| hold hidden dangers for your dog
Poinsettias : The effects of ingesting this plant are a mild to moderate gastrointestinal irritation.
Some of the symptoms include excessive drooling, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. One
thing to note is that when it is broken, the plant oozes a white milky sap.
This sap can be an irritant to both the skin and eyes, and especially to open wounds. Any exposed area should be flushed well with a mild soapy solution. A call to the vet may also be necessary.
Christmas Rose : this is a hardy
member of the buttercup family and is a genuine threat to pets.
Ingestion of this plant material Will result in abdominal pain,
vomiting, bloody diarrhea and possibly delirium. The plant has high concentrations of known toxic phytochemicals, with eight ounces of
the plant material being a lethal dose for an average cow. All plant parts are toxic, and the above symptoms may be followed by cardiac arrhythmia, tremors,
convulsions, coma, and eventually death within 1-2 days. Immediate
detoxification is crucial, induce vomiting and follow up with a charcoal slurry such as Toxiban.
There is no known antidote for this plants
particular toxins.
Christmas Cactus : has white, magenta, pink or orange flowers depending on the hybrid. Dogs ingesting this plant will experience abdominal pain, vomiting (possibly with blood), diarrhea (possibly with blood) and mental depression. This plant is considered to be a low
toxicity plant.
Jerusalem
Cherry : this is a member of the
nightshade family and produces white summer flowers similar to those of the tomato plant.
In winter, it is sold as a potted plant
because of it’s long lasting red, red-orange or yellow fruit. The fruit measure from ½” to ¾” in diameter.
Highly toxic alkaloids are distributed throughout the plant but are highly concentrated in the brightly colored fruits. Symptoms of ingestion include mydriasis (dilation of the pupils), tachycardia (rapid heart
beat), hypothermia, and convulsions. Severe cases can result in
coma and death.
Mistletoe : The Anglo-Saxon word for dung was “mistel”
and the word for twig was “tan”. The literal translation is “dung on a twig”.
It was believed to have sprung to life from the droppings of birds.
This parasitic plant became a symbol of power and good fortune.
From the crucifixion of Christ,
Mistletoe was condemned to the life of a parasitic vine.
This plant
contains proteins called viscotoxins which when ingested have the ability to slow and weaken the
heartbeat, as well as constrict blood
vessels. Additional symptoms include significant vomiting and diarrhea, labored breathing, erratic and non-coherent behaviour, and collapse.
Holly
: although beautiful, this plant is
moderately toxic. The leaves contain the alkaloid ilicin, and if ingested can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
The berries contain emetic and purgative substances. In some
instances, ingestion may trigger severe
mental depression and large quantities can induce coma and death.
Although exact toxic levels are not known, it is estimated that twenty berries can cause death in a large dog.
Evergreen tree : Most varieties of pine, spruces and firs
are not
considered toxic. However, the needles of some contain natural oils
which are capable of producing gastric (stomach) upset. The needles
present good opportunity for mechanical injury to the mouth, nose
and eyes, especially once dry. The sap and pitch of some species is
capable of producing dermatitis especially in sensitive tissues like
the lips. Several varities of evergreen
trees contain isocupressic acid which
when ingested can cause pregnant females to abort. It is best to
err on the side of caution.
Keep your pets safe over the Holiday Season. |
