General FAQs

Dr. Cuddles was created by Dr. Mat Glassman, a board certified veterinary surgeon looking to enable pet parents to care for their pets smarter & alleviate strain on the overburdened veterinary field. with pet first aid and hygiene products made with premium all-natural ingredients, our mission is to provide holistic wellness solutions to keep your pet feeling their best- at home! 

with a veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania College of Veterinary Medicine & board-certification in small animal surgery, veterinary medicine runs in Dr. Mat Glassman’s blood. quite literally- both of his parents are veterinarians! 

Dr. Glassman has spent much of his professional career at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, D.C., where he began his career in 2006 and returned in 2011 after his residency in surgery and orthopedic fellowship, to serve as the chief of surgery. over his career, he has authored numerous medical publications and book chapters, he’s been recognized with industry awards and continues to provide pro bono veterinary services to Lucky Dog Animal Rescue to help rescue animals with surgical problems get the care they need to find their forever families.

following 2 decades of experience in the veterinary field, Dr. Glassman continued to ask one question- what if veterinary grade pet care could be done better? and with that, Dr. Cuddles was born. 

our priority at Dr. Cuddles is to deliver top-notch, vet-crafted first aid and grooming products that help you tackle everyday pet parenthood with confidence- cuddles with your cat are a little…stinky? your pup cut their paw while playing? a whole tray of brownies vanished from the kitchen counter? we’ve got something for that! (foaming pet dry shampoo, heal-at-home wound gel, and ReadyRESCUE™to be exact 😉)

our holistic wellness portfolio offers first aid and grooming products help you level up your pet parent game without sacrificing quality of care or ease- no trade offs here.

what ingredients do you use in your products?

we pride ourselves in carefully hand-picking all ingredients to ensure that your pet gets only the best - meaning you’ll see a lot of  premium plant-based ingredients and food-grade extracts on our product labels. find the ingredients (& scientific research!) on each respective product page & if you ever have a question about what’s included, drop us a line at hello@drcuddles.com 

do your products contain preservatives, artificial ingredients or colors?

fluff no! all Dr. Cuddles products are always free from these nasties:

  • no palm oil
  • no parabens
  • no pegs
  • no sulfates
  • no artificial dyes

we believe that all pets deserve access to high quality products and medical care, especially those still looking for their furever families. with every purchase of Dr. Cuddles, we donate 5% of proceeds to rescue animal medical care, including supplies, surgeries, and monetary donations- which means that your order not only helps your pet, but supports the tail wag or purr of another. 

no, Dr. Cuddles isn’t a cheeky name for our founder, Dr. Glassman…in fact, Dr. Cuddles doesn’t refer to anyone!

we believe that quality pet care goes hand in hand with the love we all feel for our pets. cuddles may not be able to cure a cut, but when paired with a vet-crafted antibacterial (hey there, heal-at-home wound gel 😏), they do a whole lot of good. care for your pet the best way you know how - with research backed products, cuddles & kisses.

Do you provide free shipping?

Enjoy free shipping on order over $65. The standard shipping is a flat fee of $8.99 for orders below $65.

Where do you ship?

Dr. Cuddles currently ships to all 50 states within the United States.

Do you offer international shipping?

Unfortunately, we currently do not ship internationally, but international expansion is definitely on our mind. We hope our furry friends abroad will be able to try our products soon!

When will my order ship?

We process and ship orders Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Please allow 1-2 business days for orders to be processed before shipping. You will be notified via email or phone number when your order has shipped, along with a tracking number.

When will I receive my order?

Once processed, orders typically take 5 business days to arrive. If you’re in a rush, we also offer an expedited shipping option that will ensure your order arrives 1-3 business days.

What is your return and exchange policy?

We created Dr. Cuddles to keep our pets happy and healthy, but we also know that each pet has their own unique needs. Our biggest goal is to make sure every valued customer and furry friend who tries our products has a great experience. So, if for any reason, you or your pet are not happy with your order, we will be more than happy to process any returns or exchanges within 30 days upon receiving your order. Give us a woof at hello@drcuddles.com, and we will respond to your request within 24 hours so that we can get that mishap sorted out for you. Please note that items should be returned unused and in original packaging to be processed. Returns that are damaged or soiled by the customer may not be accepted.

How long does it take to process a return?

Please allow 5 business days for your refund to be processed after we receive your return.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major credit cards including Visa, American Express, Mastercard and Discover. We also accept Paypal and Shopify Pay.

When will my credit card be charged?

Your credit card will be charged as soon as your order is accepted and processed.

How can I change the shipping address for my order?

If your order is shipping to an incorrect address, please contact hello@drcuddles.com as soon as possible.

