Texas Dogs & Cats

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d gs cats Texas

Houston

April 2012

15% off with minimum 3-day stay

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• Luxury Suites • Grooming • Training classes • Quality Foods • Fun stuff • Owner lives on premise

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{contents}

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cover photo: Sonya Sellers Photography

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6 Digestive Health For The Modern Pet

10 Puppy 101

Walk With Me, PartTwo

12 Nothing But A Child

Helping Children Deal With the Loss of A Pet

14 Wheat Free Dog Treats 16 CenterStage Meet Bunny

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publisheR

Shannan Parker Tel: 281.781.4727 info@texascatsanddogs.com

editor

Tiffany Robinson tiffanyrobinson99@gmail.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jeff Parker Tel: 281.781.4727

DESIGNER

Fran Sherman 314.275.2208 fran@shermanstudios.com

24 26 22

Contributing Writers

Shannon Venegas • Tricia Fagan Catherine Dalrymple Monica Schmidt Tiffany Robinson • Cathy Blay Nadine Joli-Coeur • Dougie Deogie

photographer Sonya Sellers

Printed by

Democrat Printing & Lithographing Co. 6401 Lindsey Road Little Rock, AR 72206 Phone: 815.334.8740

18 Spotted by the Pupperazzi 20 Meet The Vet Heartworm Prevention:It’s Not Just A Dog Thing

22 Pet Allergies Deogi, 24 Dougie Rescue Reporter 26 28 Marketplace

Deadly Landscaping

{April 2012}

28

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281.781.4727 • Houston@TexasDogsAndCats.com Next Issue: May 2012 Advertiser’s Deadline: April 15th 2012

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{herbsmith}

by Shannon Venegas

digestivehealth for the modern pet

urinary and bladder infections

I

t’s a scary experience to rush your cat to the vet clinic because they cannot urinate. The thoughts “Will they need surgery” and “Are they going to make it?” flash through your head.

It’s important to know what kind of dietary and supplemental options are on the market to help keep your pet’s bladder and urinary tract healthy.

It’s quite common for dogs and cats, especially male, neutered cats, to experience urinary and bladder infections during their lifetime. According to Dr. Chris Bessent, veterinarian and founder of Herbsmith Inc, they may experience crystals in the urine and recurrent bladder infections, as well as the incidence 6

of bladder stones.

But how does a pet owner know when their dog or cat is struggling with a bladder or urinary tract infection?

Pets with urinary and bladder infections exhibits symptoms such as straining or messing in the house, said Greenfield, Wisconsin veterinarian Dr. Jim Work.

However, Work pointed out that just because an animal is messing in the house does not guarantee they have an infection. Bringing the animal into the vet to do a urine test is necessary to unearth the true cause.

A pet with a bladder or urinary infection may also exhibit blood in their urine. In

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Mar. 31, 2012

severe cases, your dog or cat may appear listless, inactive, and may even show signs of pain and moaning.

The unfortunate side of bladder and urinary tract infections is that there is no conclusive proof to show reason for these crystals in the urine and inflammation in the bladder.

“Holistic veterinarians speculate that it’s from high carbohydrate diets,” Bessent said.

Chinese food energetics emphasize the idea, “you are what you eat.” High grain carbohydrate diets are speculated to promote inflammation in the bladder and play a role in the occurrence of crystals in the urine, creating what Chinese theorists would call “damp heat,” Bessent said.

From a Western perspective, damp heat is equivalent to this inflammation as well as changes in the pH of the urine.

According to Bessent, cats were originally carnivorous animals that lived primarily on meat and only picked on veggies and berries, while dogs lived as scavenger carnivores. Holistic veterinarians concur that high grain diets are not the optimal choice for cats or dogs.

Luckily, there are steps pet owners can take to attempt to ward off bladder and urinary tract infections.

On the holistic side, Bessent recommends dogs are provided with plenty of water as well as a low carbohydrate diet. Low carb diets are also recommended for cats as well as adding moist food to their diet. Raw food diets are one alternative for people seeking 8

low grain diets for their pets.

For those coming from a Western perspective or who are nervous feeding raw diets, it is important to choose the correct food for your pet. According to Work, the key to bladder and urinary health is good nutrition. Work recommends feeding only the premium fixed-diet foods.

