People Food to Avoid Feeding your Pet

Most people know that you should never feed chocolate to your dog, but most people don’t know that the items listed here can be just as deadly to your pet. 

Chocolate, Coffee and Caffeine

Alcohol

Avocado

Macadamia Nuts

Grapes, Raisins

Yeast Dough

Raw/Undercooked Meat, Eggs and Bones

Xylitol

Onions, Garlic and Chives

Milk

Salt

For more information about the dangers of feeding the above items to you pet, visit the ASPCA website:  http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/people-foods.html

Hot Weather Tips for Keeping Your Dog Safe

* Never leave your dog unattended in a parked car.  Even if you park in the shade and leave windows open, the vehicle may become too hot for your dog and they may die. 

*Always exercise your dog in the early morning or evening, when the weather is cooler. 

*Do not allow your dog to stand still on concrete or asphalt in extremely hot weather.  The pads of their feet may burn. 

*If your dog spends alot of time outside, be sure to provide shelter from the sun.  Bring him/her in the house during the hottest time of the day.

*Be especially careful with older or overweight dogs in the heat.  Be sure to provide them with a cool, shaded place to rest.

*Always leave identification tags on your dog.  Consider microchipping him/her for easy identification were they to become lost.

*Keep your dog away from areas that have been sprayed with insecticides or other chemicals.  Keep any insecticides or chemicals out of reach of your dogs in your home.

*Watch for vehicles leaking coolant.  Dogs are attracted to the sweet smell, and they can be deadly if ingested. 

*Keep your dog well groomed.  For dogs with heavy coats, keep them groomed to 1″ in length.  Leaving some hair will give them protection from the sun. 

*Be sure to have your dog tested for Heartworm, and keep him/her on Heartworm and Flea/Tick Preventative. 

*If you use a outdoor tether, do not use a correction collar, your dog could choke to death.  Use a buckle collar with identification tags. 

*Never allow your dog to run loose.  They may catch a deadly disease, hit by a passing vehicle, or stolen. 

*  Be sure there are no unscreened windows or doors in your home that your dog could jump or fall out of.

Source:  http://www.petfinder.com/pet-care/hot-weather-tips.html?page-index=1&

Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants

The ASPCA offers a database of plants that are both toxic and non-toxic to pets.  Please make sure to check the database before you introduce any new plant into your home.  Also, make sure to check the database for the plants that you currently have.  . 

ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database

The ASPCA lists the following as 17 Common Poisonous Plants:

1.  Lilies
2.  Marijuana
3.  Sago Palm
4.  Tulips/Narcissus bulbs
5.  Azalez/Rhododendron
6.  Oleander
7.  Castor Bean
8.  Cyclamen
9.  Kalanchoe
10.  Yew
11.  Amaryllis
12.  Autumn Crocus
13.  Chrysanthemum
14.  English Ivy
15.  Peace Lily (AKA Mauna Loa Peace Lily)
16.  Pothos
17.  Schefflera

If you believe your pet has injest a poisonous plant contact your vet immediately, or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center  1-888-426-4435.

Cocoa Bean Mulch is Dangerous to Dogs

Cocoa Bean mulch is a product commonly sold for garden beds.  It is a byproduct of chocolate production and has a chocolaty smell that is attractive to dogs.   The mulch contains a chemical called theobromine, which is poisonous to dogs. 

When dogs consume Cocoa Bean mulch in low doses it can cause gastrointestinal upset.  When they consume high doses it can cause gastrointestinal obstruction, tachycardia, muscle tremors and seizures. If your dog eats this mulch, immediately contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-426-4435).

How to make a Pet First Aid Kit

With the summer months arriving, your dogs may spend more time running and playing outside.  It is always good to be prepared ahead of time for accidents.

Below is a list of items that are essential to have on hand to treat your dog for many accidents that may occur:

Absorbent compresses in various sizes (gauze sponges)
Adhesive tape – hypoallergenic
Antibiotic Ointment- triple
Blanket
Clean cloth
Cold Compress
Dephenydramine (Benadryl) – appropriate dose for pets size, if approved by a vet (check expiration date)
Dog First Aid book
Expired credit card (to scrape awaystingers)
Epsom salt (to make saline solution)
Gloves – disposable, nonlatex, powder free)
Glucose paste or corn syrup
Grooming clippers
Hydrogen peroxide – 3% (check expiration date)
List of emergency telephone numbers – vet, emergency clinic, poison control center
Muzzle – soft collapsible, or gauze to use as muzzle
Nail clippers
Needle-nose pliers
Nylon leash
Petroleum Jelly
Penlight
Rectal thermometer – non mercury/non glass
Roll cohesive wrap – 3 inch width
Roll gauze – 2 inch width, cotton
Rubbin alcohol (isopropyl)
Scissors – small with blunt end
Sterile gauze pads –  non-adherent, assorted sizes
Sterile, water-based lubricant – such as KY Jelly
Syringe – baby dose size
Sterile eye lubricant
Sterile saline eye wash
Styptic powder
Towel
Tweezers
Water proof container to place all of the item in
Wire cutters – small
Vitamin B Gel

Source:  American Red Cross, Dog First Aid, Be Red Cross Ready, Safety Series Vol. 2