everything about your dogs

Showing posts with label pet safety. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pet safety. Show all posts

Pet Proofing Your Garden 101- Toxic Household & Garden Plants

Comment  
If you haven’t already realized, like children, pets are very inquisitive and it is up to us as parents to keep Fido & Fluffy safe. There is truth to the saying “curiosity killed the cat” or in some instances really made him sick.

With the long dog days of summer comes many pet hazards to be aware of. Protect your dogs from having access to dangerous poisons that may lurk inside and outside the home by opting for pet friendly and eco friendly alternatives. Remember foods, herbicides, pesticides, mouse poisons, medications, cleaning products & plant life can signal danger. Although your home should be a safe haven, dangers can lurk in your cabinets & backyard. So safeguarding your pet from accidental poisoning should extend outside your home to your relaxing garden and backyard oasis.

This brings us to the topic of the hour the dangers of plants and the importance of pet proofing your gardens & indoor plants. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center gets thousands of calls each year involving pets who've potentially ingested or came in hazardous contact with insecticides, weed killer and pet toxic plants. In 2008, common household plants were the subject of nearly 8,000 calls in to the Animal Poison Control Center, a staggering number. While you are gardening, landscaping, and filling your home with the wonderful fragrance of flowers and indoor plants to welcome summer there are a few things you must know.

Keep in mind that although beautiful, some plants are toxic if ingested by your pet. Many contain toxins that can lead to mild nausea, diarrhea, skin allergies & and even death. Below is an informative video created the ASPCA that all pet owners should watch. As well as a list of plants that you should keep out of your pets reach. Don't be fooled, if your pet is motivated & determined he or she can & will get into anything and everything. Certain plant life can pose a threat to your furry family member. If you have suspected your pet has ingested a poisonous plant contact your vet immediately or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4335.



Here are some common plants that are toxic if ingested by your pet.

1. Lilies-highly toxic to cats, even if ingested in small amounts can cause severe kidney damage.

2. Marijuana- can cause depression of the central nervous system & incoordination, vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, increased heart rate, seizures & coma.

3. Sago Palm- all elements of this plant are poisonous, the the seeds or "nuts" contain the majority of the the toxin. The ingestion of one or two seeds can cause vomiting, diarrhea, depression, seizures & liver failure.

4. Tulip- bulb contains toxins that causes gastrointestinal irritation, drooling, appetite loss, depression of central nervous system, convulsions and cardiac abnormalities.

5. Azalea- contain substance known as grayantoxins which causes vomiting, drooling , diarrhea, weaken central nervous system. Severe azalea poisoning could result in coma or death due to cardiovascular collapse.

6. Oleander- contains cardiac glycosides that can lead to serious effects such as gastrointestinal tract irritation, abnormal heart function, hypothermia and death.

7. Castor Bean- contains ricin, a highly toxic protein that can produce sever abdominal pain, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, weakness & appetite loss. Severe cases of poisoning can result in dehydration, muscle twitching, tremors, seizures, coma & death.

8. Cyclamen- contains cyclamine, but the highest concentration of this toxic component is typically located in the root portion of the plant. If consumed, Cylamen can produce significant gastrointestinal irritation, including intense vomiting. Fatalities have also been reported in some cases.

9. Kalanchoe-this plant contains components that can produce gastrointestinal irritation, as well as those that are toxic to the heart, and can seriously affect cardiac rhythm and rate.

10. Yew- contains a toxic component known as taxine, which causes central nervous system effects such as trembling, incoordination, and difficulty breathing. It can also cause significant gastrointestinal irritation and cardiac failure, which can result in death.

11. Amaryllis-common garden plants popular around Easter, Amaryllis species contain toxins that can cause vomiting, depression, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, anorexia and tremors.

12.Autumn Crocus- ingestion by pets can result in oral irritation, bloody vomiting, diarrhea, shock, multi-organ damage and bone marrow suppression.

13. Chrysanthemum- these popular blooms contain pyrethrins that may produce gastrointestinal upset, including drooling, vomiting and diarrhea, if eaten. In certain cases depression and loss of coordination may also develop if enough of any part of the plant is consumed.