Additionally, prescription diets can be helpful, but Bessent said they may not be sustainable long-term and supplements could be needed.

Wisconsin resident Tracy Marconnet struggled with urinary issues with two of her cats. Her female cat struggled with crystals in the urine and experienced straining and blood in the urine. After multiple trips to her regular veterinarian to obtain a sterile urine sample, her cat was placed on amitriptyline, a drug primarily used as an anti-depressant for humans.

“She became very subdued and flat with no personality,” Marconnet said.

For pets that experience bladder and urinary issues such as Marconnet’s kitty, a supportive supplement is especially beneficial. A form of herb called dianthus is especially helpful in treating painful and difficult urination, in addition to d-mannose and cranberries.

Cranberry extract is essential for urinary health. Cranberries are acidic and contain bacteria-blocking compounds that are helpful in preventing UTIs. They decrease the ability for bacteria to adhere to the bladder wall so that pets are able to push the bacteria out of their system.

D-Mannose is a simple sugar

that works in a similar way to cranberries by also decreasing the ability for bacteria to adhere to the bladder wall.

Gardenia and licorice are also important ingredients in a bladder and urinary supplement because they have a cooling nature, which Chinese theory considers beneficial to treating the damp heat in the bladder.

After 3 years of giving amitriptyline to her cat, Marconnet was able to slowly switch her female cat over to a raw diet and start feeding supportive herbs including dianthus.

“Her inner kitty came out,” Marconnet said. “She had personality and greeted us at the door. She started curling up in our laps.”

Marconnet’s cat never had a recurrence, and she is still on the herbs. She also had positive results when using the dianthus with her male cat. Marconnet was ecstatic to wean her kitties off prescription drugs and onto herbal alternatives.

Place your pet’s diet as a top priority when considering bladder and urinary health, and remember there are herbal remedies available to help your pet feel more comfortable so that you in turn can rest at ease.

References www.cranberries.org University Maryland Medical Center, www.umm.edu

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{puppy101}

by Tricia Fagan

walk

with me

part two

I

often wish I had the ability to draw. I would draw cartoons of dogs and their people. My very first cartoon would be of a dog and his owner walking. The dog would be pulling on the leash, leaning forward, panting hard. The owner would be leaning back, pulling hard, huffing and puffing. The next frame would be of the owner, draped on a chair, still huffing, puffing and sweating. The owner would be complaining to his friend. “My dog pulls so hard on the leash, you would not believe! It takes all my strength to hang on to him!” The last frame is of the dog, complaining to his dog friend. “My owner walks so slow. You would not believe how hard I must pull just to get him around the block. I’m exhausted!”

Teaching a dog to walk nicely on a leash is one of the most difficult tasks facing a dog owner. Most tasks we “teach” our dogs are things the dog already does, we just teach him to do the task when we ask.

For example “sit” or “down”: the 10

dog already knows how to sit or lie down. We are just teaching the dog when we want him to sit or lie down. Walking on a leash is an entirely new thing to a dog - a completely foreign concept. Think of the difference between learning

French and Chinese. French uses the same alphabet and many of the same concepts as English. Chinese, on the other hand, is a whole new alphabet, entirely new concept of language. In a similar fashion, dogs are completely mystified by our

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desires to have them walk slowly, near us, ignoring everything the dog finds interesting. To teach the dog to walk on a leash, we must go slowly, making sure the dog understands what is required.

First, we teach the dog to notice us when we are outside. Yes, I know, you are the sun and the moon to your dog – until you go outside! Once outside, many dogs simply will not even look in the direction of their owner. To teach your dog to look at you, see Texas Dogs and Cats July 2010 issue (available on the web site) for instructions. Practice having your dog look at you in every room in your house, then in the back yard, then on the front stoop, then in the front yard.

As we begin actually walking the dog on a leash, remember that the leash is ONLY to keep the dog from running away. Do not use the leash to make your dog stay with you. Use your voice and treats to put your dog in the correct position.

When beginning to teach a dog to walk on a leash, it is best to choose one side of you for the dog. If you plan on competing in a dog sport, you must choose the left, otherwise it does not matter. Lure your dog to the side you have chosen using a high value treat such as chicken, turkey or beef.

