mmowens40@yahoo.com (845) 675-7200
CHOCOLATE is a "NO!" for pets
Chocolate is a HOLIDAY FAVORITE for lots of folks, but not for your dogs or cats. What makes chocolate so bad?
Chocolate is derived from the roasted seeds of a Theobroma cacao tree, which contain caffeine and theobromine. Both of these can be toxic to animals. If ingested, these two ingredients can lead to various medical complications and may even prove fatal for your dog.Dark chocolate is much more dangerous than milk, but both are hazardous.
Theobromine stimulates the central nervous system, cardiovascular system, and causes increased blood pressure. Dogs and cats cannot metabolize theobromine as quickly as humans can, thus the results can be severe for your pet. Side effects of toxic levels includes: diarrhea; vomiting; increased urination; muscle twitching; excessive panting; hyperactive behavior; whining; dehydration; digestive problems; seizures; and rapid heart rate. Some of these symptoms can ultimately be fatal to the dog.
Call your vet immediately, if you suspect chocolate poisoning for your pet.
Chocolates
R
4
People!
RED ALERT! Holiday Dangers
The Holidays are filled with goodies on every hand -
mistletoe* here, holly* there, lillies* in the flower arrangement, and a colorful poinsettia* in the corner. These Holidays plants, however merry, can be dangerous to your dog and cat.
The LEAST of your worries: POINSETTIAS.
The milky white sap found in poinsettias
contains chemicals called diterpenoid euphorbol
esters and saponin-like detergents. Poinsettias are
commonly “hyped” as highly poisonous plants;
the poisoning is not highly dangerous, but will still
make your dog or cat really sick. Best to keep them
out of reach for your pets, however. No one wants a sick puppy or kitty!
Far more HAZARDOUS are other holiday favorites!
MISTLETOE:
American mistletoe is less hazardous than European
varieties, but berries from this plant contain chemicals
that can result in gastrointestinal irritation and pain.
To be on the safe side, keep your mistletoe out of reach
of your dogs and cats during the holidays. If you
suspect your pet has ingested mistletoe, contact your
veterinarian for treatment recommendations.
HOLLY
Varieties of English, Japanese, and Chinese Holly
contain toxic saponins. When Christmas or English
holly is ingested, it can result in severe gastro-
intestinal upset (e.g., vomiting, diarrhea). The spiny
leaves are toxic and often cause physical injury to
your pet's digestive tract. If your you suspect your
dog or cat has ingested holly, contact your vet for
treatment recommendations.
Fatal lilies include Tiger, Day, Asiatic, Easter
and Japanese Show lilies – all of which are highly
toxic to cats! Even a small amount, such as 2-3 petals
or leaves, can result in severe kidney failure. If your
cat is seen consuming any part of a lily, take your cat
(and the plant) to your veterinarian for medical care,
immediately. Certain varieties of lillies are highly toxic to dogs as well: the peace lily, calla lily, amaryllis, lily of the valley, autumn crocus, and palm lily are all considered dangerous to dogs by the ASPCA.