Dangerous Pet Poisons You Might Not Have Thought Of

Grapes and Raisins - Reports of grape and rasin toxicityin dogs first appeared in the 1990s. Since then, there have been many confirmed cases, usually resulting in a dog’s demise. Grapes involved include both seedless and seeded, store bought and homegrown. Vomiting and diarrhea are often the first symptoms of grape or raisin toxicity. They often develop within a few hours of ingestion. Pieces of grapes or raisins may be present in the
vomit or stool. Also you may notice weakness, not eating, increased drinking, and abdominal pain. Acute renal failure develops within 48 hours of ingestion so it is important to contact your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has eaten any grapes or raisins.



 

Lilies- Lilies, a floral reminder that winter has passed, frequently appear in homes during
spring holidays as potted plants or cut flowers. But for cats, many lilies can be as lethal as they are lovely.Lilies cause almost the same disease in cats as grapes do in dogs. Any part of the flower or plant can be toxic to cats andcan cause a cat to suffer fatal kidney failure.There are even reports of cats becoming sick and dying from walking through pollen dropped by lilies and grooming it off their paws, or drinking water from a vase that contains lilies. If you live with a cat, don’tever bring lilies into your home!

 

Garlic - Onions and Garlic belong to the genus Allium. These plants share a common toxic
mechanism whereby they cause oxidative injury to cells — in particular, red blood cells.

Cats are more sensitive than dogs and other species, making them particularly sensitive to
injury from Allium plants. Even a one-time small amount of garlic is enough to impair their ability to transport oxygen to tissues, causing injury to red blood cells that can last for months. In essence, it is a form of anemia in cats. If chronically exposed even to very low amounts over a long period of time, most cats will suffer signs of anemia.

The Many Wondrous ThingsDogs Can Do for Human Health

 

Yes, it is true that dogs have always been man’s best friend, but there is new research out there that digs deeper into our health and well-being that explains better than ever why this is. Doctors are saying that these fuzzy beasts begging for a treat from you may just be integral to preventing heart disease, fighting cancer, and even overcoming grief.



So what’s the secret link, you ask?A few, actually, ranging from the extra steps we take each time we set out for a walk together to the myriad benefits we derive from the bonds we share with each one of our pets.

 

Go ahead, throw your dog a bone – Your pooch just might be better than that apple a day if you’re in search of optimal health!



Here’s the Key - A Happy Heart



It is no secret that our furry friends help keep us in tip-toe shape, thanks to all
that hoofing around we do with them. According to one study published in the
Journal of Public Health, “The odds of achieving sufficient physical activity
were 57 percent to 77 percent higher among dog owners than with those not owning
dogs.”



Better yet, check this out - Dogs may be the ultimate excuse-busters: Pregnant women who own dogs walk more than those who are pet free. I bet you never realized canine owners took to the streets just as often in the winter wonderland as they did in summer – and significantly more often than non-dog folk from in the city. Damn, I never realized how much exercise I have been getting all these years being both a dog owner and a
professional dog walker.



SO what are some perks to this routine daily exercise supposedly
you have been told your dog needs?
 

How about prevention of many chronic diseases including obesity, osteoporosis,
type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease just to name a few.



ULTIMATE STRESS-BUSTER



Animal owners survive heart attacks better! I am here to pass on the knowledge
of why our furry friends are good medicine for our tickers. In some studies conducted at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine showed improvement of blood pressure and heart rate following heart attacks. In general, pet owners have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels – and their hearts are able to cope better with change.



Even though there has been a variety of researches on this topic, it was not until recently that any one was able to put their finger on explaining: How the hell were our pets producing these effects in us?



Links have been made to a brain chemical known as oxytocin. Apparently our relationships with our pets triggers the secretion of this neurotransmitter in the brain, a.k.a. the “trust hormone” and the “cuddle hormone.” These little triggers we experience every time we interact with our pets are known to aid in the formation of strong social attachments. However, I would not feel complete without mentioning one other key fact. Oxytocin
represses the secretion of stress hormones like cortisol.



Keep in mind that chronic stress has a damaging effect on your health, simply because it suppresses your immune system. And if your immune system is suppressed, you’re more vulnerable to infectious disease, as well as cardio vascular disease.



An easy understanding would be to say that every time you give your pet a pat, your endocrine system shifts into attachment mode, causing you to stress less – giving you a longer life. Sounds like a sweet deal to me!



MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS



Up until now, you probably have been oblivious to a new study – Anthrozoology - which is  the study of the role of animals in the lives of humans and vice versa. You might initially want to think. "Wait. Did I hear you right?" Yes. Yes you did. These new studies include the
effects of pets, and therapy animals on our mental health. Dog ownership has even helped children develop empathy, alleviate mild depression, and enables those with serious mental illness to recover faster.



The benefits of having pets nearby are endless. Empathy, therapy, guidance to rebuilding social bonds, and increasing our “pack” size are just a few.



Surprised? Well, actually I am not surprised, but some of you might be and perhaps these little tid bits will convince you to go out and adopt J

 

Bark. Sniff. Play.

Nadine Vaughan

Owner/Pet Care Specialist

dashingDEEDS

Destructive Chewing- Ways
to Prevent and Cure Destructive Chewing





Puppies are notorious for their ability to chew on anything and everything. If you're at all dog-savvy you know when you get a new puppy that despite your best efforts to manage and supervise, you're likely to lose at least one valuable personal possession to the razor-sharp implements known fondly as puppy teeth.

Puppies chew to explore their world as well as to relieve the pain and irritation of teething. What many dog owners don't seem to realize is that while puppies sooner or later get beyond the stage where they feel compelled to put their teeth on everything they see, mature dogs also need to chew to exercise their jaws, massage their gums, clean their teeth, and to relieve stress and boredom. It comes as an unpleasant surprise to many owners that chewing doesn't end at the age of six months when all of the dog's adult teeth are grown in.

Puppies develop preferences for elimination in the early months of their lives, and they similarly develop chew-object preferences. So it is not recommended by any means to give old shoes or socks as chew toys.

If you give your pup the run of the house and he learns to chew on expensive carpets, sofa cushions, and coffee table legs, you will likely end up with a dog who chooses to exercise his jaws and teeth on inappropriate objects for years to come.

Instead, focus your dog's fangs on approved chew toys at an early age and manage him well to prevent access to your stuff. In this way, your four-legged friend earns house privileges much sooner in life.


Daily exercise- Very important routine. Don’t feel overwhelmed, dog walking services, like dashingDEEDS, can help mentally and physically stimulate your furry best friend on days you just don’t seem to have enough hours to accomplish everything you wanted. After time, confidence will become built up and your pup can be left alone safely while you go out to dinner or shopping - or even while you are away at work.