Bringing Awareness Into All Our Inner Dog Circles & Our Cats Too! Can you believe it's the middle of November 2019. Where did the year go? The holidays are fast approaching. Soon everyone will be gathering for the celebrations some with our pets, some without. Either way-there are a few reminders and tips to share about our favorite fury companions during the festive season.
From plants, to choking hazards and treats (both 2 legs & 4). I saw the Poinsettia's in the grocery store the other day and I knew I would need to write something after being sick with a nasty cold bug that struck in October, while shopping for my first sorry for loss card after losing my first clients pet. I know, sad face right? :_( The Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) plants are only mildly toxic to cats and dogs. It is one of the most popular plants displayed around our homes and businesses during the holidays. The milky white sap found in poinsettias contains chemicals called diterpenoid euphorbol esters and saponin-like detergents. While poinsettias are commonly known as poisonous plants, they rarely are, and the poisoning is greatly exaggerated. However, I still opt to keep the plants up high and off the ground away from my favorite fur friends. There are far more worrisome are the plants listed below! Lilies, holly and mistletoe are more of a concern. When deciding on your live arrangements keep in mind there are more pet friendly choices, such as Christmas wreaths and holly which are hung high & out of reach & away from all our fine fury friends. Along with artificial flowers/plants/shrubs, as a good alternative to the real ones to reduce/minimize risk. Otherwise, be aware of the signs and symptoms of poisoning When Christmas or English holly is ingested, it can result in severe gastrointestinal upset thanks to the spiny leaves and the potentially toxic substances (including saponins, methylxanthines, and cyanogens). If ingested, most dogs and cats lip smack, drool, and head shake excessively due to the mechanical injury from the spiny leaves. Mild signs of gastrointestinal irritation are seen, although if ingested in large amounts, collapse, hypotension, ataxia (walking drunk), seizures and death have also occurred to have been reported. Plus, I don't want to forget to mention how toxic chocolate is to our pets, there are sweeteners now as well-for those who don't use sugar and opt for Xylitol. Extremely dangerous to have on hand. Plus, you can find it hiding in chewing gum, mints, hard candies, and toothpaste, as well. Fruit platters are usually on everyone's menu, so be sure grapes and raisins are not and everyone knows do not feed Fido. I just don't see the point in taking the chance-perhaps nothing at all happens during all the visits, gatherings & parties. Great right? Well-what about if something does happen? God forbid, it only takes a second-now the holidays are being spent with an on call vet and you can see the picture coming into focus. There are many hazards hiding everywhere, even some pet toys are unsafe. All I can suggest is take a moment and inspect the new and existing toys to be sure it's not a choking hazard. Breed specific toys are size appropriate and reduce chances of this happening anytime, not just during the holidays. Fake over live, up high out of reach is suggested and be sure to share the information, reducing risks therefore, bringing awareness into all our dog circles as well as, our feline friends. The number below is to our pet poison control and can be added to our cel phones right now. It's best to have it and not need it, then to need it and not have it. The difference between life and death in some cases. 18002136680 Finally-have a safe and wonderful holiday with friends, family and all our favorite pawsome fury friends.
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AuthorHi, my name is Lori and I want to personally welcome you to Making Tracks Dog Hiking Blog. This is where I will begin blogging posts about current adventures in the outback as well as, important topics regarding our furry companion(s), as Making Tracks leaves paw prints all over the web and I hope your heart and mine. Archives
April 2024
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