Do not worry if the dog is facing the wrong direction, I have yet to see a dog walking around backwards! {April 2012}

Take ONE step forward, and offer your dog a treat next to the seam on your pants. While teaching leash walking, we will always offer a treat right next to the seam of your pants. Take one step forward, then offer the dog another treat. Remember, when your dog gets out of position, lure him back to your side with a treat. Do not use the leash to drag the dog into the desired place.

When your dog begins to stay by your side, take two steps, then offer a treat by the seam of your pants. Repeat, repeat, repeat! Occasionally, take three steps. Go slowly! If you increase the number of steps too quickly, your dog will not understand. If you take your dog from kindergarten (one treat per step) to college (around the block with one or two treats) he will not succeed!

Go from kindergarten (one treat per step) to first grade (one treat for every two steps) to second grade . . . ok, you get the idea. Go slow, and you will be rewarded with a dog that understand what you require him to do.

Next month, we will look at pitfalls of leash walking.

Happy Training!

Tricia Fagan Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed DogS Gone Good www.dogSgonegood.com trainer@dogSgonegood.com (713) 557-1949

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by Catherine (“Cay”) Dalrymple, Paws Memorial Service

Dedicated to 8 year old Micah and her beloved “Bruno”, who was called home March 21, 2012. The love she and her family had for Bruno, combined with their most beautiful final farewell, inspired this article and reminded me of the importance of what we do each and everyday.

nothing but a child: Helping Children Deal With the Loss of A Pet

T

he loss of a beloved family pet is a devastating event. Whether we have been fortunate enough to spend many years with them or just a few short months, they are our constant companion and so often the center of our world. The bond and love we share runs deep. As the owner and founder of Paws Memorial Service, I help individuals and families through their grief journey and ultimately the celebration of the life they had together on a daily basis. For me, each family holds such special stories and moments, but, I must say, so often it is the children who teach me and walk away with my heart.

As adults, we often find it difficult to accept the loss and move beyond it. The pain can be intense, especially when we see so many years of our own 12

life going with them, and are reminded of our own finality.

But what about the children?

When I was little, I remember being taken to all the fam-

ily funerals and memorial services. Nowdays, perhaps in an attempt to “protect” our children from the pain, families will often leave them

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at home and not include them in the process. Based on my experience, not only is that a loss to the child, it is a loss to the adult caregiver as well.

So how does one explain the death of a beloved pet to a child and help them deal with their feelings and emotions?

First and foremost, no matter how young the child is, it is important to tell them the truth. Do not skirt around using the words “death” and “died.” Although the child’s age and cognitive ability will determine how much we say, it is important that they understand what “dying” means

{April 2012}

and that their pet will not be coming back. It is hard to watch a child who is sad, but trying to avoid that by saying their dog “went away”, “went to sleep” or “got adopted by another family” will often create confusion and unresolved grief feelings.

Adult caregivers should be aware of one thing: your child is watching you and will learn from and follow your lead. It is okay to let them see you cry and be sad. By hiding your feelings in an attempt to show strength, the message you send might hinder their ability to grieve and share emotions. Understand they will not grieve in the same way as you. At first, they may insist you not cry because their primary focus is on your feelings. As you lead the way in showing your emotions, they may cry one moment, laugh and play the next. This is a normal process for them as they make their way through understanding and reconciliation.

Doing something to involve the child and encourage participation is so helpful.

You can set up a place in your home to display items that were important to their life. Such items can include photographs, special toys, treats and flowers. Encourage your child to show his or her feelings by writing or drawing a picture of their pet. Micah’s family suggested she write a letter to Bruno and that letter became something so very important to her during their good-bye at our Center.

Carefully repositioning it many times over the draped body of her special friend, she

wanted to make sure that I clearly understood the letter was “to stay with him forever and ever”.

Some families may choose to plant flowers or a tree in memory of their pet. Adding a balloon release, reading a special poem, whatever you can do to involve a child in honoring the life they had together will provide a nurturing environment for them to learn, grieve, mourn and heal.

I feel so strongly that we love and cherish our furkids as much as we do because they show us not only unconditional love, but how to truly live life to the fullest each and everyday no matter the obstacle or loss. When I see families involve their children in the final good-bye and arrangements for their pets, my heart is warmed because I watch how they so innocently demonstrate that unconditional love and life lesson. It reminds me of a line from an old song by Steve Earle, “nothing but a child could wash these tears away, or guide a weary world into the light of day....” Involve the children and, in doing so, they will show us adults something more precious than we could ever imagine: they will show us the way back into the light of day.

