POISONOUS FLOWERS, PLANTS AND YOUR PETS.

Whether you’re saying - I love you, I’m sorry, Thank you, Miss you, Happy birthday to someone by giving a single rose, a bouquet of flowers or blooms, it can effectively convey your feelings and emotions when words fail you.  During Victorian era, many books were written on what different flowers said along with how to arrange them to form a message between you and the recipient instead of words,  and flowers were a large part of that.

However, appearance can be deceptive and not all flowers are fit for this purpose as some exotic blooms have a much darker side to them.

It is widely believed that Egyptians were responsible for discovering the poisonous properties of arsenic, henbane and strychnine long before modern medicine existed.  Their experimentation with distillation, fermentation, and eating things that might have been poison, single-handedly gave us most of the information we have today about naturally occurring poisons.  Whether they were using the seeds, leaves or roots of plants, the Egyptians discovered many a way to ‘Weaponize Flowers’.

Sure they may look harmless, but in the hands of a right person, a plant can be just as deadly as a shotgun.

The greatest risk to your pet’s health is being poisoned in the one place your pet is supposed to be safest – ‘Your Home'.  Pets, like young children, explore the world with their senses, and they are therefore vulnerable to accidental poisoning.

We all know that dogs and cats often have a penchant for eating strange things.  Cats may gravitate towards plastic or wool, and many a dog will chew on whatever it can get its chops around.

Dogs are very inquisitive.  Sniffing, smelling and usually tasting almost anything in sight are natural behaviors for dog.  For that reason, we commonly see dogs ingest items that are not their food and at times can be very dangerous poisons.

And then there are plants.  Whether garden plants, houseplants, plants in the wild or flowers from the florist.  Plants can provide a tasty and tempting diversion for animals, one that can be at odds with your pet’s health.

In order to prevent poisoning by cut flowers or house plants, avoid placing toxic ones in your home where pets may be able to access them.  Or better yet, avoid placing toxic ones in your home where pets may be able to access them.

Here is a list of some flowers and garden plants which could be dangerous to your pet dog.

ALOE VERA:

Although Aloe is generally considered to be a healing plant or herbal remedy, it can be harmful to cats and dogs if ingested.

Aloes contain anthraquinone glycosides which are purgatives (medications that encourage bowel movements). When ingested, these glycosides are metabolized by intestinal bacteria forming compounds that increase mucus production and water in the colon. This can result in vomiting and diarrhea. Other clinical signs seen with Aloe Vera ingestion include depression, anorexia, changes in urine color, and rarely, tremors.

AMARAYLLIS:

Pretty common as a garden ornamental and a very popular potted bulb for the holidays which normally blooms in summer, but toxic to both cats and dogs.  Be careful with the bulbs, they contain the most toxins.

Symptoms: Vomiting, depression, diarrhea, abdomen pain, hyper-salivation, anorexia, tremors.

AZALEA:

Not only toxic to cats and dogs, this popular garden staple is also dangerous for horses, goats and sheep.  If ingested of just a few leaves can cause serious problems.

Symptoms: Acute digestive upset, excessive drooling, loss of appetite, frequent bowel movements/diarrhea, colic, depression, weakness, loss of coordination, stupor, leg paralysis, weak heart rate and recumbency for two or more days, at this point, improvement may be seen or the animal may become comatose and die.

BABY’S BREATH:.

This sweet filler of many floral arrangements seems innocent enough, but not so innocuous when it comes to your pet’s digestion which could lead to vomiting and diarrhea and should be considered unhealthy, but not life threatening. Upon finding out that your pet may have ingested the plant, the mouth should be rinsed and flushed thoroughly with water to remove any uneaten plant material. Vomiting may then be induced to purge any plant material from the stomach.

BIRD OF PARADISE:

Bird of Paradise is a tropical plant that is beautiful to look at but toxic to dogs.  The flower on top of the stalk resembles a bird in flight and stands 4 to 5 feet tall, which often is the perfect height for curious canine mouths. It takes just one nibble off a flower for a dog to feel the effects of plant poisoning.  However, when an owner recognizes the signs and responds rapidly, the dog can recover.

