Plants in our landscape provide pollen for bees, food for moths and butterflies, and oxygen to clean and refresh the environment. Plants are a source of food and medicine for humans. Unfortunately, many of the same plants that offer a feast for our eyes and noses are also poisonous to our pets such as the colorful Lantana.

According to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) Poison Control Center, there is a long list of poisonous plants that are typically found in our gardens. These plants with hidden dangers include: azaleas, baby’s breath, clematis, chrysanthemums, dianthus, English ivy, foxglove, geraniums, lily of the valley, lantana, oleander, morning glory, narcissus, primrose, and tulip bulbs. Eating or even rolling in these plants may lead to symptoms ranging from mild digestive upsets and vomiting to convulsions and even death.

As a careful pet owner, you should either limit your pet’s access to poisonous plants or decide not to plant them at all. But if even with your best efforts, you see your pet (or your neighbors wandering canine) consuming a suspect plant, do not hesitate to call your vet and ask for assistance. The negative effect of ingesting a poisonous plant may not appear immediately, so keep a watchful eye on your pet. Or, err on the side of caution and give your vet a call. If the animal reacts visible having seizures or difficulty breathing, react immediately. Either take the animal to your regular vet or a veterinary emergency clinic. Time is critical.

If you cannot reach your vet, you can call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888.426.4435. Be prepared to provide your name, address and phone number; the toxic substance your pet ingested or touched and to describe how it’s affecting the animal. The Poison Control Center consultant will also need information on the breed, age, sex and weight of the animal and the amount of the plant ingested or to which the animal was exposed. There is a $60 consultation fee for this service from ASPCA.

Posted by Barbara.

I just posted about an innovative product that protects the appliance, computer and phone cords in your home from a pet chewing on them. If this is a problem that you're having with your dog, you might want to check out the post.

Posted by Barbara.
 

With summertime come thunderstorms that can be a source of anxiety and fear in your dog. Although no one knows exactly why some dogs are afraid of loud noises like thunder, it is speculated that the fear could result from a single unpleasant episode during puppy-hood or a genetic predisposition that includes a heightened sensitivity to noise. Whatever the reason, a dog’s fear behavior is very hard for owners to watch. Not to mention, that some fearful dogs can harm themselves or your property while trying to escape from the source of the noise.

Mild fear responses include panting and pacing or retreating to a safe location and perhaps some shaking or tremors.  An extremely fearful dog may try to dig into your bed or couch to hide or break through a screen door or worse a glass door as they run in fear. In trying to help your pet cope, you should offer a safe-haven in a small room in the house like a bathroom or for small dogs a protected bed or carrier. When there is no stimulus that is causing the dog’s fears, that is, it is a nice calm day, you can practice systemic desensitization by playing recorded storm sounds at low volume while reassuring your pet and offering a treat. You can gradually raise the volume as your pet adjusts and his comfort level increases. 

For more extreme cases, you can get assistance from dog behavior therapists or  your vet may prescribe an anti-anxiety medication (tranquilizers) for dogs such as Valium or Aceprom.  Additional information on these medications is available at Mar Vista Animal Medical Center including precautions, drug interactions, and breed specific responses.

Posted by Barbara.