General FAQ’s

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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

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.

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.