PetSugar

6 Ways to Enjoy Flowers (Safely) With Your Furry Friend

PetSugar — Wed, 20 May 2009 09:00:04 -0700

Warm weather walks aren't just a fresh way to get your pet out and about or work on your posture and fitness. They offer the visual bonus of blooming buds, chirping birds and an air of romance. In celebration of Flower Day, which happens to be today, I have put together a roundup of helpful hints for enjoying flowers and plant life both within your home and on the street. Do you know which plants are poisonous and which are fine for pup to munch one? Find out before you take that Summer jaunt through the wildflowers.

1. Let Him Stop and Smell the Flowers	2. Know Which Flowers Are Poisonous to Pets	3. Pet-Proofing Your Home by Avoiding Poisonous Plants
4. Just Say No to Cocoa Mulch	5. Plant a Pretty and Pet Safe Garden	6. Know What to Do When Kitty Eats Plants

Dog Days of Summer: Just Say No to Cocoa Mulch

PetSugar — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 10:30:55 -0700

Don't let a nosy pooch sniff around or dig up any flowers you haven't planted yourself! If Summer travels take you to new parks or yards, double check that the gardens don't use cocoa mulch, a common fertilizer made from poisonous cocoa beans. Just like chocolate, it contains theobromine, a chemical that can cause vomiting, muscle tremors, or even death to furry friends. If you're planning your own late-blooming garden, be certain to also brush up on poisonous plants, and pick out some of our pet safe suggestions instead.

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Fight Six Summertime Dangers

PetSugar — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 08:30:32 -0700

Such a lovely season doesn't come without dangers! From scorching sidewalks to balmy sunlight, plenty of perils lurk right in your neighborhood. Keep dogs safe and healthy this Summer and know the risks of and remedies for the following six hazards.

Poison patrol: Mushrooms	Poison patrol: Cocoa mulch	Poison patrol: Trash
How-to: Remove a tick	How-to: Soothe paw burns	How-to: Treat heat stroke

Ten Tips 'Til The Holiday: Potted Plants

PetSugar — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 03:00:44 -0800

Along with hanging plants, adding potted plants or flowers is a common seasonal touch to create a festive holiday home. While some don't appeal to pets at all, others can be very dangerous if nibbled on. The first risk of potted plants actually comes from the cocoa mulch. Many florists use cocoa mulch in potted plants – its chocolatey smell attracts animals, and it is just as lethal to them as the real thing. Before purchasing, check with florists about the contents in the soil.

To read about potted plants that can be dangerous to animals, read more.

Lilies. Eating even very small amounts of this plant can be very dangerous, especially to cats. Many kinds of lilies can cause severe kidney damage if ingested by pets.
Amaryllis. Growing these in your home can put your pups at risk. The bulbs of this plant are considered to be highly-toxic, and other parts could produce intense gastrointestinal irritation, drooling, loss of appetite, and tremors if eaten in large quantities.
Morning Glory.The leaves and especially the seeds of this plant are hallucinogenic and can cause significant, life-threatening central nervous system effects if ingested – if you must keep this plant in your home, make sure it is far out of pet's mouths.
Poinsettias. While not nearly as toxic as many people think, I still wouldn't tempt a kitty by putting this plant within her reach. The sap from this common holiday plant can irritate stomach and eyes of pets.
Other potted plants.I've pulled a couple other festive plants off the ASPCA toxic list as well. Plants like Jerusalem cherry, boxwood, Christmas cactus, and Japanese yew are not safe for pets - once again, don't bring anything near animals unless you're sure it's safe.