General FAQ’s

Pet guardians often ask these common questions:

What plants are toxic for cats?

More than 700 plants have been identified as toxic to cats, including common house plants like: azaleas, daffodils, chrysanthemums, hyacinth, tulips, lilies, aloe, asparagus fern, American holly, corn plants, elephant ear, cyclamen, heartleaf philodendron, and jade. For a list of toxic and non-toxic plants for cats, visit ASPCA’s page.

If you think your cat has ingested a poisonous substance, contact Fishtown Animal Hospital or your local emergency veterinary hospital immediately.

What plants are toxic for dogs?

While some plants can just give your dog diarrhea, there are others that are extremely poisonous and can cause serious problems, like liver damage. The most common poisonous plants for dogs include sago palms, tulips, cyclamen, jimsonweed, Lily of the Valley, hemlock, oleander, philodendrons, mistletoe, rhododendron, dumbcane, and English Ivy. For a list of toxic and non-toxic plants for dogs, visit ASPCA’s page.

If you think your dog has ingested a poisonous substance, contact Fishtown Animal Hospital or your local emergency veterinary hospital immediately.

What foods are toxic for cats and dogs?

There are dozens of household foods that are toxic for pets and should never be ingested, including: chocolate, cherries, onions, garlic, mushrooms, grapes, raisins, alcohol, yeast products, macadamia nuts, and cooked bones. Visit ASPCA’s page for more information on toxic foods.

If you think your cat or dog has ingested a poisonous substance, contact Fishtown Animal Hospital or your local emergency veterinary hospital immediately.

How do I know if my pet’s signs indicate an emergency?

Signs that indicate an emergency include: the inability to urinate, bleeding, a bloated hard abdomen, excessive vomiting or diarrhea, seizures, unconsciousness, sudden changes in respiration, and the inability to stand up.

Other signs of illness should be checked by a veterinarian within 24 hours.

What should I do if my cat is not urinating? Or urinating outside the box?

If your cat is unable to urinate, call Fishtown Animal Hospital right away. Urinary obstructions in cats are life-threatening emergencies and can be fatal if not taken care of immediately.

Can you help with dog training?

Although we don’t have dog training facilities on site, we can refer you to one of our partners in the local Philadelphia area. Contact us for more information.

How can I travel with my pet if he/she is nauseous or scared?

If your pet doesn’t travel well in the car, let us know ahead of time and we can prescribe something to help your pet calm down in the car. Many of these medications can be administered 30 minutes to an hour before the trip, and help reduce travel-related anxiety and fear.

I need to make an extended trip away from home and I have made arrangements for my pet to join me. I'll be flying to my destination. What do I need to consider?

A successful flight with a pet begins long before the day of travel. It requires planning and preparation in order to make the experience as enjoyable as possible for both you and your companion animal.

First, confirm that your cat or dog can travel in the airplane cabin under the seat in front of you. Determine what paperwork you must have in preparation for travel, including vaccination records and a health certificate.

Secondly, acquire your pet’s travel carrier well in advance of your trip. It can be helpful to ‘crate train’ your dog or cat to get him/her more comfortable with the carrier prior to your trip. Finally, schedule a visit with your veterinarian close to the date of travel to ensure a clean bill of health before you go (some airlines require a valid health certificate).

How do I find the most up-to-date information on pet food recalls?

Visit the FDA Recalls & Withdrawals page for the latest information on pet food recalls.

What should I do if I find a stray animal?

First, check for a collar or name tag with phone number or other contact information. If there is no collar or name tag, take the animal to a local veterinarian for a microchip scan.

If the animal is microchipped, the vet will contact the microchip company to locate the owner.

Do I need pet insurance?

Pet insurance helps you avoid unexpected vet bills. Just like people, pets get sick sometimes, and every pet guardian wants to provide the best care possible. You want to make the best decision for your pet regardless of costs – that’s where pet insurance comes in. Compare pet insurance plans to find the right fit for your pet’s needs.

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