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Top Ten Pet Toxins

April 27th, 2011

Since Spring is upon us and many of us are thinking about gardening and such, I thought I would share the ton top 10 pet toxins.

The number one ingested toxin to pets was human medication. I was even surprised on this one, but it does make sense since we tend to have any number of medication around and sometimes, left out on the counter.

Insecticides
About 20% of the calls to the APCC are about insecticides. Insecticides are commonly used on our pets for flea control and around our houses to control crawling and flying bugs. The most serious poisonings occurred when products not labeled for use in cats were applied to them. Always follow label directions.

re commonly used on our pets for flea control and around our houses to control crawling and flying bugs. The most serious poisonings occurred when products not labeled for use in cats were applied to them. Always follow label directions.

Rodenticides
Baits used to kill mice and rats are mostly grain based. Not only does this attract rodents, but it attracts dogs and cats. There are several different types of rodenticides that can cause seizures, internal bleeding or kidney failure. Always make sure these items are placed in areas that pets cannot access.

People Food
Xylitol, grapes, raisins, onions and garlic are commonly ingested by our pets. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs, while onions and garlic can cause anemia if enough is ingested. Xylitol, a sugar alcohol used to sweeten sugar free gums and mints, can cause low blood sugar and liver failure in dogs.

Veterinary Medications
Many medications made for our pets are flavored for ease of giving. Unfortunately, that means that animals may ingest the entire bottle of medication if they find it tasty. Common chewable medications include arthritis and incontinence medications. Contact your veterinarian if your pet ingests more than his proper dose of medication.

Chocolate
Chocolate contains methylxanthines, which act as stimulants to our pets. The darker the chocolate, the more methylxanthines it contains. Methylxanthines can cause agitation, vomiting, diarrhea, high heart rate, muscle tremors, seizures and death.

Household Toxins
Cleaning supplies, such as bleach, acids, alkalis and other detergents, can cause corrosive injury to the mouth and stomach. Other household items such as batteries and liquid potpourri can cause similar problems. Always keep these toxins behind securely locked doors.

Plants
Both house plants and outdoor plants can be ingested by our pets. Lilies can cause life-threatening kidney failure in cats, while sago palms can cause liver failure in dogs and cats. Keep house plants and bouquets away from your pets.

Herbicides
Many herbicides have a salty taste, and our pets will commonly ingest them. Always follow label directions and keep pets off treated areas until they are dry.

Outdoor Toxins
Antifreeze, fertilizers and ice melts are all substances that animals can find outdoors. Keep these items in securely locked sheds or on high shelves where pets cannot get to them.

If you have any reason to suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please contact your veterinarian or the Animal Poison Control Center’s 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435

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Valentine treats for your dog..but hide the chocolate!

February 9th, 2011

“He loves me, he loves me not?” Fortunately, that’s something you never have to worry about with your dog. He’ll love you no matter how you look or how much money you have. It doesn’t get any better than that! Your dog gives you unconditional love, and you love him with all your heart. But you can do one thing your pooch can’t: you can whip up some Valentine goodies for him this month as an extra special treat.

Red Velvet Pupcakes

Adapted from Kaboose.com

Red velvet is all the rage in the world of cupcakes these days. So why not try these crimson-hued beauties on your best friend? Beet juice gives them their color, an whole-wheat flour gives them fiber. The cottage cheese icing helps make these trendy treats a balanced meal.

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup canola oil
  • 1 cup applesauce
  • 1/3 cup beet puree or fresh beet juice
  • 1 and 1/2 cups whole-wheat flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a six-cup muffin tin with muffin cups.
  2. In a large bowl whisk together oil, applesauce and beet puree.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine flour and baking powder. Slowly stir flour mixture into the wet ingredients.
  4. Spoon batter into muffin cups to three-quarters full and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a cupcake comes out clean. Remove cupcakes from the pan and cool on a rack.
  5. In the bowl of a food processor, puree cottage cheese until smooth, about 30 seconds. Keep frosting refrigerated until cupcakes are completely cool. Frost and serve.

    *Taken from Dogster.com

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Walking the House of Paws

November 28th, 2010

Good thing I am used to being out in the rain. This year has been something else, to be sure. I don’t really mind the shorter days either. If I am outside, its all good.

Many have asked me what it is like to walk all my dogs at once. I have five and I also walk my mothers two dogs. Well I walk one and the other rides in her little pack. She is 11 yr and has a heart condition,so she is the overseer of the walks so to speak.

Anyway, I recently moved to a different part of town. I live right by a nice park with quite a few walking trails. I am in heaven!!! The furkids like it as well. The other day, just for kicks I video taped my walk with the furkids. Now you can say you have seen it all!

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