A Little PotPourri With Me & Happy Holidays!!

WINTER AND HOLIDAY HEALTH HAZARDS FOR ANIMALS
With the arrival of the winter months and holiday season, there are additional health hazards that are of concern for animals; some are potentially fatal. A few of these health risks could be brought into the home inadvertently, thereby increasing a pet's possibility of exposure. To keep the season safe, protect animals from contact with or ingestion of the following:

1. Antifreeze - this mixture contains ethylene glycol, a product that can cause lethal kidney failure and metabolic acidosis (accumulation of acid in the blood and body tissues) if ingested. It has a sweet taste that attracts animals and can be toxic in small doses (i.e. 1-2 tablespoons can produce toxicity in a medium-sized dog). Antifreeze can be toxic even when diluted in water.
An antidote is available for antifreeze poisoning, but early recognition of ingestion and immediate intensive treatment are imperative for the survival of the animal. The best medicine, though, is to prevent animals from being in contact with this toxic substance.

2. Chocolate - Baker's or baking chocolate is the form of chocolate that contains a higher concentration of stimulant (theobromine) than either semi-sweet or regular milk chocolate. The extent of toxicity an animal exhibits after consuming chocolate is based on a variety of factors, such as the type of chocolate ingested, the size of the animal, or an animal's individual sensitivity to chocolate. Some typical clinical signs of chocolate toxicity include excessive excitability, restlessness, increased heart rate, muscle tremors, vomiting, and diarrhea. The last two clinical signs may be transiently present due to an animal consuming any amount of chocolate (i.e., any ingestion of chocolate may cause gastrointestinal upset, but not extensive toxicity).

3. Mistletoe - the berry of this plant is the most toxic component, especially if it is chewed instead of swallowed whole. If the berry is ingested in sufficient quantity, it can cause gastrointestinal and neurological signs, including convulsions.

4. Poinsettia - whether or not this plant is toxic has been debated for years. The most recent findings are that it contains no toxic chemical. However, as with any plant that an animal is not accustomed to eating, it can cause diarrhea and vomiting (a protective mechanism to eliminate the foreign substance). Animals tend to be attracted to poinsettias, so it is a good practice to keep these plants out of their reach.

5. Ivy - this plant is not acutely toxic, but it can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested.


6. Christmas cactus - this plant is nontoxic, but it can cause vomiting and transient diarrhea if consumed.

7. Tinsel - cats in particular are attracted to playing with Christmas tree tinsel. If ingested, it can cause an intestinal blockage or intussusception (prolapsing of one part of the intestine into the cavity of an immediately adjoining part). If indoor cats are present, it would be prudent to avoid using strands of tinsel. It would also be advisable to place breakable ornaments at the top of the tree. An investment in shatterproof ornaments might also be worthwhile.

8. Glow jewelry1 - dibutyl phthalate is a chemical contained in glow-in-the-dark jewelry, which are popular items at a variety of festivities. Although the chemical may have the potential to cause death via respiratory paralysis, cats generally will only ingest a minimal amount due to its unpleasant taste and the fact that only a small amount of the chemical is present in the jewelry. Cats that have bitten into the jewelry may exhibit heavy salivation, hyperactivity, and aggressive behavior, but they typically recover within minutes. Immediately after a cat happens to ingest this chemical, it helps to feed it small quantities of milk, canned food, or tuna juice to dilute the chemical in its mouth. Wash off any drops of the chemical that might be on the cat's coat and flush the cat's eyes with water if there has been ocular exposure. There is no known antidote for dibutyl phthalate; cats that have ingested large quantities should be closely monitored and given supportive treatment if warranted.


9. Cold - the U.S. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's Animal Welfare Act recommends that ambient temperature should not drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, especially when sick, aged, or young animals are present. Additionally, animals should always be provided with adequate protection and shelter from the direct effect of wind, rain, or snow. Animals in warmer climates are not acclimated to cold weather, so they must be protected from extreme weather conditions accordingly.

If you know or suspect that an animal has ingested any of the above items (1-8), immediately consult a veterinarian, animal emergency clinic, or poison control center.

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[Angelmagik2]

Ps how naive am I? I thought your hair was naturally blond. I just didn't think. It looks very good.I colour mine myself and hate going to the salon.. I always have I prefer the dentist :) x

[Catalina031]

@Angelmagik2 My hair is what I not so lovingly refer to as dirty dishwater blonde or swamp brown LOL The color has gotten so mousy as I have gotten older but is still so very brown that if I had a solid all over color it would look like heck growing out. This allows me to only get it colored every 10-12 weeks and I have made such disasters with home hair color that I would give up tons of other things before I gave up my hairdresser :) ♥ Jan

[zolawinnie]

Thank you for the great gift and stocking stuffer ideas. The hand-foot warmers are something I would have never thought of and in fact have never used. This might be the winter to start using them as each year it gets harder to keep my hands and feet warm. I've been wanting a Clarisonic mia so the other day I ordered one online and it arrived Friday. So I guess Christmas came early for me this year. Congratulations on 1000 subscribers! and I hope you feel better soon.

[Catalina031]

@zolawinnie My hands and feet get soo very cold I have to get these every year or I would freeze! Hope you enjoy the Ckarisonic I have never gotten one. Am finally feeling like I might live after getting antibiotics :) Thanks so much! xoxo Jan

[Catalina031]

@BarrysDaughter Idleitis I absolutely get but I had nada for Brill :) ♥ you Jools :)

[BarrysDaughter]

@Catalina031 LOL it is idleitus in the UK we are forever shortening things to save time so brill is Brilliant :0) xx

[Catalina031]

@Angelmagik2 Awesome ideas sweetie! Thanks so much!  xoxo Jan

[Catalina031]

@mostjoyfulone Indeed they do! They have no voice save the one people give them. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas too Sarah! Thanks so much! xoxo Jan

[Catalina031]

@musetteherring I would love to have snow but 60 degrees on Christmas Day is not going to get it here :( Hope you have a wonderful Christmas! xoxo Jan

[Catalina031]

@forhimru2  You too! ♥ Jan

[Catalina031]

@MsGoddessintraining After getting antibiotics I am finally feeling better and actually able to hear out of my left ear. I don't need a thing either but it is fun to think about :) Thanks so much! xoxo Jan

[Catalina031]

@BarrysDaughter Not yet a 1000 but close. Does not really matter as if I had only 5 they would be worth my time :) Aww aren't ya kind Jools! Aren't ya kind! I would have a brill Christmas if I had any clue what brill means LOL Where is the UK to US translation book anyway?! LOL much love sweets! xoxo Jan