NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS
I RESOLVE TO:

Do a weekly head-to-tail check-up of my dog or cat and really get acquainted with his habits so that I can discover a small problem before it becomes a nightmare.

Schedule a visit with our Veterinarian to discuss any findings and have our Vet does his or her own examine, run tests, give any necessary vaccinations and let me know of any special needs my pet may have.

Check into Veterinary Insurance or have a "Plan B" (Credit Card or separate bank account) so that if my dog or cat needs medical care, I will be able to provide it.

Sign-up for a PET FIRST-AID & CPR Class and have a PET FIRST-AID KIT on hand, so that I can help my best friend before veterinary care is available.

Cut out table scraps (except for carrots, bananas, string beans and other pet-friendly human foods) and keep my dog or cat well exercised.

Brush my pet's teeth (or atleast wipe the teeth and gums) at least every other day to prevent bacteria from travelling through my pet's bloodstream.

Make sure my dog or cat has a microchip and identification on him at all times and will keep him safely in a fenced yard (with proper supervision) or walk him on a leash.

Enroll my dog in an obedience class (or give him a refresher on my own) so that he will be a welcome friend wherever we go together.

Provide my dog or cat with a comfortable place to sleep in a warm, draft-free area.

To give my pet at least as much unconditional love as he gives me and spend good quality time with him for that is the greatest joy of being a Pet Parent!!!

HOLIDAY & COLD WEATHER PET SAFETY TIPS

Put yourself in your dog or cat’s paws…
At the end of each year, boxes are dragged from the garage or attic and unusual things happen in their home.  A tree is brought INDOORS; shiny, dangly things are hung all around and there’s always food on the counter or baking in the oven
while people come in and out shouting greetings!

Don’t leave pets outdoors when the temperature drops. Most dogs and all cats are safer indoors, except when taken out for exercise. Regardless of the season, shorthaired, very young, or old pets should never be left outside without supervision. Short-coated dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater during walks.  If your dog is an outdoor dog, he must be protected by a dry,draft-free doghouse that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably, but small enough to hold in his/her body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The house should be faced away from the wind, and the doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.

Pets who spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter since trying to keep warm depletes energy. Frequently check your pet’s water dish to make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen. Use plastic food and water bowls rather than metal; when the temperature is low, your pet’s tongue can stick and freeze to metal.

Warm engines in parked cars attract cats and small wildlife who may crawl up under the hood to get warm. To avoid injuring any hidden animals, bang on your car’s hood to scare them away before starting your engine.

Salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet’s feet. Wipe paws gently with a damp towel before your pet licks them and irritates his mouth.

Antifreeze is a deadly poison, but it has a sweet taste that attracts animals. Take care to quickly wipe up spills and store antifreeze (and all household chemicals) out of reach. Better yet, use antifreeze-coolant made with propylene glycol; if swallowed in small amounts, it will not hurt pets.

SPRINGTIME TIPS

Observe your pet for bee stings and spider bites.  If you notice swelling, redness or breathing difficulties, seek prompt medical attention.

Don't feed human foods many are poisonous including some fruits and vegetables (i.e.:  grapes, raisins, peach pits, apple and cherry seeds, onions, tomato leaves and stems).

Keep pets well-hydrated and provide shade when outdoors.  Outside food bowls should be placed in a pan containing a few inches of water to keep ants out of the food.

Check www.aspca.org or www.hsus.org to find out what plants in your yard may be poisonous to your pets.  Lilies can be fatal to cats and some of the most poisonous household plants include: sago palm, narcissus/tulip bulbs, azaleas, oleander, castor bean, cyclamen, english ivy, kalanchoe and chrysanthumums.

READ LABELS...There are Pet & Wildlife Friendly Products on the market.  Pets are poisoned every year by fertilizers and insecticides.  Snail & slug bait pellets can cause seizures.  Make sure your pet does not ingest or even get hazardous products on his paws or coat, as he will then ingest them when he grooms himself.  Have phone numbers accessible for the ASPCAs Poison Control Hotline (888) 426-4435 and your nearest Animal Emergency Center.

Don't assume your dog can swim!  Many pets drown each year, so install a fence or pool alarm and teach your dog how to get out of your pool by gently guiding him to the steps or ramp.  Review this lesson every year, and if you take your pet to the lake or on a boat, get him a life vest and watch precious paws for fish hooks, sharp rocks and other dangers.

