The Truth about Poinsettias and Mistletoe

December 22, 2008

With Christmas just around the corner, I thought addressing traditional holiday plants might be appropriate. I'm sure we've all heard about the potential poisoning dangers that poinsettias hold for pets. However, they may not be quite as dangerous as first thought, according to the ASPCA:

Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) are part of a family of plants known as spurges. During the 1820s Joel Robert Poinsett, the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico at the time, first brought poinsettias to the U.S. from a Mexican city he had visited. It was during the early part of the 20th century that the myth of the plant's toxicity began when the two-year-old child of a U.S. Army officer was alleged to have become ill and died from consuming a poinsettia leaf.

As a result of this rumor, the toxic potential of poinsettia has become highly exaggerated. In reality, poinsettia ingestions typically produce only mild to moderate gastrointestinal tract irritation, which may include drooling, vomiting and/or diarrhea. Therefore, while keeping this plant out of the reach of your pet to avoid stomach upset is still a good idea, pet owners need not fear the poinsettia and banish it from their homes for fear of a fatal exposure.

On the other hand, mistletoe, another popular yuletide decorative plant, can be extremely toxic to pets if eaten, according to the ASPCA:

American mistletoe (Phoradendron serotinum) is the most common species of mistletoe recognized as a symbol of the holiday season. It is actually a parasitic plant which lives off of a variety of different tree species, and can be found throughout the United States.

If ingested in large enough quantities, mistletoe has the potential to produce gastrointestinal irritation, excessive thirst and urination, incoordination, a drop in blood pressure and heart rate, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing, seizures, coma and even death. According to ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center data, however, most animal ingestions involve small quantities—not more than the amount found in a sprig or two—and typically result in mild stomach upset that resolves with little to no treatment.

If you think that your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, contact the Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or your local emergency vet.

The pictures listed in this entry are courtesy of BarfBlog and Wikimedia.

FDA Issues Warning About Chicken Jerky Products for Dogs

December 19, 2008

The following was posted today on FDA's website (http://www.fda.gov/cvm/CVM_Updates/ComplaintsChicJerky.htm):

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to caution consumers of a potential association between the development of illness in dogs and the consumption of chicken jerky products also described as chicken tenders, strips or treats. FDA continues to receive complaints of dogs experiencing illness that their owners or veterinarians associate with consumption of chicken jerky products. The chicken jerky products are imported to the U.S. from China. FDA issued a cautionary warning to consumers in September 2007.

Australian news organizations report the University of Sydney is also investigating an association between illness in dogs and the consumption of chicken jerky in Australia. At least one firm in Australia has recalled their chicken jerky product and the recall notification stated the chicken jerky product was manufactured in China.

FDA believes the continued trend of consumer complaints coupled with the information obtained from Australia warrants an additional reminder and animal health notification.

Chicken jerky products should not be substituted for a balanced diet and are intended to be used occasionally and in small quantities. Owners of small dogs must be especially careful to limit the amount of these products.

FDA, in addition to several veterinary diagnostic laboratories in the U.S, is working to determine why these products are associated with illness in dogs. To date, scientists have not been able to determine a definitive cause for the reported illnesses. FDA has conducted extensive chemical and microbial testing but has not identified any contaminant.

FDA is advising consumers who choose to feed their dogs chicken jerky products to watch their dogs closely for any or all of the following signs which may occur within hours to days of feeding the product: decreased appetite, although some may continue to consume the treats to the exclusion of other foods; decreased activity; vomiting; diarrhea, sometimes with blood; and increased water consumption and/or increased urination. If the dog shows any of these signs, stop feeding the chicken jerky product. Owners should consult their veterinarian if signs are severe or persist for more than 24 hours. Blood tests may indicate kidney failure (increased urea nitrogen and creatinine). Urine tests may indicate Fanconi syndrome (increased glucose). Although most dogs appear to recover, some reports to the FDA have involved dogs that have died.