Can I make changes to my order after purchase?

Our fulfilment center works quickly, but we’ll do our best to address your request! Please email us at hello@drcuddles.com as soon as possible if you’d like to change or cancel your order.

How can I check the status of my order?

You can view your order status on your Account page, which is updated as soon as your payment is processed and again when your order ships.

My package says delivered, but I didn’t receive it.

Sometimes tracking information can be incorrect and packages are marked as delivered before they actually arrive. Your package will most likely arrive within a few days. If you do not receive your order in a couple of days, please contact our customer service team at hello@drcuddles.com with your order number and tracking information so that we may assist you further.

How do I track the delivery of my order?

Once your order has been processed and shipped, you will receive an email with a tracking number that you can use to follow your package’s journey to you.

What should I do if my order hasn’t been delivered?

Regular orders typically take 5 business days while expedited orders will take 1-3 business days to arrive. Please note that business days do not include weekends or public holidays! If your order has exceeded the typical shipping time, please contact our customer service team at hello@drcuddles.com with your order number and tracking information so that we may assist you further.

I received the wrong order or am missing item(s) in my order.

We’re so sorry for the mix up! Please email us at hello@drcuddles.com within 7 days of receiving your order with your order number and the missing items. Please include a photo of the items you did receive and a picture of your packing slip.

I received my order but the item(s) are defective.

We’re so sorry to hear that! Here at Dr. Cuddles, we pride ourselves in ensuring our products are made to the highest standards, but we understand accidents do happen during delivery that might be out of our control. If you believe you’ve received defective item(s), please contact our customer service team at hello@drcuddles.com within 7 days of receiving your order with your order number. Please include a photo of the defective item(s) so that we can make things right for you.

ReadyRESCUE™ FAQs

ReadyRESCUE™ is a pet-friendly, activated carbon sphere solution designed to prevent absorption by the body of toxins that have been ingested. if your pet is suspected to have ingested a potentially harmful substance, and is not exhibiting clinical signs, administer ReadyRESCUE™ immediately.

ReadyRESCUE™ is effective on a broad-spectrum of common household toxins like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, moldy food, household plants, ibuprofen, human medications, over-the-counter medications, THC and recreational drugs, cleaning supplies, rodenticides, insecticides, herbicides and more.

yes, ReadyRESCUE™ shouldn't be administered if the toxin doesn't bind to activated charcoal (e.g., if it is an alcohol) or if your pet's condition contradicts its use, such as with loss of consciousness, GI obstruction, or compromised airway. always consult a vet or poison control center if you have questions.
Toxins that are poorly bound by ReadyRESCUE™ include: alcohols, heavy metals, xylitol, ethylene glycol (antifreeze), salt toxicosis, corrosive substances (bleach, drain cleaner, detergents, battery acids, rust removers), hydrocarbons (turpentine, gasoline, motor oil, paint thinner, etc), electrolytes, organophosphate insecticides and certain pharmaceuticals (e.g., antipsychotic and the antidepressant bupropion)

signs of intoxication vary greatly based on the substance that is ingested. they can include: seizures, sleepiness, loss of consciousness, vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, acting drunk or inappropriately, and bruising or bleeding.

both ReadyRESCUE™ and AC serve the same purpose - to bind to toxins preventing absorption by your pet's body. ReadyRESCUE™, however, is 6x more effective by volume and is optimized for easier administration at home without the mess and without the potential of stopping up the GI tract.

determine the dosage based on your pet's weight directed on packaging. mix the required amount of ReadyRESCUE™ with pet food, water, or a palatable substitute and make sure your pet consumes it all.

monitor your pet closely and immediately contact your vet or a poison control group for additional guidance - providing all details about the suspected poisoning and treatment. if possible, collect a sample of the ingested substance or the box for your vet, as this can help confirm the active ingredient and the concentration - both of which are needed to determine whether your pet is still in danger.

while it's most effective immediately after ingestion, ReadyRESCUE™ can still be beneficial up to 6 hours post-ingestion, especially with extended-release toxicants or those undergoing enterohepatic recirculation.

in certain situations like continuous absorption, massive intoxications, or with slow-release toxicants, multidose administration may be recommended. however, consult your vet to determine the appropriate regimen.

ReadyRESCUE™ is formulated specifically for pets, and while activated charcoal is generally safe, it should not be given to children unless under medical supervision. if your child accidentally ingests ReadyRESCUE™, consult a healthcare professional immediately.

if your child ingests ReadyRESCUE™, contact a healthcare professional or poison control center immediately. although activated charcoal is not typically harmful, medical advice is necessary to ensure your child's safety.