BEGONIA: 

A common decorative plant, usually potted.  It’s quite toxic for cats and dogs, and can cause intense burning sensation of the mouth, throat, lips and tongue, excessive drooling, choking and swelling of throat, inability or difficulty swallowing.  Symptoms may continue to occur up to two weeks after ingestion.  Tubers are the most toxic.

CARNATIONS:

Dogs should not be allowed to eat carnation stems or any other parts of the plant for that matter.  They are not only toxic but are potentially harmful to canines, and also felines.  Keep them away from all of your furry cuties.  Since the irritant of the carnation isn't certain, it is important to never allow your dog to go near a carnation, much less eat it.

CASTOR BEANS:

 Not in everyone’s garden or bouquet, but castor bean plant is a popular landscaping plant used in many parks and public spaces.  Watch out for it on those dog walks.

Symptoms: Abdominal pain, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, weakness and loss of appetite.  Severe cases of poisoning can result in dehydration, muscle twitching, tremors, seizures, 
coma and death.

CHRYSANTHEMUM:

The smell of chrysanthemum is enough to keep me away, but dogs and cats may still be drawn to it.  It’s not likely to cause death, but it is a popular plant and can cause quite a bit of discomfort in certain cases, depression and loss of coordination may also develop if enough of any part of the plant is consumed.

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, hyper salivation, dermatitis.

CYCLAMEN:

These pretty flowers are popular in the garden and in pots – and they are toxic to both cats and dogs.  The highest concentration of the toxic component is typically located in the root portion of the plant.

Symptoms: Gastrointestinal irritation, including intense vomiting.  Fatalities have also been reported in some cases.

DAFFODIL:

These flowers contain lycorine, an alkaloid with strong properties. For a full grown dog, only 15g of a Daffodil plant needs to be digested for it to be fatal, 50% of dogs who ingest any part of a Daffodil plant will die.  It can be very tricky to diagnose as symptoms present much like those of a snake bite.

Symptoms: Drooling, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Increased heart rate, Abdominal pain, Abnormal breathing.

GLADIOLAS:

Very popular in flower arrangements, it also is quite common in gardens. The part that is mainly toxic is the bulb of the plant, which can cause salivation, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy in both dogs and cats.

Bulbs such as daffodils, tulip and jonquils are poisonous to both cats and dogs with the main concern being that bulbs are often confused by pets as a ball to play with.  They might dig it up or find one in the garden shed, toss it around and then start chewing on it, potentially resulting in them being poisoned.

HOSTA:  

Beautiful and green with big meaty leaves, Hostas are used for decorative properties, just don’t let your dog or cat munch on them. Canine ingestion of Hosta plants is rarely fatal.  The effects is produced are uncomfortable, resulting in extreme stomach upset.  Depression is common among dogs who have eaten Hostas, usually accompanied by nausea.  In cases where large amounts of Hostas have been eaten, vomiting and diarrhea are to be expected. The toxic effects directly tally to the size of the dog and the amount ingested.

IVY:

(California Ivy, Branching Ivy, Glacier Ivy, Needlepoint Ivy, Sweetheart Ivy, English Ivy)

The cell sap has shown the ability to create redness, itching and/or blisters when it comes in contact with living tissue.  Symptoms of ingestion include an immediate burning sensation in throat and mouth, possibly followed by redness, blisters, rash and obvious visible irritation of oral mucosa, excessive drooling, obvious pain or discomfort of the mouth, pawing at the mouth, hoarse or weak sounding vocalization, excessive desire to drink, gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain.  In cases of an extremely large ingestion: stupor, loss of coordination, hypotension, convulsions and coma. Unconfirmed livestock deaths reported in old 20^th century literature, none in modern literature.

LILIES:

Some plants that have the word ‘Lily’ in their name are not part of the Liliaceae family and may be toxic to dogs, so beware.  A couple such examples are the arum lily and the calla lily, both of which are from the Araceae family.

Both plants are poisonous to dogs and cats alike, and can yield symptoms such as problems swallowing, throwing up, mouth irritation and salivation.  Keep these away from your pets at all times.

