Did You Know? Tips for your pets

Useful tips to help you keep your pet healthy and safe year round.

Warm Weather Hazards
- Animal toxins-toads, insects, spiders, snakes and scorpions
- Blue-green algae in ponds
- Citronella candles
- Cocoa mulch
- Compost piles or fertilizers
- Some outdoor plants and/or plant bulbs
- Swimming-pool treatment supplies
- Fly baits containing methomyl
- Slug and snail baits containing metaldehyde

Foods to keep away from your pets
- Alcoholic beverages
- Avocado
- Chocolate (all forms)
- Coffee (all forms)
- Fatty foods
- Macadamia nuts
- Moldy or spoiled foods
- Onions, onion powder
- Raisins and grapes
- Salt
- Yeast dough
- Garlic
- Products sweetened with xylitol

Medication
Common examples of human medications that can be potentially lethal to pets, even in small doses, include:
- Pain killers
- Cold medicines
- Anti-cancer drugs
- Antidepressants
- Vitamins
- Diet Pills

Cold Weather Hazards
- Antifreeze
- Liquid potpourri
- Ice melting products
- Rat and mouse bait

Common Household Hazards
- Fabric softener sheets
- Mothballs
- Post-1982 pennies (due to high concentration of zinc)

Holiday Hazards
- Christmas tree water (may contain fertilizers and bacteria, which, if ingested, can upset the stomach.
- Electrical cords
- Ribbons or tinsel (can become lodged in the intestines and cause intestinal obstruction-most often occurs with kittens!)
- Batteries
- Glass ornaments

Non-toxic Substances for Dogs and Cats
The following substances are considered to be non-toxic, although they may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some animals:
- Water-based paints
- Toilet bowl water
- Silica gel
- Poinsettia
- Cat litter
- Glue traps

If You Think Your Animal Is Poisoned.
In spite of your best efforts, your animal may accidentally become poisoned. Being prepared can save your pet's life. Know your vet's procedures for emergency situations, especially ones that occur after business hours. Keep phone numbers for your veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, and a local emergency veterinary service in a convenient location.

Keep a pet poison safety kit on hand for emergencies. Your kit should contain:
- A fresh bottle of hydrogen peroxide 3% (USP)
- Can of your pet's favorite wet food
- Turkey baste, bulb syringe or large medical syringe
- Saline eye solution to flush out eye contaminants
- Artificial tear gel to lubricate eyes after flushing
- Mild grease-cutting dishwashing liquid for the animal after skin contamination.
- Rubber gloves
- Forceps to remove stingers
- Muzzle (Remember, an excited animal may harm you.)
- Pet carrier

Call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center's 24-hour emergency hotline at (888) 426-4435.


A consultation fee may apply. When you call the center, please be ready to provide:
* Your name, address and telephone number
* If you know what substance your pet has ingested, have the product container/packaging available for reference. You'll also need to provide information, if you know it, about the amount ingested and the time since exposure.
* Your pet's species, breed, age, sex and weight
* All symptoms your pet is experiencing

