5 Things That Can Hurt Your Pet
Note: okay... I'm actually only going to share five but you can get another 91 tips and cautions about pet care through our newsletter series if you like...
Perhaps, you've heard the ind of Urban Legends of what can or cannot hurt your pets throughout the years. But what do you make of it? What is real and what is not? I've included here the top ten things that can hurt your pet (and included the mythical counterpart if there is one).
1. Feeding your dog chocolate can harm it.
True. While pet can be like children - we love them, care for them and want to spoil them like children, there is one difference. Children can handle chocolate quite well. Dogs cannot. Feeding your dog chocolate can create severe symptoms and even cause death.
2. I've heard that giving my dog grapes or raisins is a very bad thing.
True. While it is not understood why exactly, feeding your dog ANY form of a grape can cause significant anger, including renal failure. So, keep you pet away from grapes and raisins, no matter how much you think they appreciate the treat.
3. Common plants around the yard can be harmful.
Again, this is true. typically plants that you might find around the yard can be very harmful and are known to be toxic to your pets. Simple plants like azaleas, oleanders, sago palms or yew plants can cause serious problems. Different Lily varieties can cause kidney failure with your cat family members. So, certainly be cautious about using those types of plants in your own back yard, but be aware if you take your pet for sitting at another home, or on trips to a friend's house.
4. Is there such a thing as too much of a good thing?
Yes. Moderation is always best with your pet. For example, cat's pretty much love Tuna. And it is perfectly fine to feed your cat some Tuna from time to time. However, Tuna can be dangerous if you cat is given too much Tuna. Of course, we're talking about variety's that are developed for human consumption - not the "tuna" that pet foods use.
5. AntiFreeze is good for your Volvo - not for Rover.
The sweet taste of antifreeze is a sinister culprit of the antifreeze "attraction" your pet may have. But, be very careful that your pet does not ingest the liquid if spilled in the garage, or elsewhere. It can have horrible effects with your pet.
Be sure to call a poison hot-line or your vet's office if you suspect your cat, dog, bird or other family pet has eaten something they shouldn't have. And, while there are many more typical food items, plants and household accoutrement that can be harmful to your pet, you can get a good list of what these may be. Call us, and we can direct you to the appropriate information.