NO GREEN DOGS FOR ST. PATRICK'S DAY 

The ASPCA's "Animal Poison Control Center" views on dyeing your pet green for St. Patrick's Day is clear. Don't do it. When asked "If, under any circumstances, is it safe to dye your pet green for St. Patrick's Day?" Dr. Hansen, a veterinary toxicologist and senior vice president of ASPC's Animal Poison Control Center, replied, "When dyeing animal fur, there is always a chance that animals may not tolerate odors or residues left by these products. Further, they may not react favorably to the change in response that humans will exhibit when they encounter strangely colored pets, or they could have allergic reactions or eye irritation depending on the product formulation."   So go ahead and indulge in all of that green fair, but please leave Fido the color he was born to be!             (courtesy of the ASPCA)

COMMON POISONS AND WHAT TO DO TO SAVE YOUR PET

Dogs love to chew.  However, that spray bottle, can or other container under your cabinet which may be viewed as a toy by your curious pooch, will definitely ruin the day if his canines puncture it and he ingests the liquid inside.  Your cat may love to spend time pouncing in the greenery, but did you know that Lilies are particularly dangerous and can be fatal to our feline friends if consumed?  Accidents happen any time of the year, but with Valentine’s Day and Easter comes an abundance of chocolate, flowers and perfume,  all of which can poison you pet.  Knowing what to do and having the necessary tools on hand can avert a minor injury or a major disaster. 

Size does matter when it comes to poisoning.  What could kill a Chihuahua may have no affect on a Saint Bernard since the detrimental power a toxin has is proportional to the animal’s body weight.  Chocolate is poisonous to dogs, cats and ferrets!  Although antioxidants in dark chocolate are considered good for human hearts, the darker the chocolate…the worse it is for your pet.  The culprit is theobromine -- both a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic, which can speed up the heart while pulling fluids from the body resulting in vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, seizures and death.  Every year, thousands of pets needlessly suffer and many die from ingesting substances in our homes and even from human food (just because it’s good for us does not make it safe for our dogs and cats).  Learn what to do before its too late, and don’t foolishly think it won’t happen to you.

COMMON SYMPTOMS ASSOCIATED WITH POISONING

Depending on the substance, your pet may experience any of these signs:

Muscle tremors or seizures

Vomiting and/or diarrhea, sometimes with blood

Drooling or foaming.

Redness of the skin, ears, eyes

Lethargy or anxiety

Blisters on the mouth or skin where poison made contact

Pawing at the mouth

Swelling

Elevated or decreased heart rate, breathing and body temperature

WHAT YOU CAN DO

BE PROACTIVE

• Examine your house & yard from your pet’s point-of-view placing harmful items out of reach.
• If your dog is curious, install childproof locks on cabinet doors.
• Read labels and purchase “Pet Friendly” chemicals.

BE PREPARED

• Have phone numbers for your Veterinarian & Poison Control easily accessible.

      ASPCA Poison Control Center Hotline (888) 426-4435

• Know the weight of your pet to properly administer solutions.

 GATHER INFORMATION

• Determine the type of Poison, how much ingested and how long ago.
• Check your pet’s Vitals (temperature, heart rate, respiration, capillary refill time, gum color).
• Observe symptoms (difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, bleeding, etc).

REACT

·        Read the Poison Label, call your Veterinarian or Poison Control and do as instructed:

To Induce Vomiting, give your pet 3% Hydrogen Peroxide (1 tablespoon per 15 lbs. of  pet’s body weight) with an eye dropper, syringe or turkey baster by dribbling the liquid onto the back of his tongue or into his cheek pocket until swallowed.  Collect vomitus and take it, the poison container and your pet to the veterinarian ASAP.

To Dilute caustic poisons, feed your pet large quantities of water or milk.  Activated charcoal (or even burned toast) may be recommended to absorb the poison. 

COMMON HOUSEHOLD POISONS INCLUDE:

Alcoholic Beverages

Antifreeze (Ethylene glycol – Propylene glycol is a better alternative)

Batteries

Detergents, Fabric Softeners and Cleaners of all kinds

Fertilizers and Insecticides, especially snail/slug bait pellets and rat poisons

Foods – Chocolate, Coffee, Tea, Grapes & Raisins, Macadamia Nuts, Onions, Bread Dough, Peach and other fruit seeds/pits, Gravies and high-fat foods

Medications (remember, some have candy coatings making them appealing to pets)

Plants

Trash

Visit aspca.org or hsus.org for a more complete list of things that can harm your pet!

