Our Expert: Dr. Tina Wismer
Bulbs, Corms, Tubers and Rhizomes: What Potential Toxins Are Lurking Below the Soil?
By Dr. Tina Wismer | April 6, 2017Springtime flowers are beautiful, but some are potentially dangerous to our pets. The "bulb" plants can be toxic. Botanically speaking, flower bulbs come in many forms: true bulbs, corms, tubers,…View Full Post ›
Keep the Joy in Your Holiday Season by Avoiding These Pet Hazards
By Dr. Tina Wismer | December 19, 2016The holidays are stressful enough without having to make an unscheduled trip to the veterinarian. Prevention is key! Here are some hazards to be on guard against in order to help keep your pet…View Full Post ›
Keep Pets Away from These Common OTC Supplements
By Dr. Tina Wismer | November 10, 2016As over-the-counter (OTC) supplements have become more popular, more cats and dogs are getting into them. In 2015, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center received 28,523 calls regarding…View Full Post ›
Marijuana Intoxication in Pets Is on the Rise
By Dr. Tina Wismer | August 23, 2016Over the past few years there has been an increase in the number of pets intoxicated by marijuana presented to veterinary clinics. It is unknown if this is truly an increase in cases, if people…View Full Post ›
Beware Toads That Can Poison Cats and Dogs
By Dr. Tina Wismer | July 12, 2016Contrary to the old wives’ tales, toads won’t give you warts, but they may poison your pet. While there are many species of toads, toxicity is largely dependent on the species that live in…View Full Post ›
Beware the Biting, Stinging Insects of Summer
By Dr. Tina Wismer | June 9, 2016Summertime often means more time outside…and also more bees, wasps, hornets and other bugs that bite and sting and can make life miserable not just for us, but also our pets. There are various…View Full Post ›
Do Essential Oils Pose a Risk to Pets?
By Dr. Tina Wismer | May 26, 2016While you may find that using essential oils, like lavender or eucalyptus, for aromatherapy helps you relax, it’s important to keep in mind that these oils can also pose safety risks to pets and…View Full Post ›
7 Common Home Repair Dangers for Pets
By Dr. Tina Wismer | April 13, 2016Spring is here, which means it's home repair season. Perhaps you’re itching to finally repaint your living room or maybe you’re getting ready to replace the tile in your guest bathroom. Whatever…View Full Post ›
Lead Poisoning: Still a Concern for Pets
By Dr. Tina Wismer | April 6, 2016While lead poisonings have become somewhat less common over the years due to greater awareness, I am amazed at all the ways pets still consume this substance and where it can be found in…View Full Post ›
10 Spring Plants That Are Dangerous for Pets
By Dr. Tina Wismer | March 24, 2016Spring has finally sprung — but some of the flowers and plants growing in your garden or blooming in your vases could cause serious harm to your pet. As a veterinary toxicologist for the ASPCA…View Full Post ›
A Warning to Dog Owners Who Use Inhalers
By Dr. Tina Wismer | November 10, 2015While cooler air and the smell of burning leaves are harbingers of fall in many parts of the country, they also usher in a time of increased risk of asthma attacks for many human sufferers of the…View Full Post ›
7 Fall Plant and Garden Dangers for Pets
By Dr. Tina Wismer | October 20, 2015Spring isn’t the only time pet owners need to worry about hazards in the garden and toxic plants — fall can be just as dangerous. As a veterinary toxicologist for the ASPCA Animal Poison Control…View Full Post ›