Dr. Becker on ‘Good Morning America’: What you need for a pet-care emergency
By Pet Connection Staff
August 23, 2009
Your pet is sick. Do you have at hand what your veterinarian may advise you to use right now? Do you even know what you should have on hand?
Our Dr. Marty Becker, America’s veterinarian, will share the information on ABC-TV’s “Good Morning America” tomorrow morning (that’s Monday, Aug. 24).
Dr. Becker will share the list of common household items a veterinarian might ask you to use in a pet-health emergency. Beginning treatment correctly at home before you go to the veterinary hospital can make a life-saving difference.
If you can’t see the segment live, be sure to record it! We’ll link to it here when it’s up on the ABC-TV site, as well.
Dr. Tony Johnson, the PetConnection’s emergency care expert, helped Dr. Becker prepare for the appearance. Thanks, Dr. Tony!

Saw you on GMA for household items that can be used on pets or not. I am interested in the canned pumpkin for cat hairballs. I have a longhaired Tortishell who has trouble sometimes with hairballs. How much pumpkin to use and at what point? Thanks for your help.
Comment by Judy Guise — August 24, 2009 @ 7:05 am
listening to the recording again DOESN’T HELP ME.
I want a list of the things shown on the show and their uses. I don’t have perfect memory, people!!!!!!
Comment by rusti — August 24, 2009 @ 7:08 am
On GMA the articles mentioned like corn starch.
Pepto Bismol… ( wondered if it IS ok to give
Pepto Bismol and what strength to an 11 yr old
active lab. she has been eating grass. did throw
up what looked like her dog food. She had
diarhea yesterday. she is eating today.. boiled
hamburg/rice. and drinking water. I think she
needs a good bowel movement. ?? should i give
pepto bismol? thanks loved the GMA show this
a.m.
Comment by Geraldine Rennie — August 24, 2009 @ 8:53 am
This was a wonderful segment…we would also like to know how we can get in touch with the humane society…FeFe looks just like our rescue dog who died last year. We would appreciate any info since I called the humane society and went on line and was not able to find out more info on her. Thank yo so much for your time…DeeDee
Comment by Diane Scanlan — August 24, 2009 @ 9:36 am
The dogs used on the show are usually from the Humane Society of NY. And they’re usually snapped up right away, but if you’re in the NYC area there will surely be others in need of homes there.
In other areas, look on Petfinder.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — August 24, 2009 @ 12:43 pm
whatever happened to the list that you said was going to be online? need to know qty amount to use for size dog/cat. was a great subject inasmuch as my dog was bitten in early spring by a large copperhead and only a neighbors advice: apply ice, get to vet, and take snake with you (after killed).
Comment by Betty Lyle — August 24, 2009 @ 3:07 pm
Click on the links here.
http://www.petconnection.com/b.....emergency/
As for amounts, as Dr. Becker said on the show, you need to work with your veterinarian to get what’s right for your pet.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — August 24, 2009 @ 3:54 pm
I’d like the list to keep in case of emergency. What not to use…what’s ok in case you can’t get a hold of a vet. I’d like to keep it in my house and camper. I’ll sign a wavier so your not responsible…but can you provide a list. Thanks alot! :-) mj
Comment by mary jo — August 24, 2009 @ 5:04 pm
All I can say is that people need to make sure they either do their homework or consult a vet about proper home remedies so they treat their pet properly.
Comment by Jack Stepongzi — August 24, 2009 @ 5:57 pm
I have nine cats and have a hard time with some of them taking thier hairball medicine.How much canned pumkin should I give them and how often.TY
Comment by fonda terry — August 24, 2009 @ 6:04 pm
Hi folks … again, click for the “GMA” story, here:
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=8381413
For specific use guidelines for your pet, talk to your own veterinarian, as Dr. Becker advised on “Good Morning America.”
Comment by Gina Spadafori — August 24, 2009 @ 6:10 pm
I have to agree with Gina - most of the home remedies are best used with your pet’s regular veterinarian’s help and guidance. Treating at home means you are part of the process instead of a passive participant, but it doesn’t mean your vet is out of the picture.
On the pumpkin angle; you really can’t overdo it. As much as your cat finds palatable is OK, within reason. There is no specific dose. Don’t resort to forcing it down your cat’s gullet! A small amount added to your cat’s food will suffice. You can adjust the amount to produce the desired effect.
Comment by Dr. Tony Johnson — August 25, 2009 @ 6:46 am
Fifi was adorable. What kind of dog was she? Bichon Frise? Maltese? ???
Comment by Nan Miller — August 25, 2009 @ 8:09 am