January - Batteries

Did You Know - batteries can cause more than just stomach upset if eaten by pets? Many families have acquired an assortment of toys, electronics and other gizmos from recent holiday gift exchanges, many requiring various types of batteries to power them up. Because of the possible increase in battery usage this time of year, it is important for pet owners to be aware of the risks that batteries can pose, and take precautions against accidental exposures. Alkaline batteries are generally the most common type of batteries, and are used in a wide variety of gadgets. This form of battery contains corrosives, which if chewed or punctured, can potentially result in the development of oral and gastrointestinal (GI) ulcers, or even perforation of the GI tract. Due to their corrosive nature, pet owners should never attempt to induce vomiting if their pet is suspected of having chewed and ingested an alkaline battery. These batteries also contain zinc, and while zinc poisoning is uncommon from battery ingestions, the possibility still exists if enough zinc leaks out of the battery casing. Other types of batteries used in cameras, MP3 players, watches and other electronic devices include nickel cadmium (often labeled as "NiCd"), lithium, nickel metal hydride (usually referred to as "NiMH) and button cell. NiCd batteries contain cadmium, which could lead to the development of gastrointestinal irritation, and in cases where a large ingestion has occurred, neurologic effects may also be possible. While lithium can be poisonous, toxicity does not typically occur from lithium containing batteries. Button cell batteries can contain mercury, which may also present a hazard to pets if swallowed. Pet owners should note that even if a pet swallows a battery whole without puncturing it, problems could still result- such as an intestinal obstruction. An obstruction from a foreign object like a battery could result in an emergency situation, possibly requiring surgery to remove the object. Because of these potential risks, batteries should always be securely stored in areas completely inaccessible to pets to avoid an accidental ingestion. If you suspect that your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, contact your local veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-426-4435) immediately for assistance. To learn how to "Make Your Pet's Home Poison Safe" visit us at www.aspca.org/apcc.

February - Valentine Treats

Did You Know - Certain types of candy and other goodies that are so popular during this romantic time of year can be harmful to pets? For example, dogs ingesting significant amounts of gum or candies solely or largely sweetened with xylitol may develop a fairly sudden drop in blood sugar, resulting in depression, loss of coordination and seizures. These signs can develop quite rapidly, so it is important that pet owners seek veterinary treatment immediately. According to experts at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, some data also appears to point to a possible link between xylitol ingestions and the development of liver failure in dogs. Chocolate is another treat well loved by humans that could make pets ill. Depending on the form involved, it can contain high amounts of fat and caffeine-like substances known as methylxanthines. If ingested in significant amounts, chocolate can potentially produce clinical effects ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death in severe cases. Typically the darker the chocolate has the higher the potential for clinical problems from methylxanthine poisoning. White chocolate has the lowest methylxanthine content, while baking chocolate contains the highest. As little as 20 ounces of milk chocolate or only two ounces of baking chocolate can cause serious problems in a 10-pound dog. While white chocolate may not have the same potential as darker forms to cause a methylxanthine poisoning, the high fat content of lighter chocolates could still lead to vomiting and diarrhea, as well as the possible development of life-threatening pancreatitis, an inflammatory condition of the pancreas. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center advises pet owners avoid offering their animals food meant for human consumption, and to be especially diligent in keeping candy, gum or other foods containing chocolate or xylitol out of the reach of pets.

March - Mothballs

Did You Know - Mothballs can be potentially toxic to dogs, cats and other animals, particularly those containing an ingredient known as naphthalene. Some mothball formulations may alternatively contain an insecticide known as dichlorobenzene, which is somewhat less toxic than naphthalene. However, it can still cause stomach upset and potentially even neurologic effects, if large enough amounts are consumed. In 2005, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center managed close to four dozen cases involving animals exposed to mothball products. Naphthalene can cause serious illness, including, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, liver, kidney and blood cell damage, swelling of the brain tissues, seizures, coma and death if ingested-and respiratory tract damage, if inhaled. Just one mothball can potentially produce significant illness.

April- Systemic Insecticides

Did You Know - Insecticides used to protect delicate roses and other floral plants are quite effective at eliminating pesky aphids and other bugs that can cause plant damage, certain types-such as disulfoton-can be extremely hazardous to pets. Insecticides are called "systemic" when they are absorbed throughout the whole plant by the roots. Disulfoton is a very potent organophosphate insecticide, which works by affecting the nervous system of insects. Unfortunately, disulfoton's neurological effects are not limited to bugs, and therefore dogs, cats and other pets can be susceptible to poisoning as well. Depending on the amount ingested, disulfoton can rapidly produce clinical effects, including excessive saliva, urine and tear production, vomiting, diarrhea, elevated heart rate, difficulty breathing, in coordination, muscle eakness, tremors, seizures, coma and potentially death. Pet owners should exercise extreme caution when using insecticides such as disulfoton, always reading and following label directions for safe use and storage. Occasionally, potted roses and certain other flowering plants may have already been treated with disulfoton prior to being sold, so it is a good idea to check with your local nursery or lawn and garden store before purchasing such plants. Additionally, this insecticide may be mixed with organic fertilizers, which can be attractive to dogs. When treating plants with disulfoton, owners should take steps to ensure that it is applied only to areas completely inaccessible to animals. Any unused product should be stored in a secure container and cabinet well out of the reach of pets.

May- Comparing Apples to Oranges: Toxic or Not?

Did You Know - The arrival of spring and summer brings lots of fresh oranges, grapefruits, peaches, cherries, apples and many other delectable fruits. However, certain parts of these fruits can be potentially irritating - or even occasionally toxic in some situations- to our companion animals. The peels, fruit and seeds of citrus plants such as lemons, oranges, limes and grapefruits contain varying amounts of citric acid, limonin and volatile oils that can cause gastrointestinal irritation such as vomiting or diarrhea if ingested. In some cases, exposures to high concentrations of these substances (such as those found in certain citrus-based cleaners) could possibly result in central nervous system depression as well. The stems, leaves and seeds of apples, cherries, peaches, apricots and certain other fruit trees contain cyanogenic glycosides that have the potential to cause vomiting and loss of appetite, and in severe cases weakness, in coordination, difficulty in breathing, hyperventilation, shock, coma and even death could occur. Typically, these severe effects develop from very large ingestions of plant material that are more likely to occur with grazing animals such as horses or other livestock. The consumption of a few segments of citrus fruit, an apple or two or a few cherries would usually not be expected to cause serious problems beyond perhaps minor stomach upset. However, it is important for animal owners to be aware of the potential for problems that these fruit trees can produce. Companion animal owners should try to become familiar with the different types of plants in and around their home, and make sure that the plant materials of potentially poisonous species are not accessible to pets.

June – Fireflies

Did You Know - Fireflies have been shown to be poisonous to various types of reptiles? For many regions of North America, summer evenings would not be complete without the magical flashing glow of fireflies (also known as lightning bugs) dancing in the sultry night air. But while these charming little creatures are a pleasure to watch, they actually contain toxic substances that can produce fatal effects in some animals. Fireflies belonging to the genus Photinus, which are quite common in many parts of the United States, contain chemical components called lucibufagins- which are similar to the toxic secretions of some poisonous toads. Many animals can be affected by this toxic chemical, but most will avoid eating these insects. Exposures resulting in death have occurred in certain kinds of lizards after being fed fireflies, particularly the Bearded Dragon, a native to Australia that has become a popular pet. Possibly because they evolved in a firefly-free environment, bearded dragons don't appear to have the innate aversion to fireflies that is present in most native animals. Therefore, it is important for reptile caretakers to avoid offering these insects to their pets.

July - Glow Jewelry

Did You Know - Colorful plastic glow-in-the-dark jewelry such as necklaces, bracelets and even hand-held glow sticks are popular items often sold at fairs, festivals and other summer time events. While the luminescent liquid inside these products might look like it could be poisonous, the relatively small quantity of fluid generally has a low potential for toxicity. This oily, glowing substance is called dibutyl phthalate and can be found in a wide variety of products, from plastics to insect repellents. Based on ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center experience, most animals that chew into glow jewelry can exhibit signs such as profuse drooling, hyperactivity, agitation or aggressive behavior. However, while these effects may seem serious and quite alarming to pet owners, they are typically transient (lasting only a few minutes) and are only a response to the unpleasant taste of the liquid. Generally, the only treatment needed is diluting the taste residue with a small amount of milk, tuna juice or soft pet food; if the residue is on the skin or hair coat, mild soap and water can be used to wash it off and avoid the possibility of further ingestion via grooming.

