Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital’s Blog

Household flies are a nuisance for many of us, especially in the summertime. But when it comes to our pets, these sky raisins are particularly interesting.

You have probably seen your cat or dog swat or chomp at flies, and, of course, gobble them up like they are a tasty snack. Since cats and dogs are instinctual hunters, this tiny prey may seem like an easy bit of nutrition for them, even though it is gross to us.

The question we at Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital often get from pet owners is why pets eat flies and is it safe for them to do so. You are in luck. We are here to explain this airborne fixation for your best friend.

Like other chemical-containing products found around the house, vaping devices should be kept out of reach of pets. E-cigarettes contain chemical concoctions that may include nicotine, formaldehyde, propylene glycol, glycerin, and THC (the active compound found in marijuana)—and the inhalation or ingestion of these substances can be extremely harmful to animals. 

The birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming, and your home is starting to have a layer of winter dust that might be making you itch to reach for the cleaning products. Spring is in the air and so is the need to clean your home to welcome the new season. Unfortunately, there are a lot of ingredients in common cleaning products that are dangerous for animals. Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital wants to help you learn about spring cleaning pet safety so you can have a spotless home without harming your furry friends.

People who love to care for pets often love to care for plants. Although these caregiver instincts are pure, not all plants and pets can coexist peacefully and safely. Unfortunately, there are certain plants that are poisonous to our four-legged friends. There are indoor and outdoor toxic plants for pets, which means it is important to do some research before adding some flora and fauna to your home decor.

Knowing what plants you have in your home and yard is a crucial step to avoid an accidental pet poisoning. Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital wants to help you eliminate the risk to your pet while still satisfying your green thumb. Keep reading to check out our tips on avoiding these dangerous plants.

Gardening is on most people’s minds right now. While always a wonderful hobby with plenty of life-sustaining impact, planting seeds and starts is now a way toward food safety and stability. Luckily, our plant hardiness zone (9b) allows for a long growing season, full of sunshine and warmth. 

But beyond food, we all need pops of color to brighten the front porch, landscaping beds, and the backyard. With our guide to pet-friendly flowers, your house will not only make your neighborhood a happy place to be but will keep your pets healthy and safe.

So.Much.Sniffing.

Pets just cannot help themselves when it comes to their own yard and garden (and let’s face it, your neighbor’s properties, as well). They simply revel in the scents and sensations that abound in spring and summer.

When a pet comes in after eating something poisonous, many owners are surprised. Not just by the fact that their pets ate something they shouldn’t have, but also because it’s something the owner never knew would cause harm.

Toxic foods and substances, along with plants, are not as uncommon in the home and yard as you might think. Since your cat is endlessly curious and your dog works a side job as a vacuum cleaner, it is no surprise that pet poisonings occur by the thousands each year. 

Your team at Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital wants to help owners understand some of the signs of toxicity, as well as these unusual things that can be poisonous to your cat or dog. 

There has been a lot of attention given to the dangers of vaping for those who thought it to be a safe alternative to cigarettes. As we now know, vaping and its byproducts have the power to harm through the inhalation of chemicals. While the spotlight has been on the impact on humans, there should also be more focus on its risks to pets.

If you have wondered about the risk of exposure, we are here to answer some questions about vaping around pets.

When you think of pet toxins, items like antifreeze and chocolate probably come to mind. Those things are definitely high on the list of “no-no’s” when it comes to your pet, but one of the most dangerous pet toxins can be found in your pantry, fridge, or medicine cabinet without you even realizing it.

Xylitol, a popular sugar substitute, is found in everything from cough drops to peanut butter to toothpaste, and it doesn’t take much to severely affect or even kill a pet. Keep reading to find out more about xylitol poisoning and what you can do to prevent it.

Spring is in the air, and thoughts are turning towards all things green – the lawn, the garden, the shrubs and flowers, and all the fulfilling work that goes along with keeping those living things beautiful. Unfortunately, encouraging new growth while keeping unwanted plants and insects at bay often involves the use of chemicals that can put pets at risk.

The entire month of March is dedicated to poison awareness, and the Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital team wants to make sure pet owners are aware of the most common outdoor pet toxins, and know how to protect their pets.

No one wants mice, rats, gophers, or other critters invading their home or yard. Rodenticides are chemicals used to kill these small animals, but unfortunately, anything that can kill a rodent can also kill a dog or cat.

Rodenticide poisoning in pets is a serious problem, and the team at Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital wants to make sure pet owners know how to protect their furry companions.