I know this is Off Topic and should be in the Lavender Room, but there are so many pets that have masters on the forum, that I thought I would post it anyway.
This is from the latest ASPCA Newsletter:
ATTENTION, PET OWNERS! DECK THE HALLS—BUT DO IT SAFELY, PLEASE
For many of us, 'tis the season to decorate our homes with live Christmas trees and holiday greenery. But did you know that some of these yuletide traditions can be hazardous to your pet’s health?
Lovely lilies are commonly used in holiday floral arrangements, but many varieties—including Tiger, Asian, Japanese Show, Stargazer and the Casa Blanca—can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested.
Bag the boughs of holly and live mistletoe. Sure, they add a nice touch to your holiday décor, but holly can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy if eaten by your pet. And should he sample mistletoe, he could suffer gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic.
Christmas tree water may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria—and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should he imbibe.
Although the potential toxicity of poinsettias is generally overstated, these showy holiday plants can irritate your pet’s mouth, and may cause nausea and/or mild vomiting.
If you suspect that your animal companion has eaten a potentially toxic substance, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center’s emergency hotline at (888) 426-4435 for round-the-clock telephone assistance. For more poison prevention tips, please visit ASPCA online.
Yes, Xylitol is toxic, as are raisins and grapes. Also, I beg everyone to resist the temptation to give your “sore” 4-legged running buddy Advil or Aleve (ibuprofen and naproxen, respectively). Dogs (and especially cats) do not handle human NSAIDS well, and they can develop gastric ulcerations and/or kidney failure. Tylenol may be safe for children but causes liver failure in pets.
No, chocolate is way overrated as a pet poison. Chocolate power bars are fine. Dark chocolate is more “toxic” than milk chocolate, but few people really have problems. The only true chocolate toxicity I have seen was a 10# poodle that ate 3 large “bricks” of a Mexican hot chocolate base called Abuelita - it’s pure dark chocolate, and the dog probably ingested 6 ounces. That dog almost died. The average dog that eats a Hershey bar or two should have no problems other than maybe a little tummyache.
that is good to know. i can not open a PB without my dogs standing in line for a “treat”.
regarding Emilio’s post, I remember a news story about a small dog that ate a plant in a flower garden in its back yard and died within minutes. that is scary since a lot of the time we don’t know what household or out door plants we have that might appeal to our animals and be deadly. i know my dogs like to taste most anything.
I just lectured my cat on what not to eat or drink. I think he took me seriously, but all he really want to eat is his yummy catfood and the occasional bit of rotisserie chicken.
Top one for some folks here:
“Many people consider their pets just as important a part of the family as its human members. This is psycho. Don’t do this.”
I have (literally) run past your store many times but have never gone in. I’ll have to make a point to do that! My office is at Richmond and Kirby, Greenway Animal Clinic.
I didn’t do any Houston-area tris this year, but have done several organized runs. I may have seen you around. Let me know when you might be in the store and I’ll come by and introduce myself - I have yet to meet any fellow 'twitchers.
Don’t forget about other hazards as well. My kittens break everything, the most recent was my USB jump drive. The saw the string on it and pulled the string, which brought my laptop to the ground destroying he USB drive and wrecking dozens of work-related files. Luckily they haven’t hurt themselves yet.
I can’t have anything fragile lest then push it off the counter / table / desk or anything with a string on it. Needless to say, my Christmas decorations will be minimal this year. I can’t imagine what they would do to themselves if I put up a Christmas tree!
My dog has developed quite the caffeine addiction (she is her mother’s girl). I try REALLY try to keep it out of her reach but she is SO sly … the minute I leave the room she goes on a hunt for it. So she ends up ingesting a half cup or so every now and then. I have read that coffee can be toxic to dogs … just wondering how big of a threat it is?