indoor environments, especially in bedding and carpets.
- Seasonal Allergens: Spring and fall see a rise in airborne allergens leading to flare-ups.
Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD):
- Even a single flea bite can trigger an allergic reaction due to flea saliva. Texas’ warm climate fosters flea infestations year-round.
Food Allergies:
- Some pets may develop allergies to common ingredients such as beef, chicken, dairy, or grains, leading to chronic itching and skin irritation.
Contact Allergies:
- Certain shampoos, cleaning agents, synthetic fabrics, and lawn chemicals can cause allergic reactions upon contact.
Prevention of Allergic Dermatitis
While it’s challenging to eliminate all allergens, you can take several preventive measures to minimize exposure and symptoms:
Regular Flea Control:
- Use veterinarian-recommended flea prevention treatments (topicals, oral medications, or collars).
- Maintain a clean environment by vacuuming frequently and washing pet bedding.
Environmental Management:
- Keep windows closed during high pollen seasons and use air purifiers.
- Bathe pets with hypoallergenic or medicated shampoos to remove allergens from their coat.
- Regularly clean and replace air filters to reduce indoor allergens.
Dietary Adjustments:
- Switch to a hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diet if food allergies are suspected.
- Conduct a food elimination trial under veterinary supervision.
Proper Grooming:
- Routine brushing helps remove allergens from fur and prevent matting that can harbor irritants.
- Moisturizing sprays or omega-3 supplements can help maintain healthy skin.
Avoiding Irritants:
- Be mindful of household cleaning products and lawn chemicals that can irritate your pet’s skin.
Control and Treatment of Allergic Dermatitis
Once allergic dermatitis is diagnosed, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and reducing flare-ups:
Medications:
- Antihistamines (e.g., Benadryl) can provide mild relief.
- Corticosteroids are effective for severe cases but should be used with caution due to side effects.
- Apoquel or Cytopoint are modern allergy medications that provide long-term relief from itching.
Topical Treatments:
- Medicated shampoos, sprays, and creams containing hydrocortisone or antimicrobial properties can help soothe the skin.
Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots):
- If allergens are identified through testing, allergen-specific immunotherapy may help build tolerance over time.
Veterinary Consultation:
- Regular check-ups with your veterinarian to monitor the condition and adjust treatments as needed.
If your pet is showing signs of allergic dermatitis, early intervention is key to preventing complications. Regular preventive care and environmental control can significantly improve your pet’s quality of life.

Dog Pancreatitis: Causes, Prevention, and Management
Introduction
Pancreatitis is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that affects dogs of all breeds and ages. It occurs when the pancreas, an essential organ responsible for digestion and insulin production, becomes inflamed. This inflammation causes the digestive enzymes produced by the pancreas to activate prematurely, leading to the digestion of pancreatic tissue itself. This condition can be acute (sudden and severe) or chronic (recurring and long-term), and it requires prompt attention to prevent severe complications.
Causes of Pancreatitis in Dogs
There are several factors that can contribute to the development of pancreatitis in dogs, including:
Dietary Factors:
Consumption of high-fat foods, such as table scraps, greasy meals, or fatty treats.
Sudden changes in diet or ingestion of rich, unfamiliar foods (common during holidays).
Obesity:
Overweight dogs are at a higher risk due to the increased strain on their pancreas to process fats.
Certain Medications:
Some medications, such as corticosteroids and certain chemotherapy drugs, have been linked to an increased risk of pancreatitis.
Underlying Health Conditions:
Diseases such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, and Cushing’s disease can predispose dogs to pancreatitis.
Genetic predisposition, with breeds such as Miniature Schnauzers, Yorkshire Terriers, and Cocker Spaniels being more susceptible.
Toxins and Ingested Substances:
Exposure to harmful substances like pesticides, spoiled food, or certain household chemicals.
Trauma and Surgery:
Physical trauma to the abdomen or complications following surgery can trigger inflammation in the pancreas.