OTHER WAYS YOUR PET CAN BE POISONED:

In addition to what goes in their mouths, dogs and cats can be poisoned by toxins that are absorbed, inhaled or injected into their bodies.   Therefore knowing what, where (which body part) and how much Fido or Fifi got into determines your course of action.

Absorbed Poisons are substances that get on our pet’s paws and coat and are absorbed through their skin.  These poisons may also be ingested once the animal licks and grooms himself.  Wash the area with large quantities of water and visit your veterinarian to prevent long-term effects and discomfort.  For oil-based toxins (petroleum products) use a gentle dishwashing liquid or shampoo before flushing with water.  For powdery poisons, dust or vacuum away as water could activate the toxins.   If the irritant is in your pet’s eye, carefully flush the eye with water or sterile saline solution. 

Inhaled Poisons include aerosol sprays, carbon monoxide, gases, and other fumes inhaled by your pet.  Quickly get the animal into fresh air and administer Rescue Breathing if needed by holding his mouth shut and breathing into his nostrils – every other second for animals 40 lbs and more while twice as quickly for smaller animals.

Injected Poisons don’t just come in a needle.  Venom injected through insect stingers and snake bites can poison your pet.  Administer 1mg of anti-histamine per pound of pet’s body weight, apply cold pack to any swelling for short periods of time and get pet to the Veterinarian if he exhibits any signs of breathing difficulty or extreme swelling.

HOW TO HELP A CHOKING PET

By Denise Fleck

If your dog gets a bone caught or your cat begins to choke on ribbon or yarn, you must know what to do before they go unconscious.  Initially, give you pet a few moments to perform a cough which may expel the object, but if it does not…a careful sweep of the mouth with your fingers to dislodge the object is recommended.  Always look at what you’re doing though-- don’t blindly reach into your pet’s mouth!  You could push the object further down, tear the throat tissue or even get bitten.

If your attempt is not successful, try one of the two techniques below:

1.  Doggie or Kitty Heimlich -- Stand behind your dog or cat and place your arms around his waist keeping his head lower than his stomach.  Close your hands together to make a fist and place your fist just behind the last rib in the soft part of the tummy. Compress the abdomen by pulling up in a quick and rapid manner similar to the technique commonly performed on humans. 

This technique does have the potential of bruising internal organs, and since canine and feline ribs are more flexible than human ones, it doesn’t always create enough pressure to expel the object, so you may want to try…

2.  Chest Thrusts -- Place your hands flat on each side of your pet’s chest and squeeze inward, pushing with your shoulders and elbows to squeeze the lungs.  After two thrusts, give the animal a moment to cough and/or look in his mouth to see if the object is now reachable.  If not, repeat.

Techniques like these are best learned in a Pet First-Aid & CPR Class where you can gain the confidence and skill to perform them properly.  Visit www.sunnydogink.com for a class near you.

             

HALLOWEEN PET SAFETY TIPS

By Denise Fleck

Things that go bump in the night shouldn’t include your pets, so follow a few simple tips to make sure Howl-o-ween won’t be scary or dangerous for canines or felines!

1.  PREVENT A HOUDINI ACT
   Know where your pets are at all times.  Walk them before dark and it's best not to take them trick or treating.  Many dogs get scared by the shrieks of ghosts & goblins on the streets or coming to their doors and dart in the path of cars.  Keep them in a quiet back room, or if you are answering the door to trick or treaters, keep you dog on a leash safely at your side.

2.  AVOID THE KISS OF DEATH
Candy wrappers can cause intestinal blockages and chocolate can be fatal to dogs, cats and ferrets.  If you're putting out creepy treats with grapes or raisins masquerading as "eyeballs," make sure your pets do not get them as they can cause kidney failure.  Keep plastic toothpicks that adorn festive cupcakes also out of reach, and take care that your pets can't chew or become entangled in wires or electric cords; that they steer clear of candles haunting the family jack o'lantern as well as fake spider webs and spray string.  All of which can burn, choke or cause harm if ingested.

3.  PETS IN DISGUISE OR NOT?
Unless Fluffy or Fido is truly comfortable in a costume, their own furry birthday suit might be a better choice.  A festive bandana on your dog might just fit the bill.  Pets aren't used to wearing elastic and definitely don't like masks covering their eyes or nose, so think of your four-legged friend and is that photo op worth them being uncomfortable.  Should you have a pet willing to "dress up," make sure the costume doesn't have beads or strings which they may chew on and never leave your pet unattended in a costume!

