Clinique Veterinaire Mobile Plus

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Mild to moderate exposure to nicotine can occur when dogs or cats nibble on a nicotine patch, chew on nicotine gum, consume a cigarette or eat a small amount of loose tobacco left lying around the house. Unless they eat an entire pack of cigarettes, a whole bag of tobacco, a box of patches or pack of gum, the nicotine consumption is relatively low, though not completely harmless. E-cigarettes contain liquid nicotine that is similarly absorbed through the digestive system of pets, but can enter the body by other means as well. Liquid nicotine can be absorbed through the mucous membranes and skin of pets. These trans-mucosal routes of absorption bypass the liver so more nicotine reaches the bloodstream faster. That means the risk of nicotine poisoning is greater with e-cigarettes. For more complete information, you can read the following article on our resources page in the pet health section: “E-Cigarettes and Pet Safety”

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There is a large number of infections that can be passed between species, however, simple hygiene and common sense will drastically reduce if not eliminate the risk of zoonotic spread of disease. For more complete information, you can read the following article on our resources page in the pet health section: “Zoonotic Diseases in Dogs”

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Despite the huge variety in coat color, the two basic pigments that determine the color of canines are eumelanin (black) and phaeomelanin (red).  All different variations in color are created by these two pigments, which are both forms of melanin. For more complete information, you can read the following article on our resources page in the pet health section: “Genetics Basics – Coat Color Genetics in Dogs”

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There have been many theories as to why dogs do this, but very little research. However, in one study conducted at UC Davis University, researchers found that grass eating was common since 68% of dogs ate grass on a daily or weekly basis. Only 8% of dogs frequently showed signs of illness before eating grass and only 22% of dogs regularly vomited afterwards. In the grass eating dog population they found that it was the younger dogs who ate grass most frequently and they were less likely to appear sick before or to vomit afterwards. The research did find, however, that if a dog showed signs of illness before eating grass it was more likely to vomit afterwards.

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It is best to avoid giving any vegetable from the onion or garlic family. They cause irritation of the gastrointestinal tract and destruction of red blood cells which, depending on quantity consumed, leads to severe anemia. For more complete information, you can read the following article on our resources page in the pet health section: “Onion, Garlic, Chive, and Leek Toxicity in Dogs.”