Something for our canine friends

Hi everyone; thank you all for the wonderful responses to yesterdays post. I thought about it deeply before and after posting. The purpose of my blog is for fun and making friends, and I hope to educate; as I learn from all of your blogs too! Usually we are all working on making a lovely,happy home; but the world intrudes on that and so I feel we must defend our families and our homes in order to continue with our goal of making a happy healthy home. And from the comments it sounds as if you all support that too.
Today I am sharing with you some info for our canine friends; here is some crucial information on keeping your fur baby healthy and safe! all the mugs here just HATE it when I say we have to check the "list" to see if something is healthy for them; I never knew about the grapes thing until recently; we do not have grapes or raisins in our home at all; I am paranoid about dropping one and having them ingest it!
I will look and see if I can find my other "list" LOL.
From the DogAge website
Grapes of Intestinal Wrath
September 25, 2008
Grapes and raisins, although healthy and popular snacks for people, can cause serious health problems in dogs. Although the exact reason why they're toxic remains unknown, even small doses can cause vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and abdominal pain and can lead to kidney damage and even kidney failure. After ingesting these fruits, dogs show increased levels of nitrogen, creatinine, and phosphorous in their blood, which indicates impaired kidney function. If your dog succeeds in sneaking any of these snacks, a swift trip to the vet can offset potentially serious health complications.
Poisonous Plants
Some of the following plants can be toxic to your dog. Check with your veterinarian before having them in your home.
Aloe Vera
Apple (seeds)
Apricot (pit)
Autumn Crocus
Baby's Breath
Branching Ivy
Buddhist Pine
Calla Lily
Ceriman
Cherry (seeds and wilting leaves)
Cineraria
Cordatum
Cornstalk Plant
Cuban Laurel
Cycads
Daffodil
Dieffenbachia
Dragon Tree
Easter Lily (especially cats!)
Elephant Ears
English Ivy
Fiddle-leaf Fig
Foxglove
Geranium
Giant Dumb Cane
Gold Dust Dracaena
Hahn's Self-Branching Ivy
Hurricane Plant
Janet Craig Dracaena
Jerusalem Cherry
Lacy Tree Philodendron
Madagascar Dragon Tree
Marijuana
Miniature Croton
Morning Glory
Narcissus
Nephytis
Oleander
Oriental Lily (especially cats!)
Peach (wilting leaves and pits)
Plumosa Fern
Poison Ivy
Pothos
Primrose
Red Princess
Rhododendron
Saddle Leaf Philodendron
Satin Pothos
Silver Pothos
String of Pearls
Sweetheart Ivy
Taro Vine
Tomato Plant (green fruit, stem and leaves)
Tropic Snow Dieffenbachia
Yew
Amaryllis
Apple Leaf Croton
Asparagus Fern
Azalea
Bird of Paradise
Buckeye
Caladium
Castor Bean
Charming Dieffenbachia
Chinese Evergreen
Clematis
Corn Plant
Croton
Cutleaf Philodendron
Cyclamen
Devil's Ivy
Dracaena Palm
Dumb Cane
Elaine
Emerald Feather
Eucalyptus
Florida Beauty
Fruit Salad Plant
German Ivy
Glacier Ivy
Golden Pothos
Heartland Philodendron
Indian Rubber Plant
Japanese Show Lily (especially cats!)
Kalanchoe
Lily of the Valley
Marble Queen
Mexican Breadfruit
Mistletoe
Mother-in-Law's Tongue
Needlepoint Ivy
Nightshade
Onion
Peace Lily
Pencil Cactus
Poinsettia (low toxicity)
Poison Oak
Precatory Bean
Red Emerald
Red-Margined Dracaena
Ribbon Plant
Sago Palm
Schefflera
Spotted Dumb Cane
Striped Dracaena
Swiss Cheese Plant
Tiger Lily (especially cats!)
Tree Philodendron
Weeping Fig
Home Safe Home
Even pets that spend most of their time indoors may be exposed to a number of potential hazards. The following list will help keep your home safe and sound for your dog or cat.
Be aware of the plants you have in your house and in your yard. The ingestion of a poisonous plant can be fatal. See above for poisonous plants list.

When cleaning your house, never allow your dog access to the area where cleaning agents are used or stored. Some may only cause a mild stomach upset, while others could cause severe burns of the tongue, mouth, and stomach or even be fatal.

