Valentines Day Tips
I am always getting some kind of informational email in our in-box. This is an article that I received from ASPCA regarding having a pet safe
Valentines day. I really enjoyed it and thought this is something that I would like to share. Here it is:
Valentines day can be as much fun for pets as it is for humans if dangerous foods, flora and other items are kept out of
paws' reach. Each year poison control experts see a rise in cases around February 14, many involving chocolate and lilies,
a flower that's potentially fatal to cats. So please head our expert's advice-- don't leave the goodies lying around on Lovers
day.
PET SAFE BOUQUETS
Many pet owners are still unaware that all species of lily are potentially fatal to cats. When sending a floral arrangement,
specify that it contain no lilies if the recipient has a cat-- and when receiving an arrangement, sift through and remove all
dangerous flora. If your pet is suffering from symptoms such as a stomach upset, vomiting or diarrhea, he may have
ingested an offending flower or plant.
FORBIDDEN CHOCOLATE
Seasoned pet lovers know that potentially life-threatening dangers of chocolate, including baker's, semi sweet, mil and
dark. In darker chocolates, methylxanthines-- caffeine-like stimulants that affect gastrointestinal, neurologic and cardiac
function-- can cause vomiting/diarrhea, hyperactivity, seizures, and an abnormally elevated heart rate. The high-fat content
in lighter chocolates can potentially lead to a life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas. Go ahead and indulge, but don't
leave the chocolate out for chowhounds to find.
CAREFUL WITH COCKTAILS
Spilled wine, half a glass of champagne, some leftover liquor are nothing to cry over until a curious pet laps them up.
Because animals are smaller than humans, a little bit of alcohol can do a lot of harm, causing vomiting, diarrhea, lack of
coordination, central nervous system depression, tremors, difficulty breathing, metabolic disturbances and even coma.
Potentially fatal respiratory failure can also occur if a large enough amount is ingested.
LIFE IS SWEET
So don't let pets near treats sweetened with xylitol. If ingested, gum, candy and other treats that include this sweetener can
result in sudden drop in blood sugar known as hypoglycemia. This can cause your pet to suffer depression, loss of
coordination and seizures.
EVERY ROSE HAS ITS THORN
Don;t let pets near roses or other thorny stemmed flowers. Biting, stepping on or swallowing their sharp, woody spines
can cause serious infection if a puncture occurs. De-thorn roses far away from pets.
PLAYING WITH FIRE
It's nice to set your evening a glow with candlelight, but put out the fire when you leave the room. Pawing kittens and
nosy pooches can burn themselves or cause a fire by knocking over unattended candles.
WRAP IT UP
Gather up tape, ribbons, bows, wrapping paper, cellophane and balloons after presents have been opened--if swallowed,
these long, stringy and "fun-to-chew" items can get lodged in your pet's throat or digestive track causing her to chock or
vomit.
THE FURRY GIFT OF LIFE?
Giving a cuddly puppy or kitten may seem a fitting Valentines Day gift - - however, returning a pet you hadn't planned on
is anything but romantic. Companion animals bring with them a lifelong commitment, and choosing a pet for someone else
doesn't always turn out to be right.
Valentines day. I really enjoyed it and thought this is something that I would like to share. Here it is:
Valentines day can be as much fun for pets as it is for humans if dangerous foods, flora and other items are kept out of
paws' reach. Each year poison control experts see a rise in cases around February 14, many involving chocolate and lilies,
a flower that's potentially fatal to cats. So please head our expert's advice-- don't leave the goodies lying around on Lovers
day.
PET SAFE BOUQUETS
Many pet owners are still unaware that all species of lily are potentially fatal to cats. When sending a floral arrangement,
specify that it contain no lilies if the recipient has a cat-- and when receiving an arrangement, sift through and remove all
dangerous flora. If your pet is suffering from symptoms such as a stomach upset, vomiting or diarrhea, he may have
ingested an offending flower or plant.
FORBIDDEN CHOCOLATE
Seasoned pet lovers know that potentially life-threatening dangers of chocolate, including baker's, semi sweet, mil and
dark. In darker chocolates, methylxanthines-- caffeine-like stimulants that affect gastrointestinal, neurologic and cardiac
function-- can cause vomiting/diarrhea, hyperactivity, seizures, and an abnormally elevated heart rate. The high-fat content
in lighter chocolates can potentially lead to a life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas. Go ahead and indulge, but don't
leave the chocolate out for chowhounds to find.
CAREFUL WITH COCKTAILS
Spilled wine, half a glass of champagne, some leftover liquor are nothing to cry over until a curious pet laps them up.
Because animals are smaller than humans, a little bit of alcohol can do a lot of harm, causing vomiting, diarrhea, lack of
coordination, central nervous system depression, tremors, difficulty breathing, metabolic disturbances and even coma.
Potentially fatal respiratory failure can also occur if a large enough amount is ingested.
LIFE IS SWEET
So don't let pets near treats sweetened with xylitol. If ingested, gum, candy and other treats that include this sweetener can
result in sudden drop in blood sugar known as hypoglycemia. This can cause your pet to suffer depression, loss of
coordination and seizures.
EVERY ROSE HAS ITS THORN
Don;t let pets near roses or other thorny stemmed flowers. Biting, stepping on or swallowing their sharp, woody spines
can cause serious infection if a puncture occurs. De-thorn roses far away from pets.
PLAYING WITH FIRE
It's nice to set your evening a glow with candlelight, but put out the fire when you leave the room. Pawing kittens and
nosy pooches can burn themselves or cause a fire by knocking over unattended candles.
WRAP IT UP
Gather up tape, ribbons, bows, wrapping paper, cellophane and balloons after presents have been opened--if swallowed,
these long, stringy and "fun-to-chew" items can get lodged in your pet's throat or digestive track causing her to chock or
vomit.
THE FURRY GIFT OF LIFE?
Giving a cuddly puppy or kitten may seem a fitting Valentines Day gift - - however, returning a pet you hadn't planned on
is anything but romantic. Companion animals bring with them a lifelong commitment, and choosing a pet for someone else
doesn't always turn out to be right.