4.  EVIL IN THE NIGHT 
Some people take advantage of the anonymity of costumes and partake in malicious pranks targeting black cats, dogs and other animals.  Even if you don't normally do so, please, please, please keep your pets in the house on Halloween night.  If you see anything suspicious regarding the treatment of an animal, immediately call your local Animal Control or Police Department.  The phone number for the Los Angeles Animal Cruelty Task Force is (213) 847-1417.

And remember…even if you aren’t ready for Halloween yet, September and October can still be very HOT in some locations!  Make sure your pets have plenty of shade and water.  Never leave them unattended in a parked car and be certain that kennels, pet carriers and even rooms in your house are cool with good ventilation for your pets.

HEAT STROKE AND YOUR PETS

Mary adored her Dachshund Daisy and always wanted her by her side.  One 85°F day, while the “girls” were out for a car ride, Mary made a quick stop at the convenience store for a jug of milk. 
In the store, she encountered a new cashier who was having difficulty working the cash register.  The line of impatient customers grew and Mary was delayed returning to the car and her precious Doxie.  Ten minutes passed and although the windows were cracked open, the temperature inside climbed to 125 degrees! 
Daisy was in distress...she was panting profusely, her gums were bright red, her heart was racing, there was foam around her mouth -
Daisy was suffering from Heat stroke.

It only takes a short period of time for an animal left in a car to get into a deadly situation!  Pets don’t sweat to regulate their body temperatures (normally 100.4°F – 102.5°F).  Dogs pant to exchange cooler outside air with the warm humid air in their lungs while cats don’t usually pant until they are overwhelmed by the heat.  If the outside air isn’t cooler than their body temperature, an animal can succumb to Heatstroke which can cause brain damage, kidney failure, cardiac arrest and death.  Old and overweight pets as well as short-nosed breeds are at the greatest risk.

Offer water or an electrolyte replenisher like Pedialyte or K9 Quencher, but don’t force your pet to drink.  You could drown him if he aspirates the water into his lungs rather than into his stomach.  Fluids may need to be given intravenously at the Vet. 

Check temperature under the tail every 5 minutes and stop cooling process at 103° F. 

Get to Vet or Emergency Center ASAP.   Be prepared to treat for Shock and administer Rescue Breathing & CPR. 

HOT WEATHER TIPS TO KEEP YOUR PETS SAFE
May - September and year round in some areas

Have plenty of fresh water available for your pet, inside & out.  By using a heavy, porcelain or ceramic bowl, the water will stay 10% to 20% cooler. (Plastic and aluminum tend to get very hot, which in turn warms up the water.)  Leave the water bowls in shady areas under overhangs to entice your pets out of the sun.  Outside food & water bowls should be placed in a larger bowl or pan containing a few inches of water to keep ants out of the pets bowl.

Provide plenty of shade for outdoor pets.  Pets do not sweat to keep cool as humans do.  Installing a fan or mister on a shaded porch can prevent heatstroke -- of course, pets inside air-conditioned houses are the safest.  If you cant keep your dogs indoors, get an insulated doghouse to help keep their temperature down.  Keep birds from overheating by setting up a misting system in your aviaries. 

Be sure your pet has current ID tags at all times. Keep a current photo & description of your pet on hand. It will prove useful in the event your pet becomes lost on vacation or at home.  Don't plan a trip without thoroughly checking regulations for traveling with and/or boarding your pet. 

Watch for spills of fertilizer, car coolant, garbage & yard trimmings -- ingestion could be fatal.  Keep your pet well groomed and watch for ticks & fleas.

FOURTH OF JULY

The weeks before and after the Fourth of July are the busiest of the year at Animal Shelters across the country.  The rocket's red glare can be fun for you, but not for your pet!  Loud booms and flashing fireworks scare dogs and cats from the safety of their homes. They become disoriented and end up miles away, and those…are the lucky ones.  Many more meet their fate by running frantically into the path of a car. 

Please keep all pets safely indoors.  Close drapes and turn on a radio or television to mask noise and distract the pet’s attention from the pops and bangs. Double check that all doors, windows and gates are secure, and if your pet is easily agitated, make sure someone stays with him during the festivities.

Also remember this holiday brings cookouts with the chance of your pets being burned when stealing the last burger off the grill!  The opportunity for them to eat foods not suited for a canine or feline diet (fried chicken; hamburgers, hot dogs and sausages containing too much salt and grease for their tummies and more).  Keep all adult beverages out of reach and also take care with sparklers near fur and four-paws in insure a happy Fourth for one and all!  Be mindful of other HOT WEATHER TIPS listed on this page...

