Taking care of your pets in their home
Be careful what your pets eat
The following human foods, plants, medications and other items could be harmful or potentially deadly to dogs and cats, according to the American Veterinary Medicine Association. Check with your veterinarian for specifics. These lists may not be inclusive of all dangerous items.
Human foods
Coffee grounds
Chocolate
Yeast dough
Macadamia nuts
Fatty foods
Avocado
Grapes/raisins
Onions
Tea
Alcohol
Salt
Garlic
Items containing xylitol (artificial sweetener)
Bathroom items
Bath and hand soaps, toothpaste, sun blocks
Treated toilet bowl water
Garage and yard
Antifreeze and coolants
Insecticides
Fertilizers
Weed killers
Gasoline
Paints and solvents
Paint thinners
Mineral spirits
Solvents
Some artist’s or specialty paints
Plants
Lily of the Valley, oleander, azalea, yew, foxglove, rhododendron, kalanchoe may cause heart problems.
Rhubarb leaves and shamrock can produce kidney failure.
Certain lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis) can result in kidney failure in cats.
Sago palms (Cycad) can cause liver damage.
Certain varieties of mushrooms can cause liver damage or other illnesses.
Philodendron, corn plant, castor bean, mother-in-law's tongue, hibiscus, hydrangea.
Note to bird owners
Birds are especially vulnerable to inhaled particles and fumes from aerosol products, tobacco products, certain glues, paints, air fresheners and other aerosolized matter.
Cooking fumes, smoke and odors.
Medications
Aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, naproxen
Cold medicines
Prescription drugs
Diet pills
Vitamins
Antihistamines
Antidepressants
American Veterinary Medicine Association
The Animal Poison Control Center of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals lists the following plants that can harm pets.
Marijuana – Can result in depression of the central nervous system and incoordination, vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, increased heart rate, seizures and coma.
Tulip/narcissus bulbs – Contain toxins that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation, drooling, loss of appetite, depression of the central nervous system, convulsions and cardiac abnormalities.
Azalea/rhododendron – Grayantoxins can produce vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, weakness and depression of the central nervous system, coma, death from cardiovascular collapse.
Castor bean – Ricin can produce severe abdominal pain, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, weakness, loss of appetite, dehydration, muscle twitching, tremors, seizures, coma, death.
Cyclamen – Can produce significant gastrointestinal irritation, including intense vomiting, death.
Kalanchoe – Gastrointestinal irritation, can seriously affect cardiac rhythm and rate.
Yew – Taxine affects central nervous system, results in trembling, incoordination, difficulty breathing. Causes gastrointestinal irritation and cardiac failure.
Animal Poison Control Center, ASPCAFor more information, visit American Veterinary Medical Association at
and
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at
ADVICE
Santa Rosa County has created a local exercise park for dogs, called Navarre Central Bark. It is located off High School Road north of the county gymnasium. There is water, cleanup bags, a fireplug and a resting bench for pet parents in each of two fenced-in runs. Check it out.
850-293-8255 petperks@bellsouth.net