14.English Ivy-Also called branching ivy, glacier ivy, needlepoint ivy, sweetheart ivy and California ivy,Hedera helix contains triterpenoid saponins that, should pets ingest, can result in vomiting, abdominal pain, hypersalivation and diarrhea.

15. Peace Lily (AKA Mauna Loa Peace Lily)-contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing and intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue in pets who ingest.

16. Pothos-if chewed or ingested, this popular household plant can cause significant mechanical irritation and swelling of the oral tissues and other parts of the gastrointestinal tract.

17. Schefflera-contain calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing and intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue in pets who ingest.

Click here for a more detailed full list and pics of toxic and non-toxic plants compiled by the ASPCA to keep your animal companion safe all year round. Happy gardening!!

Want daily updates?



twitter.com/PawLuxury
http://www.facebook.com/PawLuxury


Don't forget to shop www.pawlux.com for your doggie summer staples. We offer eco-friendly, all natural and organic goodies for your deserving furry family member. We carry a great selection of Odor Free Bully Sticks / Dog Treats / and Dog Toys !

Squeaky Green: Green Pet Friendly House Cleaning Safety Tips

Comment  
If you haven’t guessed it, spring-cleaning is here. Time to clean out the attic, throw a yard sale, dust the shelves and mop the floors. Its time to get down to business & use some elbow grease to scrub the counters, those hard to reach nooks & crannies and rid your home of dirt, grime and those sneezing dust mites. Yes, its true cleaning is a hard job but someone has to do!

But some traditional household cleaning products can leave your skin itchy, irritated and you smelling like you've emerged from a bleach bath. An overwhelming smell that leaves you cracking open your windows for some fresh air. Bleach, detergents, & disinfectant products although effective can be very harmful to humans and pets. Some of these cleaning products can be very corrosive to your dogs mouth and digestive tract if inhaled or ingested. According to the ASPCA, last year they received more than 3,200 calls related to household cleaners.

So are their any reliable house cleaners our there that you can safely drizzle down the drain, use around your kids and pets, and feel secure about having on your skin? Hmmm....Well, we are happy to say your prayers have been answered and with green on everyone's mind and shopping list these days there are a lot more healthier, safer, and economical cleaning alternatives for you to choose from. Many of these eco-friendly options can be found on store shelves and even in your kitchen pantries & cupboards.

The Truth About Cleaning Products

Many people using cleaning products in the home figure if it’s available on store shelves then it must be safe. Well, we want you to know that not all cleaning product are created equal and not all are safe for your family and the environment. So with that said it is important to read the labels, anything that says the words “Danger”, “Poison”, or “Warning” can’t very well be good for you. Just keep in mind that some traditional cleaning products like bleaches, disinfectants & detergents contain harmful toxins. Everyday, we come in contact with these toxins which can be found on the clothes we wear, the plate Fido licks off, and the carpet he lounges on with his favorite chew toy. Since dogs spend most of their days so close to the ground it important to keep them in mind when choosing house cleaning products. As dog guardians it is up to us make sure their environment are safe, because they are like our children. So detox your home the all natural & eco-friendly way!

Now a day lemons in the produce section are challenging Lysol in the cleaning section (aisle 9 to be exact) as people choose the natural route. Like the saying goes when you are given lemons you make lemonade or in our case a natural cleaner & polisher. Even your dog’s bed, your clothes, sheets, curtains, and towels can get the royal washing without the chemicals with soap nuts (a natural nut shell with soap properties grown in India).

Humans and dogs have a lot in common, we can both develop sensitivities to harsh cleaners resulting in itchy & irritated skin. The downside is that unlike humans, dogs lack opposable thumbs, which makes it nuisance to itch those hard to reach places. By retiring those commercial cleaning products and upgrading to down to earth products you can help save your dog the headache of trying to scratch those hard to reach places . Opt for a more healthier and natural way to rid dust mites with the help of natural products (aka green cleaning).

What is green Cleaning?

Green cleaning is using products that don’t harm you, your children both two & four legged, or the earth. With so many green solutions you no longer need to rely solely on your dogs licking expertise to get the dishes & floors spic & span.