LILLY OF THE VALLEY:

The plant pops up in Christian legend several times.  As the story goes, lily of the valley was formed from the tears of Mary as she wept at the crucifixion of Jesus, and grew from the blood shed by Saint Leonard of Noblac during his fight with a dragon.


The lily of the valley was also used as the floral emblem of Yugoslavia and is the national flower of Finland.

Is it poisonous? You bet it is.
These delicate little flowers may look innocent, however they are in fact extremely poisonous.
Toxicity is the plant's defense against animals, eating its seeds.  All parts of the plant - the stems, the leaves, the flowers and the berries are extremely poisonous and close to 40 different cardiac glycosides have been found in the plant. 

MORNING GLORY:

The Morning Glory is a beautiful, flowering climbing vine (although a shrub variety is also available). While not all species are poisonous, some can be quite dangerous when large amounts of seeds are ingested. The seeds from the flowers of some species contain the toxin, lysergic alkaloids. When ingested, clinical signs of incoordination, diarrhea, anemia and hepatic (liver) necrosis can be seen.

Signs to watch:  Incoordination, Diarrhea, Anemia, Hepatic (liver) failure.

OLEANDER:

It could severely affect cats, dogs, and even horses. All parts contain a highly toxic cardiac glycoside (much like digitoxin) and can cause a number of problems.
 Symptoms:  Colic, diarrhea (possibly bloody), sweating, incoordination, shallow/difficult breathing, muscle tremors, recumbency, and possibly death from cardiac failure.

POINSETTIA:

Popular decorative plant during Christmas season.

Signs of Poisoning:  Mild signs of vomiting, drooling, or rarely diarrhea may be seen. If the milky sap is exposed to skin, dermal irritation (including redness, swelling, and itchiness) may develop. Rarely, eye exposure can result in a mild conjunctivitis (“pink eye” secondary to inflammation). Signs are self-limiting and generally don’t require medical treatment unless severe.

Antidote and Treatment:  There is no antidote for poinsettia poisoning. That said, due to the low level of toxicity seen with poinsettia ingestion, medical treatment is rarely necessary unless clinical signs are severe.

POTHOS:

 Not the most toxic plant on the list, but it’s such a popular houseplant that it should be noted that cats and dogs both have adverse reactions to chewing or ingesting it.

Symptoms:  Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing

SAGO PALM:

Sago Palm are popularly found in temperate regions and are very popular landscaping plant, and also double as popular bonsai choice. They are apparently very tasty to animals, and unfortunately highly toxic, all parts are poisonous, but especially the seeds.

Symptoms: Vomiting, melena, icterus, increased thirst, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, bruising, coagulopathy, liver damage, liver failure, death.

TOMATO PLANT:

The tomato is a member of the nightshade family and as such, the plant is usually toxic. While not too likely to prove fatal, your cat or dog might suffer from weakness, dilated pupils, slow heart rate, hyper salivation, severe gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, drowsiness as well as depression & confusion.

TULIP AND NARCISSUS

Is your dog a digger? If so, you should be careful about planting these flowers in your garden. The bulbs of these plants are highly toxic and can cause cardiac abnormalities, intense gastrointestinal irritation, drooling, loss of appetite, convulsions and depression of the central nervous system

Signs to watch:  Incoordination, Diarrhea, Anemia, Hepatic (liver) fail.

YEW:

The bark and leaves of this popular evergreen has provided the bases for the cancer treatment drug paclitaxel. General ingestion of any part of the tree (except the flesh of the berry) can be very dangerous to animals.  Horses have an especially low tolerance to yew.

Symptoms: Central nervous system effects is such as trembling, incoordination, and difficulty breathing.  It can also cause significant gastrointestinal irritation and cardiac failure, which can result in death.    

