Flowers Dangerous to Dogs
Spring is finally here – the grass is green, the trees are budding, and the flowers are blooming. It’s a great time to get outside with your pooch and enjoy the fresh air and nature, but before you take your pup outdoors be sure to brush up on vital dog safety information, including knowledge of which flowers and plants that are poisonous to canines. Stay safe and enjoy the weather with your faithful friend!
Azalea – These colorful, sweet scented flower shrubs may cause vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, weakness, coma, and even death if ingested by your furry friend, so admire from a distance.
Cyclamen – These spring flowers are beautiful both outside and in a bouquet, but can create rather ugly symptoms including excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, heart arrhythmias, seizures, and death for a hungry hound.
Daffodil – The various vibrant yellows and oranges, mixed with settling whites make for gorgeous flowers, but the bulbs of Daffodils are toxic if ingested, and dogs may experience vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and heart arrhythmias.
Foxglove – This particular flower may be a lovely sight with its bell flowers and pink hues, but it doesn’t settle well when consumed and can mean heart arrhythmias, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and death for curious canines.
Hyacinth – These flowers are also quite colorful and aesthetically pleasing, but are poisonous to pups and include symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and tremors.
Oleander – Be careful around the Oleander flowers. While they look innocent with their tiny petals of pinks and whites, the Oleander should be kept away from canines to avoid vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, shallow breathing, muscle tremors, and cardiac failure.
**If you see or think your dog has consumed a hazardous plant or flower, contact your veterinarian
Your Dog and Toxic Foods
Chocolate: While chocolate is a human favorite, it can be deadly to dogs. Theobromine is a natural stimulant found in cocoa beans that increases urination and influences the nervous system and heart muscle. Enough chocolate will cause your poor pooch to go into epileptic seizures, and can be fatal. If chocolate is accidently enjoyed by your pup (even white chocolate), contact your veterinarian immediately.
Onions/Garlic: There is a chemical known as thiosulphate lurking in onions and garlic that may not be dangerous to humans, but it can generate anemia within dogs. A large amount of these vegetables could even cause fatality to unsuspecting canines. All forms of these invigorating delights should be kept away from hungry hounds – that includes onion rings, onion/garlic seasonings, and even onion/garlic dips. It doesn’t matter if the onion or garlic is raw, cooked, fresh, or powdered form; the thiosulphate can still be found and is highly toxic. Thiosulphate is even present in chives, so be sure to keep your spices stored safely away.
Macadamia Nuts: It is said that the high phosphorus content found in these nuts causes dogs to experience bladder stones, weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia. Even though macadamia nuts are not fatal to dogs, they will cause your furry friend much pain and suffering.
When spoiling your pooch’s taste buds, stick to delicious dog treats!
Dog Life Preservers
Most dogs enjoy a good splash, but no matter if your pooch is an Olympic swimmer or a casual doggie paddler, a dog life preserver is a great investment. For those more timid pups and first-timers, a dog life preserver is very beneficial and will help ease any present anxieties, as well as build confidence in the water. Whether your canine frequents the pool, beach, or lake, it is always safe to keep your furry friend geared up in a dog life preserver; the buoyant materials that make up a dog life preserver help keep your pup afloat. Even if your pup is a confident swimmer there are always dangers of drowning. Every year in the United States alone thousands of drowning dog cases are reported; it isn’t uncommon for canines to get exhausted or frantic and tire themselves out in the water. Daring doggies may also find themselves in waters deeper or faster than they thought and begin to panic. Providing your water baby with a dog life preserver can help them paddle about confidently in safety. A dog life preserver fits snug around your buddy’s body, securing underneath with adjustable, quick-release buckles. Just like dog breeds, dog life preservers vary drastically in size to better suit all canines and are available in many fun colors and patterns to really bring out your buddy’s personality. Dog life preservers are conveniently designed with a D-ring for easy leash attachment and two quick-grab handles in case of an emergency water rescue. Many dog life preservers even have reflective features for swims under the moon. Always keep an eye on your pooch to ensure their safety and don’t forget to sport your pup in a dog life preserver during any swims and boating.
