PetSugar

Dog Days of Summer: Keep Pets Out of the Trash!

PetSugar — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 11:45:31 -0700

Keep the trash safe from your nosy pets! In addition to the obvious dangers of cleaning product poisons or choking hazards, the bacteria and molds found in rotting foods can seriously endanger your furry friends . . . they can't distinguish between spoiled and fresh yums!

The millions of bacteria found in your old take-out or spoiled meat can lead to food poisoning and inflammation or bloating of the intestinal tract and abdomen (bacterial enteritis). What's more other foods like cheese, nuts, and pasta are ripe environments for a variety of molds that can produce the scary-sounding tremorgenic mycotoxins, substances that cause symptoms similar to snail bait or strychnine poisoning. If your pup has ingested these metabolites, look out for muscle tremors, spasms, seizures, and elevated temperature – it can require overnight hospital care so bring a pet to a vet if you suspect it!

Even if your trash is safely contained, learn one more risky spot pets can find these threats when you read more.

The fungi, molds, and bacteria that grow in garbage and compost can also be found in weathering fruit on the ground – so if you've got a fruit-baring tree nearby, don't let your pets eat the fallen fruit!

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Dog Days of Summer: "Death Cap" Mushrooms

PetSugar — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 11:30:49 -0700

As if the ominous name didn't clue you in, death caps are very dangerous. This species is responsible for the majority – 95 percent! – of fatal mushroom poisoning of people and pets. Not commonly found throughout the US, the fungi have been reported in areas as wide-reaching as upstate NY and New Jersey over to southern Oregon and the San Francisco Bay Area.

If you're taking a walk with your pooch, know how to recognize and avoid the (scientific name) Amanita phalloides. They grow year-round and thrive in moist environments commonly found on the roots of live trees. Although the above picture is one example, exact identification is unreliable because their appearance can vary . . . translation: Don't eat, or let pets eat, any wild growing mushrooms.

Learn how this affects your pets and should be treated when you read more.

Untreated ingestion of even a small portion of a death cap mushroom can be fatal because it causes liver injury and failure. If you suspect that a pet has sampled this species, bring him to the vet immediately. If treated early enough, the doctors can induce vomiting and give activated charcoal to save your pooch.

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Dog Days of Summer: Natural Ingredients to Help With Fleas

PetSugar — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:00:24 -0700

If your pup is unlucky enough to have bites from these yucky blood suckers, make a switch to an eco-tastic shampoo to offer relief during the Summer months. If you're not up to making your own herbal flea powder, here's a couple ingredients to look for on the label of store brands (recommended by you in the comments!):

Aloe: One of the more obvious calming ingredients, aloe can be found in everything from gels to sprays. Pure Aloe Vera can sooth and cool your dog's itchy bites (and yours, too!) plus it won't hurt your pet if he licks it off. Some vets even recommend drops as a meal supplement as it can help to cure skin disorders and soothe stomach irritation internally as well.

See two more when you read more.

Oatmeal: In addition to being a yummy snack, oatmeal can be found in dog shampoos and conditioners because of its anti-itch properties in dealing with damaged, inflamed, or scaly skin. Aphrosette likes to use it for pups with mild skin allergies, too.
Tea Tree Oil: This essential oil is distilled from the leaves and twigs of the Tea Tree. It has many uses including soothing burns, bites, and cuts as well as being active against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Ehadams even likes to use tea tree spray from the pet store to stop calm her pet and stop her from biting.

Check out my widget of products including these ingredients below.