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April 2014

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{contents}

COVER BY SONYA SELLERS

a Legacy 06 Building One Pet at a Time

12 Puppy 101 Attention!

12 4

14 Diseases Spread From Pets

Centerstage

Decoding Cats

Al from Alabama

d gs cats Texas

PUBLISHER Shannan Parker Tel: 281.781.4727 info@texascatsanddogs.com

EDITOR Tiffany Robinson tiffanyrobinson99@gmail.com

DESIGNER Fran Sherman 314.275.2208 fran@shermanstudios.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

18 20

Blane Curry Tricia Fagan Monica Schmidt Texas A&M Nadine Joli- Coeur Connie Geodecke

PHOTOGRAPHER Sonya Sellers

Mine 20 Make Chocolate

Spotted By The Pupperazzi

Plant 24 Spring Dangers

28 Marketplace

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281.781.4727 • Houston@TexasDogsAndCats.com Next Issue: May 2014 Advertiser’s Deadline: April 15th 2014

{April 2014}

BY BLANE CURRY, CULTIVATION MANAGER, SUNSET BLVD ANIMAL CLINIC

Building a Legacy

one pet at a time

veryone who dreams of establishing a new company or business venture hopes to be successful and renowned in his or her area of expertise. Many companies and corporations have come and gone, but those lucky enough to weather the test of time owe it all to the legacies they build along the way. Building an enduring legacy of excellence that transcends community expectations and the status quo takes, as one can image, years of preparation, perseverance and keeping abreast of industry standards and trends. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s neither an easy task nor for the faint of heart, but, if attained, such a legacy can be highly rewarding and worth all the sacrifices and sleepless nights. There are a handful of individuals, companies, organizations and the like that can attest to the validity of these statements, and among them is a Houston-based animal clinic on Sunset Boulevard.

d gs cats Texas

Located in the heart of Houston, Texas at the junction of Kirby Drive and Sunset Boulevard, Sunset Boulevard Animal Clinic has become an iconic location in Houston thanks to it undying commitment to veterinary excellence and the Houston community. The facility currently boasts: an impressive, highly trained team of six veterinarians; highly compassionate and skilled technicians, many of whom have completed the supplemental education and training it takes to become registered veterinary technicians; and a lineup of some of the most helpful and caring customer service administrators in Houston whose mission is to provide the best veterinary care available today. Sunset Boulevard is no novice when it comes to providing exemplary veterinary care. As of March 1, 2014, this animal clinic has been serving its community for 40 years, and it all started with one young veterinarian’s dream. In the early 1970s, Dr. Paul Young

{April 2014}

At Sunset Boulevard, we rarely have to refer our patients elsewhere because we’ve got all we need in-house.” had a vision of establishing a state-of-the-art veterinary care facility that would serve as a haven where Houston’s companion animals could receive top-notch care and medical attention. In 1974, his vision became a reality when he and his team opened the doors to Sunset Boulevard Animal Clinic. Since its establishment, Sunset Boulevard has helped improve the health of thousands of dogs and cats, offered expert guidance and education to countless pet owners and exceeded community and industry expectations all the while. Today, Sunset Boulevard is known as one of the most qualified animal hospitals in Houston, capable of administering various veterinary services spanning from the everyday and routine to the advanced

and intricate. The list of services pets and their owners can receive at Sunset Boulevard is nothing short of comprehensive. From various general wellness and medical offerings to top-of-the-line diagnostic protocol and customer service, this animal hospital’s breadth of knowledge and abilities is among the absolute best in Texas. When pets come into the clinic for any reason, the Sunset Boulevard team utilizes the most recent in-house laboratory equipment in the field of veterinary medicine for diagnostics and to formulate proper treatment procedures. As a testament to this animal hospital’s abilities, the clinic’s team is capable of carrying out onsite bloodwork, urinalysis, cytology endoscopy and even pathology. “It is customary for animal clinics to refer their patients to other facilities if they cannot perform certain tasks or diagnostics onsite,” Dr. Young said. “At Sunset Boulevard, we rarely have to refer our patients elsewhere because we’ve got all we need in-house.” Sunset Boulevard also specializes in the areas of: veterinary ultrasound, dermatology, internal medicine, pain management, digital radiology and even laser and acupuncture therapies. Finding another veterinary care center in

Houston that offers such a high degree of specialized care for companion animals would be a futile endeavor, especially when one considers Sunset Boulevard’s surgical offerings. When it comes to veterinary surgery, a hefty majority of people know about spaying, neutering and feline declawing procedures, but it may come as a surprise that there is a number of other, more intricate surgical processes available to pets that need them. Fortunately, for Houston’s pets, many of these surgical procedures can be carried out at Sunset Boulevard. Such advanced surgeries include most types of soft tissue, orthopedic, neurologic and laparoscopic surgeries. Without plunging into minute detail about what each of these complex surgical options entail, suffice it to say that Sunset Boulevard’s doctors and veterinary technician team are highly experienced in performing procedures on the cutting edge of veterinary medicine that can tremendously improve the health of all Houston’s companion animals and add longevity and vitality to their lives. Understandably, not all the pets that walk through Sunset Boulevard’s doors receive all the aforementioned wellness and surgical procedures, but it gives pet owners peace of mind knowing such services are available if or when they need them. “While they may never have to consider any service other than the routine check-up, we like to let our clients know that our facility is fully capable of

administering a wide range of services if their pets ever need them,” Dr. Young said. Keeping this animal hospital’s long list of veterinary offerings in mind, perhaps one of the greatest features of Sunset Boulevard Animal Clinic is the fact that Houston’s pet owners can bring their pets to the clinic anytime – day or night. About two years ago, Dr. Young and his team noticed something was lacking within their community, and they felt obliged to offer a solution. At the time, there were no animal hospitals in their vicinity that offered a wide array of high-level veterinary services, like those found at Sunset Boulevard, that was open 24 hours a day. So, to better serve the community that had a been so loyal to the clinic since its establishment, Sunset Boulevard’s team decided to keep its doors open and facility fully staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including holidays. Accord-

ing to the animal hospital’s director, Dr. Laurel Douglass, “It simply seemed like the most logical decision we could make. We just wanted to provide a place for pet owners in our area to go when or if something went wrong regardless of the time of day, because, let’s face it, emergencies always seem to happen when you least expect them.” While the emergency care at Sunset Boulevard rivals that of many veterinary care administrators in Houston, this animal clinic is not open 24 hours a day to only provide critical emergency care and round-the-clock supervision of the hospitalized patients in its ICU. People can also schedule routine visits for their pets anytime it is convenient for them. This being the case, there is no need to rush home, take off work or cancel prior engagements just to bring pets in to see the doctors at Sunset Boulevard because their doors are always open, as the

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clinic’s slogan, “Our Day Never Ends At Sunset,” so aptly denotes. Sunset Boulevard’s decision to remain open, stay fully staffed and offer its services 24 hours a day is just one of the many ways the clinic showcases its commitment to veterinary excellence. Another way Sunset Boulevard exemplifies this commitment stems from its accreditation from the American Animal Hospital Association. The American Animal Hospital Association, or AAHA, is the world’s premier association of companion animal practitioners. Any clinic bearing AAHA accreditation belongs to a distinguished group of top-tier animal hospitals that provide only the highest level of veterinary care and customer service. For any veterinary practice to achieve such accreditation, it must pass or exceed the AAHA’s series of comprehensive and demanding facility inspections and tests. The association’s standards are so high that just 15% of veterinary hospitals in the United States and Canada bear its accreditation. “Obtaining AAHA accreditation became a top priority for our clinic some years ago,” Dr. Douglass said. “We wanted to be able to showcase external validation of our capabilities, and, with the AAHA’s accreditation, we are able to do just that.” To keep the AAHA stamp of approval, Sunset Boulevard must regularly undergo the association’s stringent evaluations that encompass nearly every aspect of its practice

Sunset Boulevard’s doctors and veterinary technician team are highly experienced in performing procedures on the cutting edge of veterinary medicine that can tremendously improve the health of all Houston’s companion animals and add longevity and vitality to their lives. including, but not limited to, its: surgical procedures, laboratory, emergency services, examination rooms, diagnostic protocol, anesthesiology and cleanliness. Needless to say, people who decide to take their pets to Sunset Boulevard can rest assured their pets are in the hands of one of the most qualified, professional and able-bodied veterinary teams, not just in Texas, but in North America. A great deal has changed in the world since Sunset Boulevard first opened its doors in March of 1974. What has remained steadfast, however, is this renowned animal clinic’s commitment to serving Houston’s pets and offering services on the cutting edge of veterinary medicine. What started out as a vision in the mind of a young, ambitious Paul Young has, through years of dedication and determination, blossomed into a sophisticated reality in the form of Sunset Boulevard Animal Clinic. The clinic’s 40-year stint in the veterinary service industry has produced an enduring legacy that continues to supersede community expectations and the status

quo in all areas of veterinary medicine. “For 40 years, we have been fortunate enough to serve our great community and improve the health of thousands of Houston’s pets,” Dr. Young said. “And we show no signs of slowing down anytime soon.” Here’s to the next 40 years!

d gs cats Texas

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{puppy101} BY TRICIA FAGAN

attention! F

ido not listening to you? Wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t come when called? Drags you on leash? Basic obedience starts with a dog that will pay attention. While we can never know exactly what a dog is thinking, you can be sure a dog is thinking of you when he is looking you in the eye. To teach your dog to look you in the eye, you will need a dog ( J), leash, treats and a clicker. Put your dog on leash. Start your lessons in a boring location. It will be hard to get your dogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attention in the middle of a party. You want your dog to look you in the eye, not look at a treat held near your eye. Have your treats down by your side, or even behind your back. It is easier for most dogs to look at you if you are sitting. Wait. Sit up straight, some dogs will find it a bit intimidating if you lean over and stare. Be patient. It will take most dogs a few minutes to tear their eyes away from the luscious treats and focus on you. If you 12