When using rat or mouse baits, ant or roach traps, or snail and slug baits, place the products in areas that are inaccessible to your pet. Most bait contains sweet-smelling, inert ingredients, such as jelly, peanut butter, and sugars, which can be very attractive to your dog.

Never give your dog any medications unless under the directions of a veterinarian.

Many medications that are used safely in humans can be deadly to a dog.
Keep all prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs out of the reach of your dog, preferably in closed cabinets. Pain-killers, cold medicines, anti-cancer drugs, antidepressants, vitamins, and diet pills are common examples of human medications that could be potentially lethal, even in small dosages.
Never leave chocolates unattended. Approximately one half ounce or less of baking chocolate per pound of body weight can cause problems. Even small amounts can cause pancreatic problems in dogs.

Many common household items have been shown to be lethal in other species. Miscellaneous items that are highly toxic even in low quantities include pennies (high concentration of zinc), mothballs (contains naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene — one or two balls can be life-threatening in most species), potpourri oils, fabric softener sheets, automatic dish detergents (contain cationic detergents which could cause corrosive lesions), batteries (contain acids or alkali which can also cause corrosive lesions), homemade play dough (contains high quantity of salt), winter heat source agents like hand or foot warmers (contain high levels of iron), cigarettes, coffee grounds, and alcoholic drinks.
All automotive products, such as oil, gasoline, and antifreeze should be stored properly. As little as one teaspoon of antifreeze (ethylene glycol) can be deadly in a dog.
Before buying or using flea products on your dog or in your household, contact your veterinarian to discuss what types of flea products are recommended for him. Read ALL information before using a product on your pet or in your home. Always follow label instructions.
Also, when using a fogger or a house spray, make sure to remove all pets from the area for the time period specified on the container. If you are uncertain about the usage of any product, contact the manufacturer or your veterinarian to clarify the directions BEFORE using the product.

When treating your lawn or garden with fertilizers, herbicides, or insecticides, always keep your dog away from the area until the area dries completely. Discuss usage of products with the manufacturer of the products to be used. Always store such products in an area that will ensure no possible pet exposure.

Sharp objects such as knives and forks, paper clips, carpet tacks and pins should be kept out of a pet's reach. Children's toys and small objects may attract a playful dog and become lodged in his mouth or swallowed.

Exposed lamp cords and other wires should be kept as short as possible and, ideally, out of your dog’s sight and reach. If extension cords are used, mount them against a baseboard so they cannot be played with or chewed.

Dogs are sometimes at risk on a high-rise balcony. A lively dog could squeeze through the bars and fall, leading to injury or even death.

Other health-threatening pollutants are radon, fumes from household products such as cleaning agents, pesticides, paints and varnishes, microbial and fungal agents found in air conditioners, air ducts, filters and humidifiers. Among common air pollutants are nitrogen dioxide from gas appliances, wood-burning stoves and un-vented kerosene heaters. Gas stoves, and kerosene heaters or stoves should be vented to the outside of the house.

Lead paint should be removed with extreme caution. Cleanup should be prompt and thorough. Other items containing lead accessible to dogs include lead-base paint, linoleum, and caulking compounds. Signs include vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, loss of appetite, loss of muscle coordination, blindness and seizures

This list came from Purina at http://www.purina.com . I will add to it things like carpet fresheners which often give dogs allergic problems; all products that come into contact with your dog or cat can be irritating to them and can lead to fatal outcomes is sensitive animals; like cleaners,bleaches etc. I use Febreze, but since we have leather furniture; I spray it down in the cushions which are attached and never come into contact with the babies ( yes they sit on the couch!) They say it is safe for pets, but I really don't trust many of these companies anymore after the dog food scandal.

We puppy proofed our house with the first baby and continue to watch to make sure that they are safe. Bitsy liked those electrical cords when we first got her so we hid them under and behind things.