ReadyRESCUE™ packaging includes a dosage chart based on your pet's weight. ensure you've given the correct amount according to this chart. if your pet's condition doesn't improve, or if it worsens, contact your vet or a poison control center immediately. this dosing chart can also be viewed in the imagery above.

ReadyRESCUE™ is safe up to 4x the normal dose. after this, your pet could experience some gastrointestinal upset or distress. if you observe any abnormal behavior, immediately contact your vet or an animal poison control center.

if your pet refuses to ingest ReadyRESCUE™ when mixed with food or water, you could try mixing it with a favorite treat or a palatable substitute. if your pet still refuses, contact your vet immediately for advice.

as it is ideal to administer ReadyRESCUE™ before your pet is acting abnormally, it will be difficult to recognize whether it “worked”. if your pet does not exhibit any long-term effects of the toxin, with or without veterinary treatment, then our goal was achieved. remember, due to the variability of toxins and their effects, it's always recommended to consult with your vet or a poison control center even after administering ReadyRESCUE™.

even if your pet appears to be better after administering ReadyRESCUE™, it's still essential to get them evaluated by a vet. always contact your vet so they can provide a comprehensive assessment and ensure no further treatment is necessary.

if you discover that your pet didn't ingest a toxin after administering ReadyRESCUE™, you are completely safe! no additional steps are required.

once the toxin binds to the activated charcoal in ReadyRESCUE™, it is unable to be absorbed into your pets blood stream by your pet's body. this carbon-toxin complex then travels through the gastrointestinal tract and is eventually eliminated in the feces.

yes, ReadyRESCUE™ is suitable for use in cats, as well as dogs. cats can be a little more finicky than dogs, so you may have to get creative with what you add to the carbon to get them to eat it. as with all pets, be sure to follow the provided dosage chart according to your pet's weight.

historically activated charcoal is created through pyrolysis (setting fire to) organic compounds (like coconut fibers or other organic compounds) creating a carbon rich char (ashes), that are then activated with oxidizing gasses - this creates a mixture of small and large carbon particles that are typically powdered and super messy. our activated carbon is a synthetic activated charcoal that is made to remove the mess from activated charcoal and to improve the uniformity of the molecules. as a result, it is more dense than traditional powdered charcoal, it is clean (because the molecular size is uniform and larger than those that get stuck in irregular surfaces) and it is tasteless. we call our activated carbon/charcoal advanced to differentiate it from the traditional charcoal. because our activated charcoal is clean, dense (6x more dense than the most common charcoal used in hospitals today) and tasteless, it is easy to administer consistently at home (less volume, and no mess). additionally, it has an increased purity and has a shelf life that is 3x many traditional activated charcoals.

the FDA does not officially regulate medical devices, which is ReadyRESCUE™ classification since it does not alter the internal functions of the body, but merely passes through toxins in tow. that being said, ReadyRESCUE™ was crafted following all rules and recommendations of the FDA by our CEO, a board certified veterinary surgeon, and our veterinary advisors, including a board certified anesthesia & critical care veterinary specialist and a board certified internal medicine doctor with a masters in toxicology & pharmacology. rest assured there is ample medical rationale and expertise behind our products that make them safe and effective for your pets.

although hydrogen peroxide is a common method for inducing vomiting when an animal has ingested a toxin, our veterinary specialist advisory panel does not recommend this method over ReadyRESCUE™. immediate activated charcoal administration has been shown to be the most effective remedy for absorbing toxins quickly and safely before other methods advised by your veterinary team or poison hotline. 

in addition to putting animals at risk of aspiration pneumonia with vomiting, there is a lot of research that strongly suggests that inducing vomiting does not prevent toxin absorption, because it is inconsistently effective:

  •  Khan et al (2012) showed that vomiting induced by hydrogen peroxide only produced the toxicant in 60% of cases. and when it did work, it only produced on average 45% of the toxicant, leaving 55% to be absorbed by the body. 
  • two separate studies performed by Abdallah Tye et al (1967) and Tandberg and Murphy (1989) showed that when apomorphine ( a more effective vomiting agent used in hospitals) was used to make animals vomit, the experimental toxicant (a barium tracer) was only recovered in 54% and 47% of animals.
  • the lack of efficacy of vomiting for consistently producing toxin from stomachs was also found in humans where apomorphine and syrup of ipecac only produced toxicants in the vomit of 31 and 28% of children respectively.

when evaluating the literature, inducing vomiting is not as effective as administering activated charcoal at home, prior to seeking veterinary care.

