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Pulse Oximeter Basics

A pulse oximeter, or pulse ox, is a device that estimates the amount of oxygen in the blood. Here’s what to know before using one.

Paws Off Xylitol; It's Dangerous for Dogs

Sugarless gum may contain xylitol, a class of sweetener known as sugar alcohol. Xylitol is present in many products and foods for human use, but can have devastating effects on your pet.

Food

Timely articles and multimedia content about food and food-safety.

Cosmetics

Consumer articles about cosmetics.

Medical Devices

Consumer articles about medical devices.

Drugs

Consumer articles about over-the-counter and prescription drugs.

Allergy Relief for Your Child

When a child’s sniffles and sneezes won’t go away for weeks, the cause might be allergies. The FDA regulates prescription and OTC medicines that offer allergy relief, plus allergen extracts to diagnose and treat allergies. Read and follow the directions when giving any medicine to children.

Your Animal Is Sick. Was It Something They Ate? Vet-LIRN May Be Able to Help

The FDA investigates foodborne illnesses for human foods and animal foods. FDA’s Vet-LIRN program can help your vet determine if the illness is a result of something your animal ate.

Beware of Ultraviolet Wands That Give Off Unsafe Levels of UV Radiation

Certain UV wands may cause injuries within seconds and alternative disinfection methods should be used. The FDA issued a safety communication alerting consumers about these products.

Traumatic Brain Injury: What to Know About Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can happen to anyone. And these types of injuries, even mild traumatic brain injuries (concussions), contribute to a substantial number of emergency room visits and can result in long term brain injuries and deaths.

Plan, Prepare and Protect Your Pet Before, During and After an Emergency

When it comes to planning for emergencies, pet owners should consider their pets too. With some simple preparations now, you can make sure your pet will be protected, safe and healthy, during and after any emergency.

My Dog Has Cancer: What Do I Need to Know?

Just as FDA reviews drugs for humans for safety and effectiveness before they can go on the market, the agency does the same for treatments for animals. Learn how FDA brings new oncology treatments to market and questions to ask your vet about your dog's cancer diagnosis.

Outsmarting Poison Ivy and Other Poisonous Plants

Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are a hazard year-round. Here are tips for preventing and treating the itchy rash and blisters.

FDA 101: Dietary Supplements

Dietary supplements can help improve health but can also have risks. Get the facts on supplements and how the FDA regulates them to help keep you safe.

Mixing Medications and Dietary Supplements Can Endanger Your Health

Dietary supplements may contain ingredients that can have strong effects in the body. Talk with a health care professional before taking supplements.

Bottled Water Everywhere: Keeping it Safe

Consumers drink billions of gallons of bottled water each year. Find out about FDA's role in ensuring that bottled water products are safe.

Weight Loss, Male Enhancement and Other Products Sold Online or in Stores May Be Dangerous

Consumers cannot be confident that certain products, including weight loss and male enhancement products, sold on online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay or in stores, are safe to use.

Secondhand (and Third-Hand) Smoke May Be Making Your Pet Sick

Secondhand and third-hand smoke may be making your pet dog, bird, cat, guinea pig, or fish sick.

Is My Dog or Cat a Healthy Weight? Important Questions to Ask the Vet

Just as obesity has become a serious problem in people, it's also a growing problem in pets, one that can seriously harm your pet's health.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Get the Facts

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) devices only considered safe and effective for certain conditions. The FDA recommends you use a HBOT device under the care of a doctor and in a hospital or facility that has hyperbaric accreditation.