Thank you to Micah and her family for how you touched my heart and taught me more.

And yes, Micah, your letter to Bruno and the flowers stayed with him forever and ever...

– Big hugs, Cay Dalrymple

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wheat free dog treats

Just because your dog is on a wheat free diet, it doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice treats. Cloud Star, a leader in all-natural dog products, recently introduced a new line of wheat free Wag More Bark Less dog treats, which are now available at your local Natural Pawz store.

Wag More Bark Less dog treats were created to reflect the straightforward goodness of a bygone era. Made with 14

all natural, simple ingredients, and no wheat, they are available in both oven baked and soft & chewy varieties.

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advertisehere

281.781.4727 • sales@TexasCatsAndDogs.com

poster for cat show

{centerstage}

Ruby meet

by Monica Schmidt

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W

hen you think of Houston Humane Society it is usually dogs and cats that spring to mind, but there are many types of animals that find themselves at HHS waiting for a new forever home. April brings with it the promise of May flowers, warmer weather, and Easter – a holiday known for cute bunnies, baby chicks, and ducklings. The best advice this time of year is to resist impulsive pet purchases. Bunnies, chicks, ducks and other animals are adorable, but people often forget these cute little critters grow up into adult animals; each requiring a commitment to provide daily care for the rest of their lives.

This month’s cover model is a rabbit named Ruby. Little Ruby was turned into Houston Humane Society because her owner lacked the time to take care of her. Ruby is less than a year old, loves people, very inquisitive, and enjoys playing with her toys (okay, chewing on her toys). Before you commit to any pet there are a few key things to keep in mind: Can I commit to the entire life of this animal? Various animals have different life spans; make sure you know what you are committing to!

Do you have time for a pet? You might think a small animal such as Ruby wouldn’t require much work. Wrong! Just like dogs and cats, Ruby and any other small animal (rabbits, hamsters, mice, guinea pigs, and the list goes on) will need to be fed, watered, and played with every single day. Not to mention bedding and caging will need to be cleaned and changed on a regular basis.

Can you afford a pet? Check out the price of bedding, feed, toys, chew sticks, and especially vet care. It’s important to note that not every vet will treat small mammals and rodents. You may be required to see a specialist. Just like any adoption, do your homework before making a decision. Your new pet will thank you for it!

{spotted by the pupperazzi} 18

funrun Houston Humane Society

F

urr-tastic or flea infested! The Pupperazzi is on the scene and has your tail covered!

Check out these great pics of all the fun at the Houston Humane Society Fun Run that was held on Sunday, March 25!

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{meetthevet}

By Cathy Blay, Veterinary Technician

heartworm prevention it’s not just a dog thing I

f you are reading this article, you are probably from the Houston area and well aware of the high humidity and how it affects all of us and our pets… MOSQUITOES! MOSQUITOES! MOSQUITOES! (We have even named our new minor league baseball team after them… the SKEETER’S!) Unless you are a toad in search of a tasty morsel, mosquitoes are a great scourge on the planet. Mosquitoes are responsible for many human diseases, and they are solely responsible for the spread of heartworm disease in our canine and feline friends.

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YES! Cats get heartworms too. Most pet owners are diligent about keeping their dogs on a monthly heartworm prevention.

However, many cat owners are not aware that their beloved pets are susceptible to heartworm infection as well. For those cat owners who are aware of the dangers of heartworm infection and choose not to use a heartworm prevention because “Fluffy” is always inside the house, allow me to address that by saying that, unless your home is completely covered with mosquito netting (and you never go in and out of your house), mosquitoes can AND do get inside your house.

Heartworm infection occurs when a mosquito carrying infective microscopic-size heartworm larvae bites the cat in search of a blood meal in order to reproduce (sounds gross, huh?) These larvae travel through their body, and, in about 3 to 4 months, settle into the lungs and mature into adulthood.

Adult heartworms produce offspring called microfilaria that are released into the bloodstream.