A study published in the 2006 Journal of Agricultual and Food Chemistry determined that chocolate is the third highest antioxidant source consumed in the U.S. following coffee and tea.  According to Mark Stibich, PhD, "Chocolate is made from plants, which means it contains many of the health benefits of dark vegetables. These benefits are from flavonoids, which act as antioxidants which protect the body from aging caused by free radicals, which can cause damage that leads to heart disease.  Dark chocolate contains a large number of antioxidants (nearly 8 times the number found in strawberries), and flavonoids help relax blood pressure and keep cholesterol from gathering in blood vessels."

Sounds good so far, but the benefits do not apply to the canine species!  According to the ASPCA, its Animal Poison Control Center hotline receives an increased volume of calls around Halloween, Christmas, Valentines Day, Easter and Mothers Day all holidays where candy is abundant from worried pet parents.  The problem isn't just the fat chocolate contains, but even worse is the caffeine-like substance known as Theobromine a naturally occurring stimulant found in the cocoa bean.  An animal that has ingested too much chocolate can experience rapid heart rate, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and death.  The only good news is that it takes a fairly large amount of Theobromine to cause a toxic reaction in your pet.  However, do realize that every dog is different and some are much more sensitive to toxins than others meaning they can suffer ill effects on even the smallest amount of a substance.

So how much is too much chocolate for your pet?  The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous for your pooch!  White Chocolate causes the least harm since it contains almost no cocoa and only 1mg of Theobromine per ounce.  Milk Chocolate, the most common form, contains 60mg per ounce which means:  one ounce of milk chocolate per pound of your dogs body weight can be toxic!  For example:  1/2 pound for an 8 lbs dog or 4 pounds consumed by a 65 lbs dog would make him very ill or worse.  The chocolate generally found in chocolate chip cookies, Semi-Sweet Chocolate, contains an even higher Theobromine concentration, so less than one ounce per pound your pet weighs can make him just as sick.  Theobromine is found in still higher levels in Dark Chocolate, Cocoa Powder and Bakers Chocolate as well as Cocoa Mulch which often adorns potted plants and flower beds. 

Once swallowed, there is no specific antidote for chocolate poisoning, so if you suspect your dog has consumed chocolate, induce vomiting at once by administering one Tablespoon of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide for every 15 lbs your pet weighs.  Dribble it onto the back of his tongue with an eye dropper, needle-less syringe or even a turkey baster until he swallows.   As an alternative, activated charcoal may help absorb the toxins in your pets stomach and buy you time to get to the Animal Emergency Center before the poison travels through your pets bloodstream.  Once at the Animal ER, the Veterinarian will flush your pet's system, give intravenous medications to protect his heart and treat whatever symptoms occur.  So like Forrest Gump always said, "Life is like a box of chocolates.  You never know what you're going to get."  And for your dog or cat...it will never be a good thing, so NO CHOCOLATE FOR FIDO or FLUFFY!  Also, since you never know what unexpected events will be thrown your way, be prepared by having a well-stocked PET FIRST-AID KIT along with the knowledge of what to do to help your pet in any kind of emergency.

BITE LIKE A RATTLER, STING LIKE A BEE…

BEES

Generally dogs paw at and remove the insect’s stinger, but should you see one through your pet’s fur coat (or on his nose, lip, paw or elsewhere), scrape it away with a credit card, popsicle stick or similar stiff object.   Pulling the stinger with fingers or tweezers could rupture the poison sac allowing the toxin to enter your pet’s body.  Administer 1 mg Benadryl per pound of your dog’s body weight, and apply a cold pack (a bag of frozen peas works well) to any swelling.  Should severe swelling or any breathing difficulties develop, get to your Veterinarian at once.

SPIDERS

Black Widow Spiders terrify us all with their distinctive red hour-glass marking, but rarely are they fatal.  Small dogs sometimes have bigger issues with the venom due to their size.  Treat bites with ice and Benadryl as you would for a bee sting, and should your dog develop unusual redness, pain, difficulty breathing or paralysis…get to the Vet ASAP. 

