The Top 10 Pet Poisons Part II 6 of 10....

6. Chocolate

Chocolate contains methlxanthines, which act as stimulants to our pets.

The darker the chocolate, the more methylxanthines it contains.

Methylxanthines can cause agitation, vomiting, diarrhea, high heart rate, muscle tremors, seizures and death....

7. Household Toxins

Cleaning supplies, such as bleach acids, alkalis and other detergents can cause corrosive injury to the mouth and stomach, Other household items such as batteries and liquid potpourri can cause similar problems. Always keep these toxins behind securely locked doors.

8. Plants

Both house plants and outdoor plants can be ingested by our pets. Lillies can cause life-threatening kidney failure in cats, while sago palms can cause liver failure in dogs and cats.

Keep house plants and bouquets away from your pets.

9 Herbicides

Many herbicides have a salty taste, and our pets will commonly ingest them.

Always follow label directions and keep pets off treated areas until they are dry.

10 Outdoor Toxins

Antifreeze, fertilizers and ice melts are all substances that animals can find outdoors.

Keep these items in securely locked sheds or on high shelves where pets cannot get to them.

If you have any reason to suspect your pet, or a neighbor's pet has ingested something toxic, please contact your veterinarian or the Animal Poison Control Center's 24 hour hotline at:

(888) 426-4435

The Top 10 Pet Poisons Part 1 of 5

1. Human Medications

For several years, human medications have been number one on the ASPCA"s list of common hazards. Pets often snatch pill vials from counters and nightstand or gobble up medications accidentally dropped on the floor, so it is essential to keep meds tucked away in hard to reach cabinets.

2. Insecticides

In an effort to battle home invasions by unwelcome pests, people often unwittingly put their pets at risk. One of the most common incidents involves the misuse of flea and tick products, such as applying the wrong topical treatment to the wrong species. Thus it is always important to talk to your pet's veterinarian before beginning any flea and tick control program.

3. Rodenticides

Baits used to kill mice and rats are mostly grain based. Not only does this attract rodents, but it attracts dogs and cats. There are several different types of rodenticides that can cause seizures. Internal bleeding or kidney failure. Always make sure these items are placed in areas that pets cannot access.

4. People Food

Xylitol, grapes, raisins, onions and garlic are commonly ingested by our pets. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs, while onions and garlic can cause anemia if enough is ingested. Xylitol a sugar alcohol used to sweeten sugar free gums and mints, can cause low blood sugar and liver failure in dogs.

5. Veterinary Medications

Many medications made for our pets are flavored for ease of giving.

Unfortunately that means that animals may ingest the entire bottle of medication if they find it tasty. Common chewable medications include arthritis and incontinence medications.

Contact your veterinarian if your pet ingests more than his proper dose of medication.

Top 10 Cat Names.....

After last weeks depressing weather here, I thought my human staff could us a little something more fun and amusing.

So here goes.

The top Ten names for your cat that my staff has heard of at the store while giving them a day of beauty.

The countdown goes:

#10 Bella

#9 Tigger

#8 Shadow

#7 Smokey

#6 Lucy

#5 Oliver

#4 Chloe

#3 Bella

Drum roll please.. The number one name for cats is......

Max

Meow Really Max? I ask my mother about this she says yes, but me personally living and walking in the city of Somerville.

I cannot think of a single feline that told me there name was Max.

I been good friends with to a Bear, Q, Midnight and Cece.

I also encounter late at night when their is a full moon a Dexter, Tigger, Cat and Smokey.

I personally prefer Jack, Cleopatra, Mr Tibbs or even Kittie...

If you know of a funny or exceptionally appropriate feline name or a unique name (like Meow), please share and send me and email.

Email me at msstinky@msn.com