At this point, let me highlight some of the different between canine and feline heartworms. The first difference being that a cat’s immune system is able to rid itself of the microfilaria most of the time. This is not so in the dog. Keeping your dog on a monthly heartworm preventative kills the microfilaria in the bloodstream. Secondly, it is difficult to diagnose heartworm infection in the cat (years ago, it was classically misdiagnosed as asthma). Also, another huge difference is that there is no treatment for adult heartworms in the cat (There is an option in dogs to rid their body of the adult worms, although it is quite painful and expensive.) Therefore, the recommendation is to keep your cats on a monthly heartworm preventative so as not to contract the disease in the first place. Like the old adage goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

In cats, heartworms live around 1-2 years, and it is uncommon for cats to have more than 2 or 3 adult heartworms in their system (although these small numbers can and do still cause serious issues in cats!) For the record, dogs can have as many as 250 worms in their system that can each live 5-7 years.

There are several heartworm preventative options for both dogs and cats, both oral and topical. They are generally very easy to give, and most of them take care of other parasites as well (fleas, intestinal parasites, etc). Talk to your veterinarian for the best option for your pet.

For more information on heartworm disease, ask your veterinarian or log on to www.heartwormsociety.org {March 2012}

{pawz-itivelynatural}

By Nadine Joli-Coeur

I

pet allergies

n Houston, we are no strangers to allergies. It seems that we suffer more than our friends and families that live elsewhere. In the spring not only are our pets closer to the ground where the nasty pollen is, but their fur coats and pads on their feet are like magnets that attract these offending particles. Often, we realize our pets have allergies, when they already have a staph or ear infection.

SIGNS OF ALLERGIES What to look for 1. Look at their Ears, Eyes and Feet first.

Ears: Lift up their ear flaps.

Does it feel hot? Is there any wax, redness or odor?

Eyes: Do they have watery eyes, 22

gunk or loss of hair?

Feet: Are they red, inflamed, loss of hair or discolored?

2. Watch their behavior • scratching ears or hind

quarters • constant licking and chewing of feet

• rubbing face against the

furniture or floor 3. Look at skin and areas that they are scratching and licking. Constant scratching can lead to open sores and welts.

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When an allergic reaction occurs, our pet’s immune system tries to get rid of it - that is why we usually observe signs at exit points of the body such as feet, ears, eyes and private areas.

The three primary causes of allergies in dogs are FOOD, FLEAS and ENVIRONMENT (atopic or inhalant).

The severity of allergies can be also due to an underlying weak immune system. When an allergic reaction occurs the constant assault on their bodies causes secondary infections such as ear, urinary tract and skin infections. When an allergic reaction occurs, our pet’s immune system tries to get rid of it - that is why we usually observe signs at exit points of the body such as feet, ears, eyes and private areas. The stronger your pet’s immune system is the better it can fight off allergies.

WHAT’S NEXT

Like with their pet parents, allergies can show up at any age. Your vet can be instrumental in helping and more importantly you need to do some detective work and figure out what they are allergic to.

FOOD

Top allergens are corn, soy, wheat and proteins that they have eaten before (i.e.: chicken). Other ingredients include grains, grain fractures, preservatives and processed ingredients.

Start an elimination diet so you can pinpoint what not to feed. My rule of thumb is to feed a less processed diet. Stay away from corn, soy, wheat and proteins they have regularly eaten in the past. This {April 2012}

also includes any treats. Once the allergy disappears, you can slowly add in new things and observe if it triggers any allergic reactions. The secondary benefit of a less processed diet is that they are eating healthier, and it will strengthen their immune system.

FLEA/MOSQUITOS

The bite of a single flea can trigger itchiness for weeks.

Make sure to protect against flea and mosquitoes. In Houston, with the milder weather they can be more severe than in other places. In addition to monthly topical treatments there are natural sprays and shampoos that can help. Products such as Natural Chemistry will help with bedding, yards are safe to use on cats and dogs. A natural flea, mosquito killer is food grade diatomaceous earth. Look for natural sprays include neem or eucalyptus natural products such as Ark Naturals neem or flea or natural flea essential oil products.

ENVIRONMENT

This is the hardest one to control. Top environment allergens include tree, grass and weed pollens, mold spores, dust, dander, cleaning products, fabrics, toys, perfumes, insecticides, rubber and plastics, cigarette smoke, prescription pills, and in some cases pet vaccinations. Some of these we can easily change (don’t smoke in front of your pet) but we

cannot stop springtime pollen.

