Author
Gilbert Jones
Dog owner and creator of Pet Primer. I write every article and grade every claim. I’m not a veterinarian, so I lean on published research, veterinary reference works and poison-control data, and link to all of it.
What I write about
Everyday dog and cat care: food safety, behaviour, myths and seasonal risks.
How I check things
Each claim is graded from Strong to Not supported. See the method.
Corrections
Found a mistake? Email petprimer.care@gmail.com and I’ll review it.
Articles by Gilbert (11)
Halloween sweets and pets: chocolate, xylitol and wrappers
The two big Halloween risks for dogs are chocolate and xylitol, the sweetener in sugar-free gum and sweets. Xylitol can drop a dog’s blood sugar within 30 minutes. Keep the sweet bowl out of reach, and call a vet or pet poison line straight away if your dog gets into it.
Fireworks and Bonfire Night: helping a scared dog or cat
About one in five dogs is strongly afraid of fireworks, and the fear tends to grow with age. Plan ahead: settle pets indoors before dark, give them a hiding place, mask the noise, and let them choose whether to hide or come to you. If your pet panics every year, talk to your vet before the season starts.
Can dogs eat grapes or raisins?
No. Grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs, and there is no known safe amount. If your dog eats any, call your vet or a pet poison line straight away, before signs appear.
Is chocolate dangerous for dogs?
Yes. Chocolate contains theobromine, which dogs clear very slowly. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is. Cocoa powder and baking chocolate are the worst, white chocolate has very little.
A warm, dry nose means your dog is sick
Not true. A dog’s nose changes temperature and wetness through the day. A healthy dog can have a warm, dry nose and a sick dog can have a cold, wet one. Look at eating, drinking, energy and behaviour instead.
Dogs only see in black and white
Not true. Dogs see colour, just fewer colours than we do. They see blues and yellows well, while reds and greens look dull, greyish or brownish to them.
Are lilies dangerous for cats?
Yes, very. True lilies and daylilies can cause kidney failure in cats. Every part is toxic, including the pollen and the water in the vase. If your cat touches or chews one, get to a vet straight away.
Why does my cat eat grass?
Grass eating is normal for cats. Most cats that do it are not sick beforehand, and most don’t throw up afterward. Researchers think it is an inherited habit that may once have helped wild cats clear gut parasites.
Milk is good for cats
Not really. Cats don’t need milk, and many adult cats can’t digest the lactose in cow’s milk, which can cause diarrhoea. Fresh water is all a cat needs to drink.
Cats always land on their feet, so falls don’t hurt them
Cats are very good at twisting to land feet first, but falls still injure them badly. Vets see so many falls from windows and balconies that it has a name: high-rise syndrome. Screens on windows and balconies prevent it.
Why does my dog eat grass?
In my experience, grass eating has been a normal mix of instinct, taste, digestion help and boredom. Talk to a vet if your dog eats large amounts or seems unwell.