PetSugar

Danger: Clean Up Baking Soda (or Baking Powder) Immediately

PetSugar — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:00:25 -0800

When hinting at a handy, DIY cleanup alternative, I stressed that North was nowhere near the baking soda sprinkled out and that it was cleaned up before he got a sneak sniff.

To understand why these substances are dangerous, I've gotta get a little scientific here so bear with me. Baking soda is another name for sodium bicarbonate. Baking powder, on the other hand, combines that sodium bicarbonate with an acid such as cream of tartar, sodium aluminum sulphate or calcium acid phosphate. Both function as leavening agents in baked goods; they create a gas which causes doughs to rise.

If you're not yet getting a mental image of the dangers, if your dog eats a large amount of these powders, it creates mayhem in the tummy with an electrolyte imbalance which can result in muscle spasms or even congestive heart failure. To be safe, keep both the containers of baking soda and baking powder out of pups' reach (although baked in small amounts into treats is less dangerous), and immediately clean up if spilled near a nosy nose.

Source: Flickr User JOE M500

Can You Pick Your Poison . . . Trees?

PetSugar — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 03:50:12 -0700

Long walks past poisonous Fall blossoms, and now we've got trees to worry about, too?! If you like to check out the foliage with your furry friends, let's see if you can identify these toxic trees so you know where not to let him sniff around.

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This is a:

Do You Know These Poisonous Fall Bloomers?

PetSugar — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:30:47 -0700

Fall's coming and although we've tackled poisonous Summer wildflowers, that season's (sadly) almost done. Let's get into the Fall spirit by looking at more flowers - each of these either begin blooming in autumn or continue through September (or later!) in some climates, so check out the pretty plants and see how well you do!

Question 1 of 7

Hibiscus:

6 Things Found in Your Bathroom That Can Kill Your Dog!

PetSugar — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 14:40:00 -0700

What happens when your pet's nosy nose finds its way into your medicine cabinet? I took a quick inventory of my bathroom and rounded up six known poisons I keep well out of reach - have you already done the same? Check out my list and then read your labels at home to keep your furry friends safe from harm!

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Which Seasonings Are Dangerous For Dogs?

PetSugar — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 11:50:43 -0700

If you're into baking up treats and just like to create your own dog cookie recipes by mixing a smidgen of what you find around the house, it's important to know which herbs, spices, and other seasonings are OK to add . . . and which are off limits. Test yourself now, and there's a recap at the end, so you won't forget in the future!

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Ground cinnamon:

Can You Identify These Toxic Summer Wildflowers?

PetSugar — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:30:31 -0700

We've already tackled toxic garden flowers and dangerous bouquets, but now let's check out poisonous wildflowers you could see on your summertime walks. The six following plants are toxic to dogs and cats - test yourself now, and there's a recap at the end so you won't forget in the future!

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This plant is a:

Which Fruits Are Toxic to Dogs and Cats?

PetSugar — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 06:00:04 -0700

If you're considering a tasty fruit salad this Summer, I hope you remember that peaches are poison to pups! In honor of some other sweet people food, test your knowledge on different fruits and their toxicity to pets!

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Grapefruit?

Quiz: Are These Fruits and Veggies Safe For Dogs?

PetSugar — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 08:00:33 -0700

Pennies aren't the only lesser-known poison - seems about everyone has heard of chocolate risks but what do you know about your fruits and veggies that are not safe for pets? Test yourself to see what snacks you can share . . . and others you should keep to yourself.

Question 1 of 10

Broccoli?

Saving Pennies Is Poisonous!

PetSugar — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:30:55 -0700

Please tell me I'm not the only one with a pet that wants to eat everything including the kitchen sink?! While I'm careful to keep my purse out of his reach ('cause of gum), what if he sniffs his nosy nose into my wallet and comes up with a penny?

If you think this poses no extra risk than other inedible objects, you'd be wrong! Although the coins originally contained 95 percent copper and 5 percent zinc until 1982, after that the proportion changed.

Find out what pennies are now made of - and the danger it causes - when you read more.

After 1982, coins became copper-plated zinc, 97.5 percent zinc and 2.5 percent copper. Zinc causes kidney failure and damage to red blood cells and a pet (be it dog, cat or even bird) that eats just one cent can become very ill or die, if it's not removed promptly!

Can You Identify These Doggone Toxic Blooms?

PetSugar — Wed, 20 May 2009 13:00:38 -0700

It's almost Summer - woohoo! Since I'm looking forward to longer walks and exploring new areas with my pooch, I've gathered up some outdoor flowers . . . that I won't (literally) be gathering up. Since you're old pros on poisonous flowers you could get as presents, can you identify these toxic blossoms you'll want to pass on by with your dog? See how much you know about what not to bring back inside a home when you take this quiz.

Source

Question 1 of 8

This plant is a: