Saturday, April 9, 2016

Spring Time Safety For Your Pet



Dogs and cats often paw at and remove an insect's stinger, but should you see one through your pet's fur coat, 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 1mg Benadryl per pound of your dog's body weight and apply a cold pack to any swelling.  Should severe swelling or any breathing difficulties develop, get your pet to your veterinarian at once.

Although many fruits and vegetables may be in season, do not feed human foods to your pet without doing your research! 

Many are poisonous.

Grapes and raisins, contain an unknown toxin that can shut down your pet's kidneys, seed and pits of stone fruits may contain cyanide or arsenic, onions, chives
and garlic can cause hemolytic anemia, tomato and potato leaves and stems can result in digestive, nervous and/or urinary system difficulties.

Ice tea or coffee could increase your pet's heart rate in seizures.

Carrots, green beans, broccoli, apples and bananas however, are safe and beneficial for most dogs and cats.  Make sure the pieces do not become a choking hazard.

With April showers come May flowers.

Some of the most toxic plants include:  Amaryllis, Azaleas/Rhododendron, Bulbs, Castor Bean, Chrysanthemum, Cyclamen, English Ivy, Juniper Lilies, Kalanchoe, Marijuana, Oleander, Yew, Onion, Sago Palm, Schefflera and Potato Plants.