Many people think that going green means spending the green, but rests assure there are many economical & eco-cleaning solutions out there that are all natural, chlorine, bleach-free & contain no harsh chemicals. But most importantly they are effective, so fear not all you people against dirty. The best part is that they get your house clean minus the chemicals & harmful toxins . Not to mention green cleaning products don’t leave your house smelling of a strong odor or like a freshly sanitized hospital.

For all you Martha Stewart's out there, it’s time to get in the kitchen. In fact, some of these eco-solutions can be found in your pantry or cupboards, they are easy to pronounce & are edible. With just a few ingredients and a quick stir you can brand your very own cleaner that costs mere pennies. Magically, they can really stretch the budget by keeping the house clean and smelling fresh at the same time. Not to mention there many added great benefits:

Lemon - Dissolves soap scum and hard water deposits. It also cleans and shines brass and copper. If mixed with vinegar and baking soda it can be made into cleaning pastes. If mixed with vegetable oil it makes furniture polish. Hey, while you at it you can make a pitcher of lemonade.

Vinegar - Naturally cleans like an all-purpose cleaner. Add one part water to one part vinegar and you have a solution that can clean most areas of your home. Vinegar disinfects and deodorizes. The strong smell of vinegar goes away after it dries. Both vinegar and baking soda have the added bonus of being incredibly cheap. Perfect for heftier residue and can work as a drain de-clogger. With all those dog baths your dog is bound to clog a few drains along the way.

Baking soda - Use to scrub surfaces similar to commercial abrasive cleansers like Comet or Ajax. Baking soda is also a great deodorizer, just ask your fridge & freezer, those leftover Chinese takeout containers leave odor that lurks in the dark. This is great for bathtubs, drains, ovens, tile floors or countertops.



But for those of you who don’t have the time to make green cleaning products from scratch there are some wonderful alternatives. Many of these ready made eco-solutions currently on the market can be found on your local store shelves, online, or a health food store. With a little elbow grease your house will be clean as a whistle and Fido may be caught off guard by his handsome reflection on those shiny hardwood floors.

Many of these eco-solutions are backed by a Green Seal rating, which means they meet the cleaning product environmental standards. Some of these products include: Mrs. Meyer’s All Purpose Cleaner, Seventh Generation, Method, Ecover, EcoQuest, BioKleen and Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds. When purchasing green cleaning products pick multi –purpose; this creates fewer items in the home, less packaging, less waste, and less money spent. Also, look for biodegradable products and post consumer recycled packaging.

So now you are probably wondering how to break the news and get rid of your unwanted guests, no we are not referring to your in-laws, but those traditional cleaning products. When replacing your cleaning products, don’t just throw the old ones in the trash. If they’re too toxic for your home, they won’t be good for the drain or the landfill either. Many communities hold toxics & electronics recycling days and will take all of these off your hands. Throwing chemicals in the trash or down the drain means they might end up back in your water supply and come back to haunt you.

Its important to remember that although all of these green products are nontoxic and more earth-friendly than traditional cleansers. Like anything, the same care should be taken when using them around your dogs since dogs are curious & experiences the world with their mouths. Just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s safe for your pet to ingest, so watch them carefully when you are cleaning away. After you have finished your spring cleaning store your cleaning products & laundry supplies out of reach in a childproof locked cabinet, locked closet or in a high shelf area out of paws reach.

If you have suspected your pet has ingested household cleaning products contact your vet immediately or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4335.

So roll up your sleeves and welcome spring with a squeaky green & clean house!

Want daily updates? Follow PawLuxury on Twitter at 
twitter.com/PawLuxury



Shop www.pawlux.com for eco-friendly, all natural & organic dog products.


Swimming With Your Dog- Summer Water Pet Safety Tips

Comment  
Dogs are born with instincts like sniffing, barking, retrieving & begging but remember not all dogs know how to dog paddle, dive, swim or like the water. So, before you cool down and make a splash with your dog in the pool here are some water safety tips to help introduce your dog to the water.