August - Hydrogen Peroxide

Did You Know - 3% Hydrogen Peroxide, the same solution used for the cleansing of cuts and scrapes that can be found at your local drugstore, is the safest way to induce vomiting in your pet at home? Of course, pet owners should only induce vomiting when directed to do so by a veterinarian, but should your vet consider it necessary, 3% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) can be given at home as a first aid step to help remove potentially harmful substances from your pet's stomach. Other home "remedies" such as salt, mustard, or ipecac are not reliable means of getting pets to vomit, and could actually result in potentially serious complications such as sodium poisoning or cardiac arrhythmias. Generally, H2O2 is very effective, producing vomiting in about 10 15 minutes after dosing; once it has "fizzed", it breaks down into water and oxygen and is quite harmless. The typical dose for inducing vomiting is about 1 ml per pound of body weight, not to exceed 45 ml or 3 tablespoons. It is advisable to offer your pet a small amount of moist pet food or a slice of bread with milk before giving H2O2, as having food in the stomach can make vomiting a little easier. It is important to never force H2O2 or any other liquid into your pet's mouth, because he or she may accidentally inhale it, which could lead to pneumonia. Vomiting should also not be induced in animals exhibiting tremors or other neurological signs, or with ingestions of certain substances such as caustic chemicals, oils or other items that could damage the gastrointestinal tract or become inhaled.

September- Avocado

Did You Know - Avocado (Persea americana) is not an advisable food to give to pets? Avocado leaves, fruit, seeds and bark contain a toxic principle known as Persin. The Guatemalan variety which is the most common variety found in stores appears to be the most problematic. The primary concern in dogs is with gastrointestinal (GI) irritation, including vomiting and diarrhea. Typically, these effects occur in dogs that have scavenged on significant quantities of fruit, branches or other material from the plant. Birds and rodents appear to be particularly sensitive, and can develop respiratory distress, generalized congestion, fluid accumulation around the tissues of the heart, and possibly death from consuming avocado.

October- Onions, Garlic, Chives

Did You Know - Onions, garlic, chives and other species of the plant genus Allium can be potentially toxic to pets? Allium species contain sulfur compounds known as disulfildes, which if ingested in large quantities can cause gastrointestinal irritation and could even result in damage to red blood cells. While cats are more sensitive to disulfides, dogs and other species of animals are also susceptible to Allium poisoning if enough plant material is consumed. Therefore, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center advises companion animal owners to avoid feeding pets onions, garlic and other Allium plants.

November- Yeast Dough

Did You Know - The dough used to make many of the delicious fresh-baked goodies during the holiday season could pose a serious problem to our pets if eaten? Raw or uncooked yeast-based dough can not only expand in the stomach as it rises, causing an obstruction or intestinal rupture, yeast can form alcohol when it rises, which could potentially result in alcohol poisoning. Pet owners should take care to keep pets out of the kitchen while preparing meals, and never allow food items- such as rising yeast dough- to be left on countertops or other areas where pets can reach them.

December – Mistletoe

Did You Know - Mistletoe, a popular yuletide decorative plant, can be potentially toxic to pets if eaten? American mistletoe (Phoradendron serotinum) is the most common species of mistletoe recognized as a symbol of the holiday season. It is actually a parasitic plant which lives off of a variety of different tree species, and can be found throughout the United States. If ingested in large enough quantities, mistletoe has the potential to produce gastrointestinal irritation, excessive thirst and urination, in coordination, a drop in blood pressure and heart rate, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing, seizures, coma and even death. According to ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center data, however, most animal ingestions involve small quantities- not more than the amount found in a sprig or two- and typically result in mild stomach upset that resolves with little to no treatment.


TIPS FOR DOGS

What are some tips for dealing with a dog that has separation anxiety?

