Toxicology

Dr. Katie Gane examines a dog

Our homes abound with toxins that could harm our pets, from chocolate to spring lilies to the forgotten rodenticide in the garage. Therefore, emergency veterinary clinics see a steady stream of toxicity cases, and the…
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an older dog lying on the floor

Do CBD Supplements for Pets Work?

November 07, 2025

Now that a majority of states have legalized medical, and in many cases recreational, marijuana, veterinary emergency rooms are seeing more cases of pets with accidental exposure to marijuana. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the cannabinoid in marijuana…
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An open medication bottle on the floor with a dog visible in the background

Never Give Medications for People to Pets

September 19, 2025

If your pet is hurting, it may be tempting to slip two acetaminophen tablets into some peanut butter or wet food. After all, that’s what the bottle tells you to do, right? In reality, medications…
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pet rabbit lying on bamboo mat

Keep Flea Products Away from Rabbits

July 06, 2023

As every rabbit owner knows, pet rabbits can be quite curious and sometimes quite mischievous. That’s why it is extremely important for owners not to leave anything harmful or toxic in areas that the rabbit…
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spooky dog on Halloween

Protect Pets from Halloween Hazards

October 13, 2022

You may love Halloween tricks and treats, but your furry friend most likely needs extra oversight during the celebration. Dr. Canaan Shores, a veterinarian at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital, sees dogs and…
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[bearded dragon looks at night sky]

Lightning Bugs Toxic to Bearded Dragons

August 16, 2022

It’s fun to spend a summer night catching and releasing lightning bugs, right? Well, not if you are a bearded dragon. Dr. Krista Keller, a board-certified specialist in zoological medicine at the University of Illinois…
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[dog in vampire cape before full moon]

Prevent Halloween Hazards for Pets

October 26, 2021

Halloween may be the spookiest night of the year, but there’s no reason it needs to be the scariest. The emergency medicine team at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital offers advice for avoiding…
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[dog in front of holiday decor]

Keep Pets Safe from Holiday Hazards

November 15, 2020

Most Problems Can Be Prevented No one knows better than a veterinarian who staffs the emergency room that the holidays can be fraught with hazards for pets. Luckily, most of the dangers can easily be…
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