Anti-inflammatory Side Effects

Pets are often prescribed anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) to help relieve the pain following surgery, dentals or long term for pets with chronic conditions such as arthritis. These products can provide very effective pain relief, but are not advised for pets with kidney, liver, or stomach issues. Only your veterinarian is able to choose the right anti-inflammatory for your pet.

If your pet has been prescribed anti-inflammatories, it is important to monitor your pet closely for any side effects such as:
- vomiting
- diarrhea (with or without blood)
- inappetence
- tense abdomen
- black stools
- drinking a lot
- urinating a lot
- pale gums

Notify your veterinary hospital immediately if you notice any of these signs.

And NEVER use human NSAIDs on your pets!

Prevention of serious NSAID problems
- Monitor for signs
- Visit the veterinarian regularly i.e. every 3-6 months
- Have blood tests done at vet visits to pick up early signs of kidney or liver problems
- Keep to the prescribed dose (Increasing the NSAID dose does not necessarily provide more pain relief)
- Notify the veterinarian of all other medications your pet is on. Other drugs such as Corticosteroids (used for allergy relief) and Aspirin can cause serious drug reactions.

Beware of Christmas Plants

Christmas plants are those that are often used to decorate the homes during the festive season.

Toxic Plants:
- English Holly
- American Mistletoe
- Poinsietta
- Christmas Tree Preservatives

Aerosols and Pets

Unfortunately I saw a case recently of fatal pneumonia in a cat after a pair of shoes were sprayed with a water repellant aerosol in the same room as the cat.

Aerosols may contain substances that can be toxic to your pets when inhaled. Domestic pets are likely to be more severely affected than people due to their smaller body sizes and lung volumes.


Here's some simple tips to follow if you are unsure if your aerosol may be harmful:

• Try to use the aerosol outdoors if possible
• Never use the aerosol in the same room as your pet
• Ventilate the room well before allowing your pets back into the room