Symptoms can include: whimpering, salivating, barking, housebreaking accidents, chewing, and excessive licking, scratching or digging. Some dogs may even show symptoms when owners go into another room, or to throw out the trash! First, it’s very important to make sure your dog is confined to a safe area, such as a crate, when you’re out.  Dogs being den animals, feel safer in their own small, enclosed space. Next, be sure that you don’t make a big deal when leaving or returning home. Don’t smother your dog with kisses, apologies, and a tearful goodbye. A flippant "See ya later!" is more appropriate. When arriving home, you’ll need to immediately take your dog outside to take care of their business. However, during those first 10 minutes home, avoid eye contact and act like your return is no big deal. "A tired dog is a good dog" also goes a long way with separation anxiety. A good session of exercise immediately before leaving will be more conducive to your pet relaxing while you’re out. Finally, and this is extremely important… never correct your dog for ‘crimes’ committed while you were gone! This will definitely make the problem much worse, as your dog may be double worried… about you being gone, and you returning home.

What can I do if my dog barks excessively?

Excessive barking is caused by lack of socialization. If your dog spends most of his time in the house or the yard, he’s likely to feel much more territorial over the area. Overcome this problem by working on obedience training and socialization skills. Take him out for a walk around the neighborhood and let him meet lots of people and children. Next time your neighbor is bringing their garbage pails out to the curb, put your dog on his leash and bring him out front to chat with the neighbor and see the pails. Rather than yelling from across the room, go over to your dog, tell him "No barking" and put him in a sit/stay. Follow with praise when he behaves accordingly.

My dog seems timid and shy, how can I help them overcome that?

Each dog has their own personality. Sometimes these differences can be a matter of genetics (nature), or can be learned through their life experiences (nurture). Dogs who are skittish or fearful can often suffer from behavior problems such as separation anxiety, excessive barking, or chewing. If fears escalate enough, these pets’ can sometimes become fear biters displaying aggressive behavior due to their perceived need for self defense. Obedience training, socialization, and confidence building exercises can help your dog overcome this issue. By working on basic commands, you’ll have the opportunity to praise your dog for learning something new. This can be an excellent confidence builder. Agility can also boost confidence. Learning to jump, climb or weave, (formerly ’scary’ exercises), can really help skittish dogs to become more self-assured. Last but not least, be sure never to pet your dog while afraid. For example, if you pet your dog while he’s shying away from a visitor, he’ll think you’re praising him for being scared. He will not feel soothed. Instead, gently tell him "No", and help him to behave more naturally. Praise your dog after he’s acting more relaxed, and encourage him to receive a treat or a pat from your friend. Remember; it takes time and patience when working with an animal. Good luck.

 

TIPS FOR CATS

What plants are toxic to cats?

alphalfa
almond pits, amaryllis, apple seeds  
apricot pits, arrowhead vine, asparagus fern  
azalea, balsam pear, beech  
bird of paradise, bittersweet, black locust  
boston ivy, boxcaladium, buttercup  
castor bean, cherry pits, chryzanthemum  
colodium, creeping fig, creeping charlie  
crown of thorns, daffodil, daphne  
delphinium, dieffenbachia, periwinkle  
philodendron, poinsettia, poison hemlock  
pot mum, potato (green parts & eyes), precatory bean (rosary pea)  
privet, red princess, rhubarb  
ripple ivy, saddle leaf, skunk cabbage  
spider mum, spinach, split leaf  
spraneri fern, tobacco, umbrella plant  
weeping fig, wisteria, Yew (American, English, Western)

 

 

 

Home // About HSR // Adoptions // Our Mission // Donations // Animal Sponsorship // Foster Program // Membership // Volunteer // Wish List // Pictures // Dog Control Officers // Links // FAQ // Calendar // Education // Contact Us

Humane Society Rome • 6247 Lamphear Road • PO Box 4572 • Rome, NY 13442 • Shelter Phone: 315-336-7070 • Office Phone: 315-337-1434 • Fax: 315-336-4918