Know When to Feast and When to Fret: Foods Toxic to Pets
1.0 CE Credit Hour / Renee Schmid, DVM, DABT, DABVT
Renee Schmid, DVM, DABT, DABVT
Renee Schmid, DVM, DABT, DABVT, is the Director, Veterinary Medicine, Pet Poison Helpline and Senior Veterinary Toxicologist for Pet Poison Helpline/SafetyCall International. Dr. Schmid graduated from Kansas State University and is a Diplomate of both the American Board of Toxicology and American Board of Veterinary Toxicology. While at Pet Poison Helpline, Dr. Schmid has had the opportunity to manage thousands of cases involving animal poisonings. In addition, she has presented on various toxins and leadership at both state, regional and national conferences as well as national webinars. Dr. Schmid has published scientific book chapters on a variety of toxins and general poisoning therapies and numerous peer-reviewed scientific articles. Dr. Schmid also serves on the Editorial Advisory Board for dvm360 and is a peer reviewer for various veterinary medical journals.
Overview:
Are you “hungry” for some practical toxicology tips? This flavorful session serves up a comprehensive review of common foods that can be hazardous to dogs, cats, and birds. From chocolate and grapes to xylitol, onions, avocado, and unbaked bread dough, participants will explore the mechanisms of toxicity, clinical signs, and treatment strategies for each “culinary culprit.” The lecture will also include species-specific sensitivities, prognosis considerations, and communication tips for educating clients on prevention. Whether you’re in general practice or emergency care, you’ll leave better equipped to recognize and manage food-related toxicities in your patients.
Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:
- Identify common human foods that are toxic to dogs, cats, and birds.
- Explain the mechanisms of toxicity and describe characteristic clinical signs associated with each food toxin.
- Differentiate species-specific responses and assess risk factors influencing severity of toxicosis.
- Apply evidence-based treatment protocols to manage affected patients effectively.
- Develop client education strategies to promote prevention and early recognition of food-related toxicities.
This course is RACE-approved for 1.0 continuing education credits hours in jurisdictions that accept RACE-approval.
