Okka Steel - Staffordshire Bull Terriers

04/08/2025

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16/05/2025

Mold in Pet Food: A Hidden Danger

Pet food manufacturers worldwide are facing a growing challenge—controlling mold contamination in both dry and canned foods. This issue has led to numerous lawsuits linked to pet illnesses and deaths.

One of the most dangerous mold byproducts is aflatoxin, a potent fungal toxin. When pets consume food with unsafe levels of aflatoxins, they are at high risk for poisoning. These toxins can damage vital organs, suppress the immune system, and have even been linked to an increased risk of liver cancer.

A Natural Defense: Carrots 🥕

An easy and natural way to support your pet’s defense against aflatoxins is by incorporating apiaceous vegetables, such as carrots, into their diet. Carrots contain unique compounds called polyacetylenes, which help detoxify harmful substances—including aflatoxins.

While completely eliminating aflatoxins from a dog’s system can be challenging, carrots can support your pet’s metabolism and help process and neutralize these toxins more effectively.

💡 How to Serve Carrots to Dogs:

Serve raw or cooked.

Use as training treats or mince and mix into meals.

Chop into bite-sized pieces suitable for your dog’s size.

Don’t discard the green tops—they’re rich in antioxidants and nutrients and safe to feed in moderation.

Protecting your pet starts with smart choices. Adding carrots to their diet is a simple yet powerful way to boost their health and resilience.

Lastly, it's a misconception that carrots are high in sugar. A medium raw carrot contains only 5.8 grams of carbohydrate. Making it non-starchy.

Glycemic Index measures how much some foods and drinks raise your blood sugar levels. It runs on a scale of 1 to 100. A score of 100 means the food has the same effect on your body as eating a type of sugar called glucose.

The lower the glycemic index (GI), the slower your blood sugar rises. Raw carrots have a GI of 16. The GI for boiled carrots ranges from 32 to 49. That puts carrots in the low glycemic food group:

Low glycemic index: 1-55
Medium glycemic index: 56-69
High glycemic index: 70 or higher

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09/10/2024

🚨Cane Toad Warning 🚨

As warm weather arrives, clinics in the area are experiencing a high number of cane toad toxicity's 😔. Cane toads secrete a potent toxin called bufotoxin, which can be harmful to dogs and cats. If your pet licks or eats a cane toad, quick action is essential!! See picture below for signs and symptoms.

❗️Immediate Steps to Take ❗
Remove the Toxin: Use a damp cloth or towel to wipe your pet’s gums, tongue, and the roof of their mouth. Avoid running water, as this can lead to choking.

Continue Wiping: Keep wiping for about 10 minutes, washing the cloth thoroughly between wipes.

Veterinary attention immediately: Early intervention is key to a positive outcome. If possible have someone with you who can continue wiping as you drive.

Preventing Cane Toad Poisoning
To minimize risks, keep your pets indoors or on a leash during the evening when cane toads are most active.

Handling Cane Toads
If you find a cane toad in your yard, remove pets and children from the area. For humane removal, consider using eugenol-based products. If unavailable, refrigerate the toad in a labeled container for 12 hours before freezing it.

If you suspect your pet has been poisoned, contact your local vet or emergency animal hospital immediately.

04/10/2024