The FDA continues to actively investigate the problem. Many of the illnesses reported may be the result of causes other than eating chicken jerky. Veterinarians and consumers alike should report cases of animal illness associated with pet foods to the FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator http://www.fda.gov/opacom/backgrounders/complain.html in their state.

TEACHING BASIC COMMANDS - Entry #2 ("Sit")

Written December 8, 2008

Studies have shown that dogs can start learning basic commands as young as 8 weeks of age. However, puppies, like small children, have a short attention span. Because of this, it is best to teach commands in five - ten minute training sessions, two - three times per day, until your puppy fully understands and carries out the command you give. The use of positive reinforcement with a tasty treat will help your puppy learn quickly. From young to old, all dogs will be eager to work if the reward is enticing.

When training all ages of dogs, always remember - PATIENCE IS THE KEY. If your dog senses your frustration, he will also become frustrated. At all times, keep a positive attitude. Scolding your dog will only turn your dog off to the fun of these exercises. If you keep learning fun for your dog, he will be eager to learn everything you are willing to teach.

The “Sit” command is, without a doubt, the most practical command you can teach your dog. Additionally, “Sit” is a kind of gateway to other basic, but important commands you will want to teach your dog in the future, such as “Stay”, “Down” and “Come”.

Begin the training in a quiet environment, where your dog is less likely to be distracted. If your dog is very easily distracted by noises or smells, training indoors may be best. Now, face your dog and show him that you have a treat in your hand. Let him smell it and even lick it to let him know that a tasty goodie is in store for him.

Next, slowly move the treat just above his head so that he can barely reach it without lifting his front feet from the floor. Hold the treat directly above his head, just above his eyes, however, be sure not to hold the treat so high that your dog may be tempted to jump for it.

Now, say “Sit”. If your dog does sit, give him the treat and praise him excitedly. If he doesn’t sit immediately, wait 3 seconds and say “Sit” again. Repeat this process until your dog sits. As long as you continue to hold the treat in the correct position over your dog’s head, he will eventually sit, as he will get tired of looking up at such a hard angle.

If your pooch is a little hard-headed, and you have repeated the process in the above paragraph ten times with no result, gently touch your dog’s rump, lightly push for encouragement and repeat the command only once. Don’t push hard, as this can cause joint problems in the future. If the little guy still doesn’t sit, calmly stop the session, pet him a little on the head, and put the treat away for 3 or 4 minutes. Then try again. Don’t get frustrated. Remember - PATIENCE IS KEY! As with anything you teach your dog, always end your training sessions on a positive note. The more successful your dog feels, the more rewarding it will be for both of you.

Every time your dog does sit after you give the command, give the treat immediately and praise him excitedly. He will start to realize that when he’s standing, nothing happens, but when his little butt hits the floor, he gets the treat and everyone is happy!

Practice this command two - three times per day for about a week. Practice in other parts of the house and outside (i.e., in the garage or on the sidewalk). Once your dog has fully mastered this so that he responds every time regardless of the distractions around him, it’s time he learns to obey even if his only reward is your excited praise, rather than a treat. You may not always have a treat on you when you need your dog to sit. Gradually wean off the treats so that he gets them only every second or third time, always substituting lots of excited praise for the treat.

Once you are confident that your little dog has fully learned “Sit“, you are ready to teach your dog the “Stay” command.

Dangers to your Pets During the Christmas Holidays


Written December 2, 2008

Ah, yes, it's definitely the most wonderful time of the year! Have you bought your favorite pooch's present yet? There are less than 30 shopping days until Christmas. And with Christmas just around the corner, the ASPCA has compiled a list of the most common holiday hazards to your pets:

- Christmas tree water, which may contain fertilizers and bacteria that can upset the stomach if ingested

- Electrical cords

- Ribbons or tinsel, which can become lodged in the intestines and cause intestinal obstruction—this most often occurs with kittens

- Batteries

- Glass ornaments

- Of course, there are usually a lot of delicious goodies floating around during the holidays, too—be sure to keep human treats inaccessible to your pets.

OK, now that you have taken all precautions to keep your furry loved-ones safe this Christmas, you have more time to focus on more fun things.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!