From the Dog Bowl:http;//www.thedogbowl.com
What is toxic to dogs?
While you love your dear dog and want him to have the healthiest of diets, it’s important to know which foods to consume and which must be avoided at all costs. In fact, there are specific foods which are toxic to dogs. Whether its grapes or cabbage or extensive table scraps or bread dough be aware of the list below as toxic food for dogs…in other words, what not to feed!
We’ll start with human food. Baby food can contain onion powder, which can be toxic to dogs. In addition, it can result in nutritional deficiencies especially if fed in large amounts. Simply stated, it’s best to avoid since this could be toxic to dogs. That’s why it’s called baby food and not dog food.
Table scraps in large amounts could be classified as toxic food for dogs. Why? Because they’re not nutritionally balanced. They should never be more than 10% of your dog’s diet. Fat should be trimmed from meat and bones should definitely not be fed. Cooked meat and cooked fats are carcinogenic to dogs.
Bones from fish and cooked bones can obstruct the digestive system. Not good!
Chocolate, coffee, tea, and caffeinated drinks are bad. They contain caffeine which could be toxic and impact the heart and nervous systems.
Citrus oil extracts result in vomiting. Stay away!
Grapes and raisins contain unknown toxins which can do damage to the kidneys. Definitely considered toxic food for dogs.
Large amounts of cooked liver cause Vitamin A toxicity, which impacts muscles and bones. Yet another item which is toxic to dogs.
Macadamia nuts, like grapes and raisins, contain unknown toxins.
Spoiled food and garbage – just don’t go there. Definitely considered toxic for dogs.
Mushrooms can result in shock and cause death.
Alcohol can result in coma and death.
Bread dough can result in a bloated belly and then disorientation and vomiting. Since it yeast that hasn’t risen yet, you do not want it to expand in Fido’s belly, much less get stuck in the intestines! This, like the other items on the list, could be toxic to dogs.
Onions and garlic, whether it’s raw, cooked, or powder in large amounts have the ability to damage red blood cells and cause anemia.
As for chemicals, dogs need to be kept away from all antifreeze spills since this could be hazardous and toxic to dogs. While the sweet smell and taste may be attractive to his sensitive nose, if your dog consumes any amount of antifreeze, rush him immediately to the veterinarian. (Check your garage and driveway for spills and clean these up before your pet has a chance to smell and potentially ingest this!)
Xylitol is a sugar-alcohol sweetener contained in chewing gum and candy. Seizures, lethargy and weakness are the result if dogs consume significant amounts of this chemical.
Ibuprofen, like antifreeze, may smell sweet. Dogs will eat it if they’re found lying on the floor and don’t be surprised if your dog tries to chew threw a bottle to eat the entire contents. This is definitely toxic to dogs. It causes ulceration and perforates the lining of the stomach, and decreases the blood flow to the kidneys. Yet again, toxic to dogs.
And keep the above mentioned foods and chemicals in mind to prevent your dog from consuming toxins. At The Dog Bowl, nothing is more important than your pets’ health and well being. For more information about foods and chemicals which are toxic to dogs or if you think your dog could have ingested a toxic substance please contact your local vet as soon as possible.
I will add do not feed GREENIES to your dogs ever!!!! I had been on a site that showed the effects on these treats that stayed in the dogs stomach and maimed and killed a number of dogs. And the company just did not care; I also do NOT give any rawhides for the same reason; you can get KONGS and under supervision you can fill them with treats' peanut butter or KONG makes a filler; this is great for doggies! And safe! I watch them with toys because bullies are BIG chewers; they will disassemble things quickly so we are careful in buying things for them to play with! If they start ripping it up out it goes!
I know it is hard sometimes but we had an incident with Niles a few years ago; he became very ill suddenly on Thanksgiving and the emergency vet did not know what was wrong; my daughter thinks it was a mushroom, but they never did find out; it looked like a toxin; Niles suddenly lost the ability to walk without falling and they thought; and I thought he was dying. I never want anyone to go through that!
He was very ill and needed intense care at home for a long time; we had to take him out and hold him up to go potty and he really could not poop for a long time; the vet said if it was a toxin it had shut down his colon! I made him food for a long time and we just loved him and did everything to help him; eventually he was back to himself and now he is a happy healthy guy, but I watch him closely as I do all of them!
The other thing is spider bites; Murphy has had at least three episodes with these buggers! I am spider crazy now !!!
I hope these things help you keep your fur babies safe and healthy!



EDIT; I forgot about apples; their seeds are poisonous; make sure they are cored well; also if you brush your dog's teeth do not use human toothpaste as it is poisonous for our dogs; there are canine toothpastes; ask your vet for a recommendation! This list is not all inclusive, please ask your vet for his/her list and please make sure your babies get their yearly check up and shots; if you know someone who is on a fixed or low income who has difficulty affording this care, please contact your local veterinary college as they have clinics at times or your local shelter who may have low cost vet lists for your area.