|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
AUGUST 2008
UNSAFE DOG TOYS
JULY 2008
VALLEY FEVER
Valley Fever....the two links below will take you to info on valley fever for Pets and Humans. Its everywhere so lets not just blame the dog park. I got it washing patio furniture and screens when we first moved to Fountain Hills. Its in your backyard, its in the air, its in all the dirt being moved everywhere. Be informed for your pets and family.
Mayoclinic
article
Click here for more
June 2008
COCOA MULCH
Yesterday one of our dog agility friends experienced a tragedy and wanted me to pass a special message along to all of my friends and family. Please tell every dog owner you know.
Over the weekend the doting owner of two young lab mixes purchased Cocoa Mulch from Target to use in their garden. They loved the way it smelled and it was advertised to keep cats away from their garden. Their dog Calypso decided that the mulch smelled good enough to eat and devoured a large helping. She vomited a few times which was typical when she eats something new but wasn't acting lethargic in any way. The next day, Calypso was taken for her morning walk. Half way through the walk, she had a seizure and died instantly.
Although the mulch had NO warnings printed on the label, upon further investigation on the company's website, this product is HIGHLY toxic to dogs.
Cocoa Mulch is manufactured by Hershey's, and they claim that 'It is true that studies have shown that 50% of the dogs that eat Cocoa Mulch can suffer physical harm to a variety of degrees (depending on each individual dog). However, 98% of all dogs won't eat it.' True information about the mulch can be found on snopes. This site gives the following information: Cocoa Mulch, which is sold by Home Depot, Foreman's Garden Supply and other Garden supply stores, contains a lethal ingredient called 'Theobromine' . It is lethal to dogs and cats. It smells like chocolate and it really attracts dogs. Just a word of caution, check what you are using in your gardens and be aware of what your gardeners are using in your gardens.
Theobromine
is the ingredient that is used to make all chocolate especially dark or
baker's chocolate which is toxic to dogs. Cocoa bean shells contain potentially
toxic quantities of theobromine, a xanthine compound similar in effects
to caffeine and theophylline. A dog that ingested a lethal quantity of garden
mulch made from cacao bean shells developed severe convulsions and died
17 hours later. Analysis of the stomach contents and the ingested cacao
bean shells revealed the presence of lethal amounts of theobromine. Please
email the manufacturer and request that accurate information about this
product be posted on the packaging to avoid further tragedy.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
May 2008
BOBCATS ARE ROMING ANTHEM
bobcats are again roaming in anthem, most spotting's in the country club they are reported to just be laying on porches and not showing signs of being afraid .....Please watch your children and pets and yourself. one cat has already been injured near the golf course. These cats are seen during the day and will jump in and out of yards, no wall is too high. so don't be silly stay away and alert of course Parkside is in danger too!!!! They roam up to 40 miles a day. we have what they want here food and fresh water.
If you let your dogs out at night or have a pet door be extra alert.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
April 2008
ATTRACTIVE BRUNFELSIA PROVES DEADLY TO DOGS
According to a recently published study by Dr. Safdar Khan, veterinary toxicologist for the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), dogs seem to be particularly attracted to the seeds and berries of the Brunfelsia plant, also known as “morning, noon and night” and “yesterday, today and tomorrow.” In fact, canines are most susceptible to poisoning by this gardener’s favorite, aptly named for its fragrant flowers that bloom in vivid purple and gradually change to lavender before fading to white.
From 2001 to 2006, the APCC treated 38 cases of Brunfelsia poisoning involving 42 dogs. One California hound experienced stiff limbs and excessive drooling after ingesting several seeds from the plant. A terrier puppy from Florida developed life-threatening seizures after consuming another part of the plant. With help from the APCC and the services of a local emergency veterinarian, the puppy eventually made a full recovery. However, three of the cases proved fatal.
“Brunfelsia toxicity can progress very rapidly to a potentially lethal situation, so it’s critical that pet parents seek immediate veterinary care,” says Dr. Khan. “If pets consume any part of the plant, they can become ill within hours and develop gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting and diarrhea, as well as tremors, seizures and muscle rigidity that makes the animal appear to be in a ‘sawhorse’ stance.”
The most commonly affected breeds are Labradors and golden retrievers, who, because they are very active, may be more likely to get to the plant’s seeds and leaves.
If you have Brunfelsia in your home, please keep the plant in an area where pets can’t reach it, or replace it with a nontoxic alternative. Pet parents should remember to take precautions against the many plants and flowers that can prove harmful to their animals.
You
can learn to recognize dangerous flora by watching our new video, featuring
17 common poisonous plants, at the APCC online.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Feb 2008
IT'S BEE SEASON
It’s the Bee time of year, please make sure you have a fire extinguisher in your home to protect your animals from the bees. When you purchase make sure it says ABC on the front. It can be put outside, but not in the sun. You can purchase them at WalMart, Ace, etc.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________