Show Your Dog Love On Valentine’s Day
Pet owners receive unconditional love from their furry friends, and Valentine’s Day is a great time to show appreciation while keeping it safe. Here are some tips (and treats) to offering your pet the best Valentine’s Day yet:
Safety First!
Chocolate, Cellophane, Decorations – Many of us will be spoiled with chocolates on Valentine’s Day, but chocolate is a fatal hazard to dog’s and should be stored in a safe place. If you indulge in sweets that are wrapped in plastic cellophane, be sure to dispose of the wrapper immediately to avoid risk of your pooch mistaking it for a tasty treat. Likewise, any balloons, ribbons, or other various decorations should not be accessible to your furry friend.
Flowers – Place floral arrangements out of your puppy’s reach; different plants and flowers can make your pooch sick if ingested, or even be fatal, so admire your flowers from afar.
Candles and Cocktails – Candles are a great mood setter for a relaxing night, but don’t forget to blow out any candles before leaving the room. Leaving lit candles unattended can burn your buddy or create a fire. Beverages containing alcohol should be enjoyed safely and then cleaned up; alcohol consumed by pets can lead to comas and respiratory failure.
Love Always, Your Owner:
1. Essence Dog Harness B – This soft, heart patterned jacket style dog harness is not only festive (and adorable year round), but it’s comfortable on your pooch during walks. (We also carry an Essence Dog Harness A style and a separate matching Essence Dog Lead to complete the look)
2. Heart Felt Moppy Tug Dog Toy – Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a pink heart toy that is perfect for pulling, tugging, snuggling, and chewing.
3. Love and Rock Thermal Dog Tee – This adorable dog shirt features a cool heart tattoo print with a studded double felt heart appliqué that will have them looking as loved as they feel!
Dog Harnesses: The Safe Alternative
You and Your Dog: 10 Safety Tips for a Happy Holiday Season
1. Never leave lit candles unattended and unplug any tree lights before switching rooms.
2. Clean any antifreeze up immediately – your dog will find antifreeze to be tasty, but the coolant is toxic for canines.
3. Watch your pooch around fireplaces and heaters that are in use to avoid burns.
4. Don’t leave your dog outdoors for long periods of time, especially when temperatures fall below freezing.
5. Stay aware of hypothermia symptoms and know how to recognize frostbite on your pup.
6. Invest in the necessary outdoor dog gear that your canine may need to bear through the weather, including dog boots to protect puppy pads from salt, ice, cold, and sharp objects that may be hidden under snow.
7. Ease any stress your puppy may experience from all the holiday excitement with lots of love and attention (plus, a few deserving dog treats for good behavior).
8. Refrain from tempting your pooch with reachable holiday décor that could be hazardous if ingested; tinsel can create intestinal complications, glass ornaments can cut your dog’s mouth and stomach (if swallowed), and edible tree decorations, such as popcorn strings or candycanes, can also call for risky run-in’s.
9. Due to the colder temperatures, your pup will not get as much exercise romping around outdoors – don’t overfeed your dog during the “hybernation” season and pick up indoor games to help burn off some of your dog’s excess calories.
10. When taking winter walks make sure your pooch is secure with a trusted dog leash and identifiable dog collar to help keep your pup with you.
Be safe and happy holidays!
Thanksgiving Safety for Your Dog
It’s that time of year again: Thanksgiving. Families will be gathering together to enjoy a filling feast over good conversation, but when Rover gives the puppy dog eyes in exchange for some table scraps, refrain from giving in. While your Thanksgiving meal may appeal to your hungry hound it is important to know that some of the foods may not be suitable for your pooch. Avoid sharing these table scraps with your begging buddy:
- Turkey Skin – It’s a fact that turkey skin and gravy are high in fat and can be harmful to your dog. Turkey skin is difficult for pups to digest and can even lead to pancreatitis, which includes symptoms like vomiting, abdominal pain, depression, and an unwillingness to move. If you do decide to share some of that tasty turkey, be sure to remove the skin and only give your pooch a small portion of white meat.
- Turkey Bones – Dogs love bones, yes. Although, tossing your canine a turkey bone can be hazardous. Poultry bones that have been cooked are frail and can splinter easily. Your dog may easily swallow the turkey bone and get it stuck in the esophagus or create stomach or intestinal pain. If you are going to give a dog a bone, stick with a delicious dog bone that was made specifically for your pooch.
