There are growing numbers of products aimed at our pets. Some of them are fairly healthy and some could be downright dangerous. Here are a few pointers:
Alliums: The members of the allium family include garlic, leeks, onions and chives. This family is toxic to dogs, cats and horses. It can cause a type of anemia, blood in the urine, panting, high heart rate and vomiting. Be aware that horses cannot vomit, and are therefore likely to colic in a hurry. If someone suggests chives as cat grass, don’t take them up on it.
Chocolate: While this is usually only a problem with dogs, cats and horses can also be affected. Theobromine is the main toxic principle, though caffeine doesn’t help. If the animal eats it, watch for excitement, trembling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and perhaps excessive urination and muscle spasms. Rarely, coma and death could occur.
Grapes: Dogs cannot tolerate grapes or raisins. It’s not a little problem, it is life threatening. As few as seven grapes can cause renal failure, and very quickly. The dog is likely to vomit, and the kidneys can stop functioning. If you suspect your dog has had either, get him to the vet ASAP.
Additional Dog Information: Because dogs love to chew things and aren’t really picky about what they eat, you have to be aware of what’s around. If you have an oleander bush in your yard, make sure none of the sticks, flowers or leaves are on the ground. Check out the rest of your foliage as well. Here are a few more possible problem plants: walnut, hemlock, yew and privet.
Additional Horse Information: Due to their inability to burp or vomit, special care has to be taken with plants that can cause an upset stomach. Also, make sure the pasture is not near black walnut, plum, cherry, apple or peach trees, as the leaves can cause colic. Avocado leaves are another bad idea for horses.
For information on herbal remedies and the ailments they may help, see my site: http://www.petshcare.com/. You’ll find articles and posts on topics such as stress, back pain, the flu, gout and headaches among others. You can also download my free report, the Top Ten Herbs, which provides you information about the uses, side effects, precautions and interactions of ten popular herbs.
Aother – Mary Bodel