Tall Toxic Tales
1. MYTH- Giving your dog beer is no big deal. TRUTH - Even a small amount of alcohol can disorient an animal and lead to injury!
2. MYTH -Cats love milk. TRUTH - Some cats are actually sensitive to dairy products which will cause an upset stomach. Ask your vet first.
3. MYTH - All mushrooms are poisonous for pets. TRUTH - The type you get from the grocery store are perfectly safe for animals. However, watch out for the type that grow in your backyard. These CAN be dangerous.
4. MYTH - One dropped pill can not do much harm. TRUTH - Prescription AND over-the-counter medications, especially pain relievers, pose a serious health risk to your pet.
5. MYTH - Plants are safe for a snack for cats and birds. TRUTH - Even a small amount of certain plants can cause kidney failure or death.
If you suspect your pet has been poisoned, call your vet immediately or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435. Have your pet’s breed, age, weight, sex, symptoms, what he ate and how much was eaten at the time you call. If your pet has difficulty in breathing take him to your vet or animal hospital immediately.
Hidden Dangers In Foods
Stephen Hansen, DVM and Midwest Office Senior Vice President of the Animal Poison Control Center for the ASPCA, says that the biggest risk for toxic poisoning for pets comes from digging through the trash. To avoid accidental poisoning, you should use a lidded garbage can with a weight at the bottom so your pet can not knock it over. Or better yet, keep it enclosed under the kitchen sink or in a closed pantry. Make sure you do not leave food on the edge of a counter or table in case of the “long paw reach”.
If you think your pet has been poisoned, call your vet immediately or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.
The following are the most dangerous foods:
1. Chocolate - Poisonous to dogs and cats - dark chocolate is the most dangerous and as little as two ounces can cause major problems in a 10 lb dog. The chemical “theobromine” in all chocolate, which is similar to caffeine, can affect the heart and central nervous system. Watch for diarrhea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat or muscle trembling.
2. Moldy or spoiled foods - Hazardous to dogs and cats - Depending on the food and amount of mold, even a mouthfulof old cheese can cause illness. Tremorgens, a toxic by-product of some mold, interferes with the normal nervous system functions. Watch for vomiting, tremors and seizures. This can be fatal in large amounts.
3. Onions - Hazardous to dogs and cats - It only take 3.5 ounces of minced onions, cooked or uncooked, to cause a reaction in a 25 lb dog. The chemical, n-propyl disulfide, breaks down red blood cells and prevents them from carrying oxygen. Watch for blood in the urine, weakness, rapid breathing and a fast heart rate. This is a very serious threat to your pet.
4. Salt - Hazardous to dogs and cats - Only 1 teaspoon ingested by a 10 lb dog can cause illness. Salt changes how the body holds fluids and in some cases it can trigger swelling in the animal’s brain. Watch for tremors and seizures - can cause death.
5. Raisins or grapes - Hazardous to dogs - Only one half ounce of raisins or a handful of grapes can cause illness. Doctors are not sure why, but grapes and raisins can make kidneys fail within 48 hours. Watch for stomach upset and vomiting. May lead to kidney failure and death.
6. Gum or candy with xylitol - Hazardous to dogs - A few piecescould be dangerous. Xylitol, which is a common sweetener, causes a sudden drop in blood sugar. Watch for weakness, seizures and liver failure. Can cause death.
Article by Stephanie Berger -Family Circle Magazine