Avoid excessive noise- When teaching your dog how to swim or introducing your dog to the water be sure to take them to an area that’s not so crazy and hectic. Like children, dogs can become frightened and confused if there’s a lot of noise and activity around them when they are learning to swim. The objective is to keep them calm and focused on the swimming lesson. 


Use encouragement- When teaching your dog to swim keep your voice upbeat and positive. Using treats and toys to encourage & coax your dog into entering the water works wonders. But remember to be patient, some dogs may not be easily persuaded by a delicious treat.

Never throw them in- Your dog is not a toss salad. So never toss your dog into the water, especially if your dog is just learning to swim. Never force your dog into the water because it will only make your dog more hesitant or frightened. So instead be patient, slowly put them in the water and get their paws used to it. Start your dog off with little puppy paddles and soon he or she will be making a big splash.

Support their weight until they paddle- If you are teaching a puppy or dog beginner how to swim make sure they are wearing a flotation device. A flotation device provides your dog with an extra level or security and safety just incase they begin to panic in the water. Even the most accomplished doggy swimmers can struggle and panic in the water. Purchasing a life vest with a convenient sturdy handle will allow you to retrieve or assist your dog in the water with ease. Even if the dog is wearing a life vest, support its midsection and hindquarters in the water until they start paddling and feel comfortable.

Show them the Exit Strategy-Getting a dog in the pool is only half the battle. It is important that your dog is shown where the steps are in the pool so they can easily get out. All pools should have a scamper ramp for an easy pool exit.

Learn CPR- It is important to always be prepared for anything, so stay up on first aid techniques and pet CPR.



Lifeguard on Duty-
Supervise! - nothing replaces the safety of full adult supervision. Never allow your dog in an pool or favorite watering hole unattended. Even in the water, dogs can wander off into the deep end after their friend or be carried by the waves. Dogs that swim naturally and well can jump in the ocean and keep swimming until they’re lost. So, like children it is important to keep an eye on their every stroke & paddle so they are not wandering to far in the water.


Pet Proof your Pool-Make sure that when the pool is not in use that the cover or netting is firmly in place so your dog does not slip under. If you do have a pool make sure it is fenced and pet proof since pets love to retrieve buoyant objects and can often squeeze through gaps and tiny spaces. Having a pool gate that automatically closes and latches is important. An alarm system that alerts you when the unsupervised pool area has been compromised adds another level of defense. You can even purchase a alarm system that attaches to your dogs collars and alerts you when he or she is submerged in the water.

Giving your puppy or dog swimming lessons in a kiddie pool is great to help them get use to the water. Kiddie pools are a good alternative for senior dogs so they to can splash and wade in the summer sun. For those of you pet owners with kiddie pools make sure you keep the pool clean to prevent mosquito infestations and toxic algae growth.

Just remember that your dog views a pool, stream and the ocean as a larger then life water bowl to quench their thirst. Salt water and Dogs often ingest water they are swimming so always verify that the water is safe and look out for signs that warn against swimming in this area. Make sure that the pond or lake you & your dog is swimming or wading in is not contaminated. Some ponds and lakes may contain water-borne parasites and infection that are harmful to you and your dog’s health. Please keep in mind that while you are enjoying a day at pond or lake with your dog, that to some animals and insects this is their home. So, make sure to keep your eyes out for predators or insects that may not greet you and Fido with a warm welcome. Some of these insects or predators will attack if threatened or provoked. If you are not 100% certain that the water is safe go with your gut instinct so you and your dog are not at risk.

Once you and your dog have taken a dip don’t forget to dry off or in your dogs case hose down. Rinse your dogs lush locks with clean, fresh water and a hypoallergenic shampoo to rid their fur of excess salt or chlorine. This is very important since dogs have sensitive coats and can develop skin problems very easily. Did you know that moisture left in your dogs ear after swimming and bathing can lead to ear infections. Don’t forget your dog will be wet behind and inside the ears so be sure to apply a ear cleaning solution and make sure ears are completely dry.

Want daily updates? Follow PawLuxury on Twitter at 
twitter.com/PawLuxury



Shop www.pawlux.com for eco-friendly, all natural & organic dog products.