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22 results for “irregular heartbeat”
Can You Brush Your Dog’s Teeth With Human Toothpaste?
Never brush a dog's teeth with human toothpaste. Many human formulas contain ingredients toxic to dogs, especially fluoride and xylitol. Dogs swallow the foam instead of rinsing, so toxins build up: fluoride can cause vomiting, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, and over time kidney and nerve damage, while xylitol is far worse, just 0.1 g per kg of body weight triggers severe low blood sugar and 0.5 g/kg can cause acute liver failure. Mint flavors also make dogs resist brushing. Use a pet toothpaste (look for VOHC approval), brush at least three times a week, and see a vet for red, bleeding gums or worsening breath, which may mean periodontitis.
Is Inhalation Anesthesia Safe for Dogs?
Dogs are usually anesthetized by inhalation or injection, and inhalation anesthesia is generally the safer choice because it places less burden on the organs. It costs more, though, and its effect is shorter, so it is less suited to very long surgeries where the dog might wake and struggle. Any anesthesia carries risk because it depresses heart, lung, liver, and kidney function, so the method should match the dog's pre-operative readings and health. Dogs with metabolic or liver and kidney issues are often better with inhalation. Watch for post-anesthetic reactions like acute kidney failure, irregular heartbeat, temperature swings, and airway blockage in flat-faced breeds.
Toad Poisoning in Dogs and Cats
Toad poisoning occurs when dogs or cats bite toads or lick toad eggs, skin secretions, or venom on wounds. Signs include heavy drooling, vomiting, irregular heartbeat, and seizures. Immediate flushing of the mouth and urgent veterinary treatment are critical.
Hyperthyroidism in Dogs and Cats
Hyperthyroidism is excess thyroid hormone from a thyroid tumor or hyperplasia that raises metabolism and nerve excitability. It causes weight loss with increased appetite, a fast or irregular heartbeat, and hyperactivity, and is managed with antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine, or surgery.
What Causes Sepsis in Dogs and How Is It Treated?
Dog sepsis happens when bacteria such as Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, or E. coli multiply in the blood and release toxins, causing body-wide infection. Large skin wounds, bacterial diarrhea, purulent peritonitis, or open fractures can all trigger it. Early signs include fever, lost appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, rapid breathing, dilated pupils, and abnormal heartbeat. The sooner treatment starts, the better the odds, so see a vet at once if these appear. Treatment uses culture-guided antibiotics, nutritional support, symptomatic care, and restoring acid-base balance.
Bee and Wasp Stings in Dogs and Cats
Bee and wasp stings inject venom that causes local swelling, pain, and bruising. Severe reactions can bring collapse, breathing failure, and even death. Removing the stinger and veterinary care for whole-body signs are key.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Dogs and Cats
Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when pets breathe gas from faulty heaters, car exhaust, or confined smoke. It binds to blood and starves tissues of oxygen, causing vomiting, weakness, bright-red gums, seizures, and coma. Move the pet to fresh air and get veterinary help at once.
Chlorpromazine Poisoning in Dogs and Cats
Chlorpromazine, a phenothiazine sedative, depresses the brain when overdosed, causing low temperature, agitation, coma and skin reactions. Stopping the drug and supportive care with a respiratory stimulant are the main steps.
Sodium Fluoroacetate Poisoning in Dogs and Cats
Sodium fluoroacetate is a deadly rodenticide that, like fluoroacetamide, blocks cellular energy production and strikes the brain and heart. Signs include vomiting, incoordination, wild running, seizures and rapid death.
Fluoroacetamide Poisoning in Dogs and Cats
Fluoroacetamide is a highly toxic rodenticide that blocks the citric-acid cycle, hitting the brain and heart hardest. Poisoned pets vomit, lose control of bladder and bowels, then convulse and may die within minutes to hours.