Symptoms of Pancreatitis in Dogs
The symptoms of pancreatitis can vary in severity, but common signs include:
Persistent vomiting
Diarrhea (often greasy or foul-smelling)
Loss of appetite
Lethargy and weakness
Abdominal pain (displayed by a hunched posture or reluctance to move)
Fever
Dehydration
Distended or bloated abdomen
Severe cases can lead to life-threatening complications, including organ failure, if not addressed promptly.
Preventing Pancreatitis in Dogs
Although pancreatitis cannot always be entirely prevented, several measures can help reduce the risk of occurrence:
Maintain a Low-Fat Diet:
Feed your dog a well-balanced, low-fat diet as recommended by your veterinarian.
Avoid giving table scraps, fatty treats, or processed human foods such as bacon and fried items.
If your dog has a history of pancreatitis, consider switching to a prescription diet specifically formulated for pancreatic health.
Proper Portion Control and Weight Management:
Obesity increases the risk of pancreatitis, so it is important to maintain an ideal body weight.
Regular veterinary check-ups to monitor weight and adjust diet accordingly.
Regular Exercise:
Physical activity helps to regulate metabolism and maintain a healthy weight.
Daily walks and playtime can contribute to overall well-being.
Gradual Dietary Transitions:
Sudden dietary changes can upset the digestive system and trigger pancreatitis.
Introduce new foods gradually over several days to allow the digestive system to adjust.
Avoid Dangerous Foods and Toxins:
Keep garbage and rich, fatty foods out of reach.
Be cautious with feeding leftovers, especially during festive seasons when high-fat foods are more common.
Medication Awareness:
If your dog is on long-term medications, discuss potential side effects with your veterinarian to assess their impact on pancreatic health.
Managing Pancreatitis in Dogs
If your dog is diagnosed with pancreatitis, treatment will focus on relieving symptoms and preventing further complications. Common management strategies include:
Supportive Care:
Hospitalization for intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration.
Pain relief medications and anti-nausea drugs to ease discomfort.
Dietary Changes:
Transitioning to a bland, easily digestible, low-fat diet to ease pancreatic workload.
Gradual reintroduction of regular food under veterinary guidance.
Rest and Monitoring:
Limit physical activity to allow the body to recover.
Monitor for signs of recurrence and report any concerns to your veterinarian promptly.
Long-term Management:
Dogs with chronic pancreatitis may require lifelong dietary modifications and regular check-ups.
Conclusion
Pancreatitis in dogs is a serious condition that requires careful attention to diet and lifestyle. By maintaining a healthy weight, providing a low-fat diet, and avoiding unnecessary dietary risks, pet owners can significantly reduce the likelihood of their dogs developing pancreatitis. Early detection and intervention are crucial to ensuring a good prognosis and maintaining your dog’s quality of life. If you suspect your dog is showing signs of pancreatitis, seek veterinary care immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Human Foods That Are Toxic to Dogs and Cats
As pet parents, it’s natural to want to share the joy of a tasty meal with our furry friends. Those pleading eyes and wagging tails (or soft purrs) can make it hard to resist slipping them a piece of food from your plate. However, not all human foods are safe for our pets. In fact, many can be highly toxic, causing severe illness or even death in dogs and cats. Understanding which foods pose a danger is critical to keeping your beloved companions healthy and happy.
1. Chocolate
Chocolate tops the list of toxic foods for both dogs and cats. It contains theobromine and caffeine, substances that pets cannot metabolize effectively. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate have the highest levels of these compounds and are the most dangerous.
Symptoms of chocolate poisoning: Vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, seizures, and in severe cases, death. Even a small amount of chocolate can be harmful to pets, so keep it far out of reach.
2. Onions, Garlic, and Chives
Allium species—including onions, garlic, leeks, and chives—are toxic to dogs and cats. These foods can damage red blood cells, leading to anemia. Whether raw, cooked, powdered, or dried, they pose a risk.