  

And...

these were ‘some’ toxin flowers and plants dangerous to our four-legged friends.  We, the two-legged species have an equally lengthy list to be cautious with plants like:-

Rosary Pea

Monk's Hood

Bushman’s Poison

Snake Root

Moon Seed

Choke Cherry

Night Shade…

and a lot more. But one name that stands out is:

STRYCHNINE TREE:

EGYPTIAN QUEEN CLEOPATRA – famously forced servants to commit suicide by means of a Strychnine tree’s fruit seeds, which contain lethal levels of strychnine and brucine, in order to determine if it would be the best means for her own suicide. Upon seeing their agony (which included painful vomiting, facial contortions and convulsions) she opted for the apparently less horrific choice of the asp (The asp was actually an ancient term for any number of poisonous snakes), but experts think it was probably the cobra that Cleopatra chose to end her life..

                                          

                                          The Creation

                          When God had made the earth and sky
                          the flowers and the trees,
                          He then made all the animals
                          the fish, the birds and bees.

                          And when at last He'd finished
                          not one was quite the same.
                          He said, "I'll walk this world of mine
                          and give each one a name."

                          And so He traveled far and wide
                          and everywhere He went,
                          a little creature followed Him
                          until it's strength was spent.

                          When all were named upon the earth
                          and in the sky and sea,
                          the little creature said, "Dear Lord,
                          there's not one left for me."

                          Kindly the Father said to him,
                          "I've left you to the end.
                          I've turned my own name back to front
                          and called you dog, My friend."

SUMMER SAFETY TIPS FOR DOGS..

     

         As February is included among the month considered as summer,

         it's time to mothball all your woollies and blankets in winter storage.

Summer is a time to get outside and spend it in the open, head to the beach or maybe the park. Time to get out with the family and with your family pet for some recreational activities. Summer can be fun for you and your pooch, but just as heat and sun can be dangerous to your health, the summer can leave your dog vulnerable to a number of health risks.

We may know our canine companions better than anyone else, but it is important to remember, most of us are not medical professionals.  If you are uncertain how to treat your dog’s medical needs, consult your veterinarian.

Here are some safety tips, so you can take some precautions to keep your dog, cool, happy and safe.

Water Best Friend:

Unlike humans, dogs and cats have few sweat glands, which hinder them from cooling off by sweating. Instead, they lose heat and moisture from their tongues by panting. This water loss needs to be replaced, so it’s important to keep some fresh drinking water available at all times. This is especially important when you take them out for long summer walks or car rides.

Keep Your Dog Hydrated:

Different dogs have different needs when battling the heat. Keep in mind that darker coats absorb more heat than lighter coats. Also, overweight dogs are at higher risk for dehydration. Carry a bottle of water when going on a walk with your dog. Better yet have your dog carry it for you in a backpack or a vest! The water in the bottles will keep the dog cooler and also give the dog a sense of purpose

Yes, it’s true, all breeds are not alike and some because of their nature.

“Remember that older, obese or short-nosed dogs (Pugs, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Pekingese, Boxers, Shih Tzu’s and French Bulldogs) are less tolerant of heat.”  Also, older dogs, puppies and dogs with health issues can also be more susceptible to hot weather. Of course, you should keep a close eye on your dog in the heat, no matter what his breed, age or state of health.

 Dogs cool from the bottom up.

Make sure to spray the paws and stomach, not just the top of the dog, when spraying it with water. A wet towel does more good on the bottom of your dog than when laid on the top of its coat. You can try to cool him down by giving him cool water to drink – not cold water. Cold water may make him vomit.

Try to sponge him down with a cool wet towel or soak him in a tub of cool water and keep a fan on him. 

Outdoor Play

Pets may not be able to tolerate a brisk jog or lounging in the sun, so it's important to know your dog's limits and to recognize signs of heat stress in your pet.

Steer clear of long walks and strenuous exercise on hot, sunny days. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Not only is there a risk of heat stroke dogs can get sunburns, too. Consider sunscreen for your dog if you are planning to spend time outdoors with your dog, find a shady spot and provide plenty of fresh, cool water. Try to take leisurely walks during the cooler times of the day, like the morning or evening hours. Remember to protect your dog's feet from getting scorched by hot pavement. Sunscreen for dogs can help protect your dog as well.

