Tag Archive for: dog sitter

10 Plants to Avoid With Your Pets

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Many people have homes filled with plants toxic to dogs and cats.  Because these plants commonly sold at the garden center, they are assumed to be safe. Many people never have an issue with a toxic plant and their pets. These issues tend to occur if the animal is bored or stressed and finds the plants to chew on. Here is a list of ten plants to avoid with your pets, or put out of reach of your pet.

  1. Aloe: aloe and its sap are both toxic to dogs and cats
  2. Lilies: they are very toxic even in small doses and can cause kidney problems
  3. Marijuana: this is pretty intuitive but Colorado has seen a rise in marijuana related pet poisoning in the recent years
  4. Amaryllis: ingestion can cause vomiting,GI distress and tremors
  5. Sago Plant: all parts of the prickly tree are poisonous but the seeds are the most toxic
  6. Tulip: the bulb is the most toxic portion of the plant, this poison can cause cardiac issues
  7. English Ivy: all parts of this plant are poisonous, and can cause GI issues
  8. Pathos: this common houseplant causes swelling on the mouth and tongue
  9. Chrysanthemum: these pretty flowers can skin issues if your pet comes in contact with it and its sap, and can cause vomiting if eaten
  10. Fruit trees: some part of the fruit tree can harm your pet (this includes citrus, apple seeds, and grapes)

 

What to do if you suspect poisoning?

Most toxic plants cause gastrointestinal issues when ingested. Be on the look out for any vomiting, diarrhea or not wanting to eat in your pet. Also check to see if your pet has chewed the plant or there is other evidence your pet got into the plant.

The ASPCA has a free pet poison control line.This line is open 24/7 and can advise on any type of poison. They will generally direct you to the vet once you figure out if what your pet ate is poisonous. Get to the vet as quickly as possible.

Poison control line (888) 426-4435 

What can I do to prevent pet poisoning? 

The best thing you can do is be aware. Be on the look out for signs your pet is interested in the plant, like sniffing and licking it. Also be aware of your pet’s mood. Many poisoning issues occur when your pet is bored or stressed.

If you have a particularly adventurous pet who likes to eat new things, try to avoid these plants in general.Choose plants that are pet safe, like most mint plants.

 

Pet poisoning turns fatally when treatment is not received quickly. Unfortunately it takes many owners too long to notice the symptoms and suspect poisoning, so it is too late by the time they seek treatment for their pet. Always be aware of the poison risks in your house and look for signs of plant ingestion if your animal is acting odd.

Agility Activities for Your Dog

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Agility activities are great to do with any dog. Agility allows you to work as a team with your dog, doing an activity both of you find fun! It is also mentally and physically tiring (which is a plus with high energy dogs).

What is agility?

In agility the dog-owner team go through a course of obstacles. The dog is off leash and cannot be baited with food ( in competition). In competition, the team who completes the course the fastest wins. At home just getting through the course is fun. The obstacles can be jumps, tunnels, beams, weave poles and many more.

Who can do agility?

Any dog can do agility activities! Even shorter legged dogs can, in agility the jump height is determined by how tall the dog is. Additionally, most jumps and other obstacles are adjustable, so you can start small and work to bigger jumps. You can start agility training at any age, but it is recommended that you wait to do bigger jumps until your dog is fully grown. This can help prevent joint damage. Agility is also not a good option for dogs who already have hip dysplasia or another joint disease. Talk to your vet about when and if starting agility is a good option for your dog.

How can we start? 

Agility courses can easily be made at home or bought online cheaply. There are many good books with instructions for training your dog that can be found online. If you want more help training, check out a local dog training club. Many of these clubs offer agility classes of various levels.

Here are some things to work on at home. These are basic, but are the foundation for agility and a good bond between you and your dog.

  • Work on off leash skills
    • Because agility is done off leash you want your dog to be very comfortable with commands like come and “stay with me” or heel
  • Find a positive reinforcement method
    • In agility competitions you are not allowed to reward your dog with food on the course. Practice simple commands (like sit) with a clicker or special noise (like you making a kissy noise) that your dog associates “I did a good job”.
  • Get your dog into shape
    • Agility is the dog equivalent to track and field. You can’t go and do the high jump without some training. Start increasing your dog’s daily walks or runs to get him into better shape.

*Be sure to watch out for signs that your dog is sore, like limping or stiffness, and stop when your dog is ready to stop. Pushing a training session after your dog is done can create a negative memory.

 

Agility activities are fun and rewarding exercises to do with your dog. It is a great way to use your dog’s physical and mental energy in a productive way. It can also form a stronger bond between you and your dog.