- Macademia Nuts – These tasty treats are scattered about different Thanksgiving dishes and desserts and can cause toxic results if ingested by your dog. Just twelve hours after consuming macademia nuts symptoms will begin to settle, including vomiting, weakness, depression, muscle tremors, ataxia, and hyperthermia (to name a few). While symptoms tend to lessen within 48 hours, the aftershock could be detrimental on your pooch and in extreme cases could be fatal.
- Onions – We love to season our dishes with onions, but high levels of onion intake by your dog can call for life-threatening anemia. Since many stuffings and casseroles contain onions it is probably best to skip sharing with Fido.
- Nutmeg – Around the holiday season nutmeg is a very prominent spice usually found in sweet potatoes, yams, pumpkin pies, and various dessert dishes. While we may love these treats, if consumed by your pooch it can cause mild hallucinogenic properties, as well as seizures, tremors, and central nervous system complications in dogs. There have even been severe cases of shock and death reported, so pass your pup a dog treat when you are enjoying dishes containing nutmeg.
Dog Car Seats: Keep Your Pet Safe
Household Items that Can Harm Your Pet
Most pet owners try to protect their pets as much as possible while on walks, in the car, or away from home, but did you know that some of the biggest hazards to your pet’s well being are found right inside your home? Many of the regularly used products we find lying around our home are quite harmful to our pets, whether we know it or not.
We all like to indulge in our pets and give them a special treat of people food every once in a while, but some of those “treats” could inadvertently make your pet very ill or even cause death! Most pet owners are well aware of the dangers chocolate can cause to our canine friends, but there are many other foods that are just as dangerous. Raisins, grapes, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, walnuts, potato peels, tomatoes, coffee, and avocados are all quite harmful too! Xylitol is an ingredient often used in sugar free candy, cookies, and gum and even in small doses can cause liver damage and low blood sugar in dogs! Cooked bones of any type should be avoided – once a bone is cooked, it will easily splinter and can tear your dog’s internal organs! Fruit pits and seeds such those from apples, cherries, and peach pits contain cyanide, which is a poison.
Did you know that many of the common plants found in or outside of your home are harmful or deadly to your pets? Azaleas, lilies, oleander, rhododendron, sago palms, tulip bulbs, yew, ferns, aloe, elephant ears, honeysuckle, mistletoe, poinsettias, holly, and many types of ivy are all very common, and very dangerous to your pet! Before you buy new plants, check to make sure they are not harmful to your pets. In some cases, it just takes ingestion of one leaf to kill! If you do have indoor plants, make sure that they are out of the reach of your pet, such as on a high shelf or counter. If you have a cat that likes to climb or a dog that gets into everything, you may want to consider getting rid of any harmful plants all together… Better safe than sorry!
Most household cleaners are safely used around pets. However, always make sure that these products are safely put away. If ingested, these same products are not so safe! Pine oil cleaners can cause liver damage if ingested. Some dogs and cats like to drink out of the toilet bowl. If you use any sort of puck that remains in the bowl to clean it automatically, you are better off keeping the lid closed- These chemicals are hazardous to your pet’s health and should not be ingested! Mouse and insect killers that are placed around the house can harm your pet’s paws if they come in contact with it. They are also damaging if your pet eats them! Keep all cleaning products in a secure cabinet out of the reach of your pet and keep them in their original packaging or a clearly labeled and tightly sealed container.
There are many other every day things around your house that can hurt your pets if ingested, such as tobacco, mothballs, NSAIDS such as Tylenol and aspirin, fabric softener, detergents, and sun block. Pennies minted after 1982 contain zinc, which can cause kidney failure and damage to red blood cells if eaten. Any small objects such as toys, string, or rubber bands can pose a choking hazard, as well as cause intestinal blockage or strangulation.
It is always a good idea to have a pet first aid kit , in case of emergency, but if your pet comes in contact with a toxin, its best to take them immediately to a vet. Some signs of poisoning are vomiting, diarrhea, lack of coordination, listlessness, fever, and muscle tremors. Timing is critical when treating accidental poisoning. The longer a toxin is present in your pet’s body, the more damage done!