ReadyRESCUE™ ’s creation and medical rationale has been overseen by our founder and board certified veterinary surgeon, Dr. Mat Glassman. in addition to his expertise and credentials, the ReadyRESCUE™ product development has been guided by our Dr. Cuddles advisors, Dr. Benjamin Brainard (Veterinary Board Certifications in Anesthesia and Emergency and Critical Care) and Dr. JD Foster (Masters in Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Veterinary Board Certification in Internal Medicine, including Nephrology, Urology and Dialysis). ReadyRESCUE™ has been tested with common intoxicants and found to be equally effective to activated charcoal and Toxiban (the most common in hospital activated charcoal) by weight. ReadyRESCUE™ was also tested in house and by a third party for impurities. 

the active ingredient in ReadyRESCUE™ has been used in dialysis tubing to purify blood and remove toxins in patients that have poisons and toxins already absorbed by the body. as a result the level of scrutiny and purity of this product is leaps and bounds above a typical oral activated charcoal.

ReadyRESCUE™ ’s creation and medical rationale has been overseen by our founder and board certified veterinary surgeon, Dr. Mat Glassman. in addition to his expertise and credentials, the ReadyRESCUE™ product development has been guided by our Dr. Cuddles veterinary advisors, Dr. Benjamin Brainard (Veterinary Board Certifications in Anesthesia and Emergency and Critical Care) and Dr. JD Foster (Masters in Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Veterinary Board Certification in Internal Medicine, including Nephrology, Urology and Dialysis).

ReadyRESCUE™ is supported by 50+ years of activated charcoal research in both human and animal medicine. there is so much research that there are multiple text books written about activated charcoal for medicinal purposes. ReadyRESCUE™ is a synthetic and more advanced form of activated charcoal, that is cleaner, more dense, and without additional ingredients which make it easy to administer, and incredibly safe to use.

we do not recommend making you pet vomit prior to ReadyRESCUE™ administration for several reasons: 

  • first, ReadyRESCUE™ needs to be in your pets stomach ASAP to bind the toxin and prevent adsorption. vomiting takes 5-15 minutes to initiate and lasts for 45 minutes. if you were to delay ReadyRESCUE™ administration by 1 hour there could be a fair amount of toxin absorption by the body during that time. 
  • second, vomiting is an inconsistent mode of stomach decontamination- it only works 60% of the time (to remove any toxin) and when it does work, it only removes on average 45% of the toxin. that means that 40% of the time, it does not work at all, and 60% of the time, it leaves 55% of the toxin in the body to be absorbed. ReadyRESCUE™, on the other hand, takes 2-5 minutes for a pet to eat, begins working immediately, and works in the stomach and the intestines. 
  • third, there are many side effects of making an animal vomit, including pneumonia, esophageal burns and generally making them feel like they have food poisoning for as much as an hour. ReadyRESCUE™ does not have any of these negative side effects. 

unlike other traditional activated charcoals, ReadyRESCUE™ is incredibly clean and made from pure carbon, excluding the primary ingredient (sorbitol) that can cause imbalanced sodium levels. 

activated charcoal products containing sorbitol should be used under the direction of a veterinarian due to the cathartic activity that can result in dehydration and hypernatremia. luckily, since ReadyRESCUE™ excludes sorbitol and other additives, at-home administration is safe & easy. head to our blog to learn more about what sets ReadyRESCUE™ apart from traditional activated charcoals.

the effectiveness of ReadyRESCUE™ for animals in cases of xylitol ingestion is complex. generally, xylitol is absorbed very quickly by the body, and substances like ReadyRESCUE™ might not be able to prevent this absorption effectively.

when xylitol is ingested as part of a gummy substance, the xylitol leaches out more slowly, giving ReadyRESCUE™ a chance to reduce its absorption into the body. Although the rapid absorption of xylitol will generally make ReadyRESCUE™ a less effective intervention tool, using it immediately after ingestion could still potentially offer some benefit without causing harm.

pets drinking salt water can be very dangerous and can lead to severe hypernatremia (high sodium in the blood), resulting in seizures. ReadyRESCUE™ would not be ideal for salt intoxication because the salt ions are too small for the carbon to bind.

the best thing to do is to prevent your pet from drinking salt water, but in case they sneak in a few licks, it’s helpful to know how much saltwater is harmful for your pet. buckle up for a bit of math!

for a 40lb dog, clinical signs of salt intoxication are seen with 2 pints of salt water ingestion (0.25 gallons). 4 pints for the same dog (half a gallon) can be fatal. dogs drink roughly 300ml a minute, so after about 3.3 minutes of drinking salt water a 40lb dog would drink enough water to experience toxicity- 6.6 minutes of drinking would be fatal. with a bit of research, you can decipher what amount is harmful for your pet- a prepared pet parent = a happy and healthy pet!