 Limit time on hot concrete and asphalt

Hot concrete and asphalt can easily burn a dog’s paws. Limit the time spent on both surfaces and spend more time on grass and cool sand. Be sure to look at your dog’s paws to check for discoloration, cuts, and bruises.

Signs of burned pads:

·   limping or refusing to walk

·   licking or chewing at the feet

·   pads darker in color

·   missing part of pad

·   blisters or redness

 Never leave your dog in a parked car.

Never leave your pet alone in a parked car, even for a few minutes.
The car heats up quickly and retains more heat than an open area, even if it is in the shade. Plus, a dog may get overexcited in the car due to passersby or panic from claustrophobia, making dehydration more likely. On longer trips, make sure you have water for the dog and keep the AC running

Automobiles: 

Despite the many warnings about this, each summer brings numerous accounts of dogs that become sick or even die of heat stroke because they were left in a car.

If you absolutely must bring your dog with you on errands, make sure you bring another person who can stay in the running, air-conditioned car with your dog. Otherwise, do your dog a favor – leave him at home.

Long Ride:

On longer trips, make sure you have water for the dog and keep the AC running

 Don't let your dog have his head out of the car window while you drive. It looks cool but it’s too easy for him to be struck by moving objects or catch a foreign body in the eye. Ouch!

Animals get car sick too. Consult your vet before you travel.

Take frequent breaks as your dog needs to stretch his legs just like yours do.

Get your dog a sturdy collar with your home address, contact number. Many pets have a microchip implanted. Carry photographs of your dog that can be copied to make it easier for identification, in case he scoots away to explore a new terrain and gets lost.

Coolant: 

Dogs are attracted to the sweet taste of engine coolant, and just a small amount can make your dog sick or even cause death. If your dog has ingested coolant take him to a vet right away 

Steer clear of fertilizers:

Some fertilizers and lawn care products can cause an allergic reaction in dogs. Speak with your vet about what types of lawn care products are best to use.  Always keep chemical bottles off the ground to keep dogs from accidentally ingesting them and becoming sick.

Shaving Your Dog:

 Having your furry friend trimmed may be a good idea, but make sure enough cover is left to protect skin from the sun's harmful rays

Often pet owners will shave down their dogs during the summer time, thinking this will help keep them cool. But ironically, shaving down a dog inhibits their ability to deal with the temperature change! So keep your dog well groomed by removing all its dead undercoat hair, but remember not to shave them down in order to help them tolerate the summer sun. Your dog's skin will also be at risk from the sun, so sunscreen is recommended. Make sure you use a sunscreen that is specifically made for your dog. Dogs that are shaved, have short white fur, or are hairless are most at risk of sun damage. Other areas of sensitivity are their noses and tips of their ears.

 Keep up grooming

Make sure to keep your dog’s fur and nails trimmed during the summer months. Too much fur can make it easier for dogs to overheat, for fur to become matted, and for bugs to stake a claim in the furry confines of your dog’s coat. Keeping your dog’s nails trimmed will help limit torn nails, which can easily become infected. 

 Flea and tick safety

Fleas and other bugs can carry infections and cause your dog to get sick. Avoid bug bites by giving your dog a vet-recommended regimen. Whether its drops, special shampoo, or a simple brush-through, you’ll ensure your dog’s safety no matter what insects may be around this summer.

Proper Shade

Don't be surprised to see your dog dig into shady patches of dirt — he's seeking a cool spot to hide from the heat. Basically, if you feel uncomfortable outside in the heat, it is safe to say your dog feels the same.

Dogs left in the yard need shade. While a dog house may seem like a good idea, it usually prevents air flow and can get extremely hot in summer. A better bet is to keep your dog next to a small wading pool filled with cool water.

Other options for outdoor dogs include letting them seek shelter beneath your house or deck, or letting them enjoy the cool shade of a large tree in the yard. Even a simple wood roof on four legs can provide adequate shade.

Summer Public Functions: 

Although some events are great for dogs to go out and socialize with other four-legged friends, some large outdoor festivals can be overwhelming and can increase the chance of injury, dehydration and exhaustion. If you do take your dog to an event, be cautious of the food scraps and trash on the ground, and remember to bring lots of water.

