Protect Your Pet from Toxic PlantsWritten by Michele Webb
Have you checked your yard for flowers or plants that may be toxic to your pet? If you have a cat or dog, you may want to do some research on plants, before you bring them home, to determine which could be harmful to your pet. Here are a few plants that are toxic to cats and dogs.•Oleander: if your pet comes into contact and eats (or licks) an oleander bush or flower, symptoms may include upset stomach or hypothermia. In cats and dogs hypothermia presents as cool paws, ears and stomach. •Azalea: symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness. •Lilies: in cats symptoms may include vomiting, lethargy and loss of appetite. •Sago Palm: if your pet consumes any part of a Sago Palm, symptoms might include vomiting, diarrhea and seizures. Other common home and garden plants that are considered to be toxic to your dog or cat include: •Aloe Vera (commonly used for burns and sunburns) •Boston Ivy (common ground cover or hanging plant) •Calla Lilly (flowering plant either indoors or outdoors) •Bracken Fern (common variety of fern)
| | Pet Friendly Travel – 10 Tips for Hassle-Free Travel with Your PetWritten by David Buster
In United States alone, over 60 million households have one or more pets. Pet owners in 15 million of those households travel with their pets, and majority stay in pet-friendly lodging. Fortunately, pet friendly hotels, condos and vacation home rentals do exist. If you will be traveling with your pet, here are some pet friendly tips to remember for safe and trouble-free travel. 1 - When you make your reservation, double-check that pets are allowed. An important advantage of reserving online is that you can see - in writing - whether or not pets are permitted and any restrictions. Online, you can print out your reservation receipt that includes "pets allowed" information. Verbal reservations leave more room for misunderstanding and miscommunication. If reserving by telephone, ask reservation person to mail you a confirmation receipt that includes “pets allowed” information. 2 - Is your pet an experienced traveler? If not, you should begin getting your pet more accustomed to traveling. Begin by making your car a fun place for your pet. Get in car with them, play with them, give them a treat – have them enjoy being there with you. Then take a short drive with them. Gradually increase length of time and distance that you drive with them. Before making a long trip with your pet, idea is to have them comfortable with being in car for extended periods of time. 3 - Remember that securing your pet while traveling in car is crucial for their safety and yours. Consider purchasing a dog safety harness for your pet to use while traveling in car. If you have a station wagon or SUV, you can purchase a vehicle barrier that keeps your pet confined to rear area. They are usually sold at pet stores or are available online. 4 - Be sure that your pet has an identification tag and wears it while on trip. The tag should have your pet's name, your name and phone number. If possible, use your cell phone number, a home number and number of where you will be staying. 5 – Carry a photograph of your pet with you on your trip. If your pet should ever become lost, you’ll be able to show others exactly what your pet looks like instead of just relying on a verbal description.
|
