Our Expert: Dr. Tina Wismer
Why Laundry Detergent, Pods Are Dangerous to Pets
By Dr. Tina Wismer | December 4, 2014Laundry detergent pods (single-use laundry packs) have been in the news recently for causing poisonings in children who, attracted by the bright, candylike packaging, ingest them. These pods…View Full Post ›
Lotions, Creams and Prescription Medications: Should My Pet Be Licking Me?
By Dr. Tina Wismer | October 6, 2014Why does my dog lick me after I apply lotion? It's a common question veterinarians are asked. Many dogs and cats appear to like the taste of lotions (especially if the lotions are…View Full Post ›
Why Wild Mushrooms Are Dangerous to Dogs and Cats
By Dr. Tina Wismer | August 18, 2014Dr. Tina Wismer is the medical director of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center in Urbana, Illinois. She is board certified by both the American Board of Toxicology and American Board of…View Full Post ›
5 Common Mushrooms That Can Poison Your Pet
By Dr. Tina Wismer | May 28, 2014Mushroom poisoning in pets may be underestimated. Mushroom species can be difficult to nearly impossible for even mushroom experts (called mycologists) to identify. That difficulty is compounded…View Full Post ›
Marijuana and Dogs and Cats: A Risky Combination
By Dr. Tina Wismer | March 4, 2014Marijuana exposure in pets, as reported to the ASPCA’s Poison Control Hotline, is becoming more frequent. Since 2009, calls reporting marijuana exposure have steadily risen by 50 percent.…View Full Post ›
8 Plants That Are Poisonous to Cats and Dogs
By Dr. Tina Wismer | January 15, 2014Many common plants, both in the house and the yard, can be toxic to our pets, including some that can still be found this time of year, either because they are being brought in from outside or…View Full Post ›
Salmonella and Pet Food Recalls
By Dr. Tina Wismer | December 13, 2013It seems like the news is constantly full of stories about pet food recalls. Most recently, we've been hearing a lot about recalls due to salmonella contamination. Food recalls can occur…View Full Post ›
How to Keep Pets Safe From Cold-Weather Hazards
By Dr. Tina Wismer | October 18, 2013Cool, crisp weather brings the potential for new toxins for your pets to encounter. Let’s briefly review some of the seasonal risks you need to be aware of in order to keep your pet…View Full Post ›
Use Your "Spidey Sense" to Keep Pets Away From These Arachnids
By Dr. Tina Wismer | August 20, 2013Spiders are everywhere! There are over 30,000 species of spiders in the world. The good news, though, is that in most cases, spider bites cause little more than local pain and inflammation. Most…View Full Post ›
Things That Bite and Sting: Beware the Insects of Summer
By Dr. Tina Wismer | June 24, 2013Summertime means picnics and outdoor living… as well as bees, wasps, hornets, fire ants and other biting, stinging bugs that can make life miserable. Various members of the insect…View Full Post ›
Aromatherapy: Relaxation or Torment for Pets?
By Dr. Tina Wismer | March 7, 2013Many of us love the smell of lavender, cinnamon or jasmine, but what about our pets? Aromatherapy has been touted to reduce anxiety, enhance energy and induce relaxation in people. But there…View Full Post ›
How to Keep Your Lawn and Garden Green, Bug-Free — and Pet Safe
By Dr. Tina Wismer | September 4, 2012Spring, summer and fall are times when most homeowners lavish lots of TLC on their lawns and gardens with herbicides, mulches and fertilizers. It’s also when lots of friendly and not-so-friendly…View Full Post ›