Brown Recluse Spiders tend to hide in dark, secluded areas and their venom is known to destroy tissue surrounding the bite.  Approximately 1/2 inch to 2 inches long, the Brown Recluse can be identified by a distinctive fiddle-shaped mark on its back.  When bitten, most dogs do not realize it, but after a while redness occurs.  Clean the wound with hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine or povidone iodine. If your dog appears lethargic, develops a rash, fever, chills, vomiting or diarrhea or if the wound becomes larger or persistent drainage occurs, seek Veterinary assistance at once.

SNAKES

Another danger to our dogs comes in the form of venomous snakes.  In California the eight species of Rattlesnakes are active year round.  Their physical appearance varies, but all can be identified by a broad, triangular head, vertical pupils as opposed to round ones (though hopefully you won’t be close enough to evaluate this), and heat-sensing “pits” between the eyes and nostrils which help them locate prey.

Prevention is the best medicine!  While out walking, your best safety device is keeping control of your dog on a leash.  Stay on open paths, and don’t allow your dog to explore holes or dig under logs or rocks where snakes hide (yeah, right -- but doing so can prevent much pain, suffering and even death).  Keep pets away from areas covered in ivy and wood piles where snake food (mice) hides!

If your pet gets bitten, assume it is a poisonous bite.   Even if it isn’t, non-venomous snakes transmit bacteria (remember…they eat rodents and don’t brush their teeth) making Veterinary care vital.

First-Aid

• Keep your dog or cat calm and carry him if possible.  Increasing your pet’s pulse and respiration also increases the absorption of the venom.
• Immediately call your Animal Emergency Center to make sure they have anti-venin and let them know you’re on the way.  Ask if you should administer Benadryl® (usual dose for snake bites is 2 mg per pound of pet’s body weight). 
• If possible, identify the type of snake or be able to describe it, but do not get near it.

• DO NOT cut over the fang marks or try to suck out the poison.
• DO NOT move the animal any more than needed.
• DO NOT place an ice pack over the bite which could result in the limb having to be amputated.  Venom is caustic and immediately breaks down tissue and blood cells, so as much as don’t want it traveling to the vital organs, you also do not want the concentration of toxin frozen in one place.

Do you know where your nearest Animal Emergency Hospital is?  Don’t wait until it is too late to find out.  

DID YOU KNOW?
Baby snakes can be just as dangerous as their full-grown counterparts.  They are born with fangs and venom and generally give all they’ve got with each and every bite!

Snake Bite Vaccine can buy you time, but you’ll still need to get to your Veterinarian quickly if your dog is bitten.  Vaccinated dogs typically develop protection comparable to a couple vials of anti-venin.

THANKSGIVING PET SAFETY TIPS...

Giving your pets a small nibble of white-meat turkey is okay, just be sure it’s boneless and fully cooked. Bones can splinter and dark meat as well as greasy skin, gristle and gravies can cause severe stomach upsets and pancreatitis in your four-legged friends.

Sweet potato, cooked carrots and green beans—inside a Kong toy -- will keep canines delighted and too busy to come begging for table scraps.

Although sage makes stuffing taste yummy, it contains essential oils and resins that can cause pets to suffer stomach upset and possible depression of the central nervous system, so be sure to keep this herb out of reach.

If you're letting yeast doughs rise on the counter, make sure Fido or Fluffy don't come near.  Raw dough in a canine or feline tummy continues to ferment and can result in alcohol poisoning in your pet!

Family gatherings bring relatives and friends who may not be as pet saavy as you!  Politely give guests a few rules about closing doors and gates behind them so that your precious pets do not escape;  provide a safe place for toothpicks that may be used with hors d'oeuvres as once dropped on the floor with the aroma of meats and cheeses, these sharp objects become desirable to our pets and can cause puncture and choking injuries. 

Be sure to safely tuck away bones, foils and plastic wraps from your pets.  The food remnants on these items will make them hard to resist and could cause obstructions, choking incidents and even suffocation to your pet.

The holiday season means lots of cameras, radios and other battery-operated electronics. Please don’t leave batteries lying around. If swallowed, they can cause choking or obstruction; if punctured, the chemicals in alkaline batteries can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus.

Finally, Holidays often translate to candies and sweets.  Read above article on Chocolate Toxicity but also realize the wrappers and artificial sweetners in some treats can be extremely harmful to our pets.  Also nuts such as Macadamia can cause temporary paralysis.  Just because us humans eat it DOES NOT mean it is safe for our cats and dogs.

Count your blessings during this season of Thanks and be ever so grateful that a four-legged friend has chosen to share his life with you!!!!!

ANIMAL POISON CONTROL CENTER (APCC)