Apartments -Test your window screens

Speaking of open windows, if you plan to let some air into your apartment this way, be sure to test your screens. Ensure your pets can’t push them out. This is especially important if you live on a higher floor where a fall out a window might mean disaster! 

Beach Tips

Make sure your dog has a shady spot to rest in and plenty of fresh water.

Dogs, especially those with short hair, white fur, and pink skin, can sunburn.

Limit your dog's exposure during the day and apply sunblock to his ears and nose 30 minutes before going outside.

Check with a lifeguard for daily water conditions. Dogs are easy targets for sea lice and jellyfish.

Do not let your dog drink seawater; the salt will make him sick.

Salt and other minerals in ocean water can damage your dog's coat, so rinse him off at the end of the day.

If your dog is out of shape, don’t encourage him to run on the sand. Running on a beach is strenuous exercise, and a dog that is out of shape can easily pull a tendon or ligament.

.

Does your doggy paddle?

The majority of dogs can swim and they love it.  But dogs entering the water for the ‘first time’ should be tested.  Here are some important tips for teaching your dog how to swim. 

Never throw your dog into the water.

Start in shallow water, and call you dog’s name.  You can also try to coax him in with a treat or toy – but always keep your dog within reach.

Another way to introduce your dog to the water is with a dog that already swims and is friendly with your dog.  Let your dog follow his friend.

If your dog begins to doggy paddle with his front legs only, lift his hind legs and help him float. He should quickly catch on and will then keep his back end up.

Swimming is a great form of exercise, but don’t let your dog overdo it.  He will be using new muscles and may tire quickly.

Be careful of strong tides that are hazardous for even the best swimmers.

Never leave your dog unattended. You should always be in a position to help him get out of the water.

 

Heat Stroke:

Here's how to recognize heat stroke in your pet. If your dog is suffering from heat store, he will be:

Panting excessively

Have redness around his eyes

Show signs of weakness

Irritability

May start vomiting

Collapse

In extreme cases where your dog's gums are grayish, his tongue is blue, or he is unconscious, call your veterinarian. Severe heatstroke is an emergency, and you may need to make a quick trip to the veterinarian or emergency clinic

 Tips in brief:

Never, ever leave your dog alone, locked in the car.

Make sure your dog has unlimited access to fresh water.

Make sure your dog has access to shade when outside.

Take walks during the cooler hours of the day.

When walking, try to stay off hot surfaces (like asphalt) because it can burn your dog’s paws.

If you think its hot outside, it’s even hotter for your pet – make sure your pet has a means of cooling off.

Keep your dog free of external parasites (fleas, ticks) and heartworms – consult your veterinarian about the best product for your pets.

Consider clipping or shaving dogs with long coats (talk to your veterinarian first to see if it’s appropriate for your pet) and apply sunscreen to your dog’s skin if she or he has a thin coat.

Have your dog’s vaccinations updated. Diseases such as rabies, distemper and parvo are ever present dangers.

Heartworm is a common problem for dogs.  Keeping your dog free of heartworms is much cheaper, easier, and safer than treating them for full blown disease.

Most lawn and garden products may be hazardous. Even if you do not use chemical based lawn fertilizers, your neighbors may.  Dogs are more vulnerable than humans to lawn care chemicals since dogs run ‘barefoot’, they often roll, sniff and dig in the grass.  Some dogs even eat grass occasionally.

No matter how careful and responsible you may be, accidents can happen.  Make sure your vet’s phone number is close at hand and available to family members.

BOTTOM LINE - Keeping Your Dog Safe

Keep an eye on your dog. Don't leave her/him unattended. It's important to always exercise common sense and proceed with caution to help keep your dog safe, regardless of the season. Summertime comes with its own set of hazards, so make sure you are familiar with the risks. Learn what warning signs mean trouble. When in doubt, call your vet right away. When all is said and done, it will be much easier for you and your dog to enjoy the summer.

      Properly trained, a man can be dog’s best friend.

                                                           - Corey Ford