Symptoms of allium poisoning: Weakness, lethargy, pale gums, reduced appetite, and reddish or brown urine. Symptoms might not appear immediately and can develop over a few days.
3. Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins can cause acute kidney failure in dogs and, to a lesser extent, cats. While the exact toxic compound is unknown, even small amounts can lead to serious health issues.
Symptoms of grape or raisin toxicity: Vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, and signs of kidney failure, such as increased thirst and urination.
4. Xylitol
Xylitol is a sugar substitute commonly found in sugar-free gum, candies, baked goods, and some peanut butters. It causes a rapid release of insulin in dogs, leading to a dangerous drop in blood sugar levels. It may also cause liver failure.
Symptoms of xylitol poisoning: Vomiting, loss of coordination, seizures, and in severe cases, liver damage and death. Cats are less commonly affected but should still avoid xylitol.
5. Alcohol
Even small amounts of alcohol can be dangerous to pets. Alcohol affects pets’ liver and brain similarly to humans but has a much stronger impact due to their smaller size and different metabolism.
Symptoms of alcohol poisoning: Vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, tremors, and low body temperature. In severe cases, alcohol poisoning can be fatal.
6. Avocado
Avocado contains a substance called persin, which can be toxic to dogs and cats in large amounts. While the flesh of the avocado is less dangerous, the pit, skin, and leaves contain higher concentrations of persin and are choking hazards as well.
Symptoms of avocado poisoning: Vomiting, diarrhea, and, in some cases, fluid accumulation around the heart.
7. Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts are highly toxic to dogs, though the exact reason why remains unclear. Even a small amount can cause severe symptoms. Cats are less commonly affected but should still avoid them.
Symptoms of macadamia nut poisoning: Weakness, vomiting, tremors, hyperthermia, and difficulty walking.
8. Caffeine
Coffee, tea, energy drinks, and other caffeinated products can be dangerous for pets. Caffeine is a stimulant that affects pets much more intensely than humans.
Symptoms of caffeine toxicity: Restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, muscle tremors, and seizures. Severe cases can result in death.
9. Dairy Products
While not necessarily toxic, many dogs and cats are lactose intolerant, meaning they have difficulty digesting milk and other dairy products. Feeding them dairy can lead to gastrointestinal upset.
Symptoms of lactose intolerance: Diarrhea, gas, and stomach pain. Consider lactose-free options or specially formulated pet treats instead.
10. Raw Dough
Raw bread dough containing yeast can be extremely dangerous to pets. When ingested, the dough can expand in their stomach, causing bloating and discomfort. The fermentation process also produces alcohol, leading to additional risks.
Symptoms of raw dough ingestion: Bloating, vomiting, disorientation, and signs of alcohol poisoning.
How to Protect Your Pets
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Educate Yourself: Familiarize yourself with toxic foods and make sure everyone in your household is aware.
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Store Foods Securely: Keep harmful foods in places your pets cannot access, such as high cabinets or sealed containers.
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Be Careful During Holidays: Holidays often involve rich foods and treats that can tempt pets. Inform guests not to feed table scraps to your animals.
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Read Labels: Check for ingredients like xylitol in processed foods, especially peanut butter and sugar-free products.
What to Do If Your Pet Eats Something Toxic
If you suspect your pet has consumed a toxic food, act quickly:
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Contact your veterinarian or an emergency pet poison hotline immediately. Time is critical in preventing severe consequences.
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Provide as much information as possible, including the type of food, the amount consumed, and the approximate time of ingestion.
Conclusion
While it can be tempting to share your favorite snacks with your furry friends, it’s essential to prioritize their health by keeping harmful foods out of their reach. Stick to pet-safe treats and consult your veterinarian for advice on appropriate snacks for your dog or cat. With proper awareness and precautions, you can keep your pets safe and ensure they live long, healthy lives.If you have any questions or concerns regarding your pet’s nutrition, please reach out to us at Petvise Animal Hospital in McKinney, Texas.

