Good information

OK so rarely do I bring my work to my blog. BUT I wrote a story that ran in Friday's paper that I felt was very helpful. It's about household items that can be posionous to pets. I felt compelled to share because I learned a lot. Enjoy! 

Vigilance key to keeping pets safe at home
Date	April 15, 2011
Section(s)	Perspectives
Byline	By LINDSEY ADKISON The Brunswick News
For pet lovers, the idea of something harming their precious dog or cat is terrifying. And the revelation that something dangerous could be lurking in their own home is even more alarming. That's the case, though. There are numerous household items that can pose serious risks for pets. Guy Cheek, a veterinarian at Cheek to Cheek Animal Hospital in Brunswick, says one thing that has recently come to his attention is xylitol poisoning. It's a common substance used as a sugar substitute, be one that can prove deadly for dogs (its effects on cats are unclear). "Xylitol is a white, crystalline sugar alcohol that is used as a sugar substitute. It's commonly found in sugar-free gum," Cheek said. "I haven't seen any dogs with xylitol poisoning here, but it's on our radar." It doesn't take much of the substance to cause major problems. Even a small piece of sugar-free gum can be lethal to a dog. Cheek said that it's important for pet owners to stay vigilant when walking their pups in a park or other areas where gum may be on the ground. Of course, that's not the only item that is toxic to dogs. Plants can be a huge problem, too. In coastal Georgia, one popular palm can kill animals. "I've seen two dogs who came in with sago palm poisoning. One survived and one died. The one who survived ate the roots," Cheek said. "The whole plant is toxic. Just one or two berries can kill a large dog." Other plants can be hazardous, as well. Tara Blair, a veterinarian at Southeast Georgia Health Clinic in Glynn County, says that many seasonal plants can be dangerous. "Different flowers, like Easter lilies and poinsettias, are poisonous. Japanese lilies and tiger lilies are poisonous to kitties. You don't want dogs eating them, either," she said. "Also, with Easter coming, the fake grass from baskets can cause choking. For cats, it can get caught on their tongues and they can swallow it. It can leave marks within the intestines, and that causes problems." Some human food items cause serious damage. Many people know that chocolate is a no-no for cats and dogs, but there are others, Blair said. "Grapes and raisins cause kidney damage. Onions cause haemolytic anaemia, which causes their red blood cells to burst," she said. "You don't want them to get any dough from bread; it can rise in their abdomen and cause bloat. Also, no coffee - it's the same as chocolate." Fatty meat, like steak and pork, is not good for them, either. "Fatty meat can cause pancreatitis. Bones from table scraps can also splinter or cause an infection if caught in the intestines," Blair said. If an owner suspects that a pet has gotten into something it shouldn't have, there are signs. Vomiting and diarrhea are indicators, as are abdominal tenderness and sleepiness. "If you feel your pet has ingested something poisonous, take them to the vet at once. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals can provide information. Its number is 888-426-4435," Blair said. Be careful Among common items that are harmful to pets: * Ibuprofen, aspirin and other anti-inflammatories * Acetaminophen * Cold and flu medications * Vitamins * Home insect products * Diet pills * Rat bait * Lead * Home cleaners * Liquid potpourri * Tobacco products * Avocados * Tea leaves * Alcoholic beverages * Mushrooms To find out more, go online to www.aspca.org. Page view:  My top story is about veggie gardening. So wish I could do that.