Your best defense is a good offense. You should focus on improving your pet’s immune system through a healthy diet and using supplements like probiotics, salmon or coconut oil or herbsmith immunity support. Many people have used benedryl in the past with mixed results. There are a couple of excellent products that I would recommend to anyone that has a pet with allergies. These products are specially formulated for pets with allergy and skin issues.

Herbsmith Allergy solution (it helps neutralize allergies before it starts such as itchiness, goopiness and inflamed ears), Vetricyn - safe for eye, ears and skin issues, it kills bacteria, staph and cuts and Homeopet Skin & Itch, Seborrhea and hot spots drops taken internally it neutralizes allergies.

Allergies are part of life for us and our pets. Make sure to look for common signs of allergies such as itchy skin, smelly ears and coat, breathing difficulties or gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea and vomiting. Since prevention is key, plan ahead before triggers such as springtime allergens or flea season starts.

We can’t control the environment or fleas, but we can control our pet’s health and how their bodies react when allergies hit.

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{dougiedeogi}

W

ell, hello all. It’s your favorite rescue reporter, Dougie Deogi here with an investigative report on some really T.A.C.K.Y. breeder actions.

It’s EASTER time. Do I look cute with bunnies?

Dougie Deogi Rescue Reporter

this 5 lb pure bred maltese was adopted from citizens for animal protection

24

photos courtesy Dougie Deogi, Jungpuppyclub.com

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Dougie Deogi is the official spokes-dog for Lone Star Shih Tzu & Lhasa Apso Rescue (www.facebook.com/lsstlar) headquartered in Houston. He has his own facebook page, www. facebook.com/accordingtodougie, where you can follow his many adventures with his crazy lady owner.

Well, I guess cute is in the eye of the beholder. And sometimes cute is by photoshop.

So, I’ve been complaining to you about these “teacup” puppies that a lot of naïve charities auction off to raise money, right. Well, I’ve told you what I think about that, but here is some more horrid information I found out about how these little 1.5 pound dogs are marketed and also how they are made.

First, I found out that many of these “teacup” puppies – maltese, pomeranians, yorkies, poodles, even shih tzu – are bred in…….are you ready……..wait for it……..

KOREA. Yes, there are many, many puppy breeders in KOREA sending these “teacup” dogs to the United States. Like we need more dogs here, right? Just google “Korean teacup puppy” and see what you get.

And, and and……it seems these puppy brokers selling the ”teacup” puppies must be masters at photoshopping. I was looking at a bunch of the puppy pictures on some of the websites, including the “breeder” in Korea and the puppies just didn’t look right.

They had huge heads, kinda like they had hydrocephalus, and their eyes were basically sitting on the sides of their {April 2012}

heads. So, my crazy owner let me use her photoshop and look, I created a “teacup” dog from a normal maltese photo.

Interesting, huh? Doesn’t it look just like that “teacup” maltese.

So there are all these people out there believing they are getting a “special” tiny, tiny little puppy but the joke might be on them. If you look at the “testimonial” page on these teacup puppies’ websites, the adult dogs look just like any of the purebreds you get out of the shelters for $75. Ha, the joke is on those naïve folks who think a “teacup” maltese is worth $25,000.

And, have you ever wondered how breeders can grow dogs that only weigh 1.5 lbs fully grown? When the “normal” size is at least four pounds? I don’t know this first hand, but some of the research I found indicates that the breeders: 1. Do c-sections before the puppies are full term, and 2. Withhold food from the puppes so they won’t grow. WT?? That is just so W.R.O.N.G. So, buyer beware. If you are naïve enough to buy a dog for $25,000, perhaps you deserve the trouble.

Dougie Deogi, rescue reporter, over and out.

Doggie Daycare, Boarding, Grooming and Obedience Training 6434 Washington Avenue Houston, TX 77007 713-868-7555 deogi@deogidogspa.com

deadly landscaping S

By Tiffany Robinson

Sago Palm

pring has sprung here in Houston! Many of you have grand plans for re-landscaping, especially after last year’s drought left most of our gardens and yards with much to be desired. But before you start planting, do a little research to find out what kind of dangers might be lurking in your yard. Many beautiful plants, flowers, shrubs, and trees pose a harmful and even fatal threat to our dogs and cats. A quick visit to the ASPCA’s website showed an overabundant amount of toxic foliage commonly found around us.

CastorBean

Most of us know to avoid sago palms and lilies, but did you also know aloe vera, azaleas, and English ivy also need to be avoided? How about daffodils and tulips? And elephant ears, wisteria, and tomato plants? In fact, there are reports of over 700 plants that have been identified as toxic or harmful to pets.

It is highly recommended you learn what not to plant in your own yard or garden and to familiarize yourself 26

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with many of the toxic plants you might encounter at parks, along your walk route, even your neighbor’s yard! If your dog or cat doesn’t seem interested in chewing on plants or foliage, still do your homework.

Various plants have different levels of toxicity. Be sure you make an informed decision before planting something dangerous. Know what dangers to avoid when you are out and about with your pet, and keep

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them safe. For a full list (including photos) check out http://www.aspca. org/pet-care/poison-control/plants/.

Sago Palm Very popular in Houston, this plant can be very harmful to pets.

If ingested, the leaves and seeds can cause vomiting, bloody stools, damage to the stomach lining, severe liver failure and, in many cases, death.

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Castor Bean This plant contains a highly toxic glycoprotein called ricin and ricicine, an alkaloid found in both the seeds and leaves. When ingested lack of appitite, drooling, abdominal pain, vomiting, severe bloody diarrhea, abdominal straining, weakness, trembling, drop in blood pressure, and sudden collapse may be seen. This plant has a very narrow margin of safety; only a small amount ingested can result in severe poisoning. Death can occur with even a very small ingestion of the beans.

Azalea A common landscaping plant in Houston, azaleas can have serious effects on pets. Eating even a few leaves can result in vomiting, diarrhea and excessive drooling; without immediate veterinary attention, the pet could fall into a coma and possibly die.

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Lilies There are dangerous and benign lilies out there, and it’s important to know the difference. Peace, Peruvian, and Calla lilies contain oxalate crystals that cause minor signs, such as tissue irritation to the mouth, tongue, pharynx, and esophagus – this results in minor drooling. The more dangerous, potentially fatal lilies are true lilies, and these include Tiger, Day, Asiatic, Easter and Japanese Show lilies – all of which are highly toxic to cats!

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Dumb Cane Popular in many homes and offices, Dumb Cane (also known as dieffenbachia) can cause intense oral irritation, drooling, nausea, vomiting and difficulty swallowing if ingested.

Water Hemlock Water hemlock, which is also called Cowbane, poison parsnip, or poison parsley, is often referred to as the most violently toxic plant in {April 2012}

the United States. Water hemlock is considered a natural wildflower and prefers wet areas, such as irrigation ditches, marshes, damp areas in pastures, and riverbanks. Water hemlock contains the toxins cicutoxin and cicutol, which affect the neurons in the brain and central nervous system.

All parts of the plant are poisonous, with the roots containing the highest concentration of the toxin.

english ivy

Daffodil Daffodil is a name commonly applied to all varieties of Narcissus flowers. Daffodils are highly toxic, especially if the bulb is ingested. They can cause intense stomach problems, resulting in vomiting and diarrhea.

When eaten, they can also cause high blood pressure, tremors, and irregular heartbeat. In some cases, ingestion of the bulbs can even be fatal. Daffodils are toxic to both humans and pets.

English Ivy English Ivy is a vine plant grown both indoors and outdoors for decorative purposes. It is poisonous to humans, pets, and livestock when ingested. Symptoms include breathing difficulties, convulsions, vomiting, and in extreme cases, paralysis and coma.

Texas Mountain Laurel The Texas Mountain Laurel is a popular plant because of its purple flowers and artificial grape smell.

Unfortunately, the entire plant is toxic to animals. The plant contains grayanotoxin. It affects the nervous system as well as skeletal and cardiac muscle. Common symptoms of poison ingestion include vomiting, diarrhea, profuse salivation, weakness, impaired vision and a slow heart rate.

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hyacinth

Hyacinths Hyacinths share the same symptoms with daffodils when ingested-primarily nausea that leads to vomiting and diarrhea. Also like daffodils, they can be fatal.

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The Treat Triad Puzzle Toy is the perfect brain workout for your dog!

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