d gs cats Texas

“ You want your dog to look you in the eye, not look at a treat held near your eye.” just cannot wait, you can make a little noise to get your dog’s attention. Stop using the noise as soon as possible. When your dog, ever so briefly, looks in your eyes, press the clicker. Make sure you are still, not moving, when you punch the clicker button. Remain still for a short moment afterwards. Then give your dog a treat. Yeah! You did it! Remember, you click when the dog looks in your eyes. The click marks the behavior, and promises a treat. Repeat twenty five times. After you have practiced for several days, go to a different area of the house. Practice eye contact in every room in your house. Make it a little harder for your dog to look at you. Hold a treat in your hand, with your arm stretched out to the side. Wait for your dog to look at you, not at the treat. Click when the dog looks you in the eye, pause and be still ever so briefly, then deliver the promised treat. Try holding the treat in each hand, clicking and then treating when your dog looks at your eyes. Move your training to the backyard. Make sure your treats can compete with the sights and smells of the great outdoors. Use boneless, skinless chicken or turkey, or beef or cheese. Just like lifting a weight increases the strength of a muscle, performing a behavior and then getting a treat increases the strength of the behavior. Practice! After your dog can look you in the eye fairly easily in the back yard, move to the front porch, and eventually around the neighborhood. Continue to practice this behavior several times a week. Congratulations! You and your attentive dog are well on your way to a cooperative life together. Tricia Fagan, Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed DogS Gone Good www.dogSgonegood.com; trainer@dogSgonegood.com (713) 557-1949   {April 2014}

diseases you&yourpet

REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM TEXAS A&M

spread between

A 14

s animal lovers, we enjoy spending as much time around our pets as possible. It is important to remember, however, that there are a number of infectious diseases transmittable between pets and their owners. Here are some zoonotic diseases relevant to our community, how they are transmitted, and what you should do to prevent them from spreading.

d gs cats Texas

One of the more familiar diseases, rabies, is a viral infection transmitted through an animal bite and attacks the brain. “This is by far one of the most serious infectious diseases that a person may get from a pet, because it is usually fatal,” said Dr. Renata Ivanek-Miojevic, assistant professor in epidemiology at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. “Luckily, widespread vaccination against rabies in the Western world has reduced occurrence of this infection in dogs and cats and has thus protected human health.” However, the seriousness of the infection should be a reminder to keep our pets vaccinated and avoid contact with stray animals or animals of unknown vaccination status. ”More than 55,000 people die of rabies every year mostly in Asia and Africa. Dogs are the source of the vast majority of human rabies deaths,” said Ivanek-Miojevic. Another, fairly common, disease, salmonellosis, is a bacterial infection of many animal species. Of particular concern is that pet reptiles and amphibians are often infected. Our dogs and cats can acquire salmonellosis as well through eating raw meat and contaminated commercial dry pet food. “People can get infected by touching animals and surfaces contaminated with the feces of infected animals,” said Ivanek-Miojevic. “An infected person may suffer from abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting and fever, and it can be life threatening to very young people or older individuals.” The best way to prevent the transmission of salmonellosis is to thoroughly wash your hands after handling animals, and to always keep your pets’ living quarters clean. As per recommendation by CDC, reptiles and amphibians should be kept out of households that include children aged <5 years or immuno-

{April {March2014} 2014}

“Feces of dogs and cats should be disposed of promptly and pets should be regularly dewormed, particularly if they spend time outdoors and may become infected again.” compromised persons. Our feline companions can carry zoonotic diseases as well. Toxoplasmosis, for example, is a parasitic infection transmitted through cat’s feces. Cats can get infected by eating rodents, birds, or raw meat or by coming into contact with contaminated soil. “Healthy people that acquire toxoplasmosis usually do not have symptoms, but the parasite remains in their body in an inactive state and can be reactivated if the person becomes immunosuppressed,” said Ivanek-Miojevic. “Worse, a woman that acquired the infection during pregnancy may not experience symptoms, but infection can transmit to her baby and result in a miscarriage, a stillborn child, blindness or mental disability of the child.” To prevent such transmission, it is best to wear disposable gloves and thoroughly wash hands after changing cat litter. Cat scratch disease, or bartonellosis, is a bacterial infection that we can receive from cats. Cats may harbor infected fleas that carry the bartonella bacteria, which can then be transmitted to people if bitten or scratched by the cat. “An infected person develops a mild infection at the point of a cat scratch or bite and lymph nodes around the head, neck, and upper limbs become swollen,” said Ivanek-Miojevic. “To prevent transmission of the infection, people, particularly immunocompromised individuals, should avoid rough play with cats, particularly strays and kittens, in order to prevent scratches.” To play it safe, you should always treat your cats for fleas and do your best to keep them

away from strays. Both toxocariasis and campylobacter infections are spread through accidental contact with feces of infected animals. Toxocariasis, a parasitic infection of dogs and cats, may transmit to a person when the animal sheds toxocara eggs in their feces and a person accidentally swallows dirt that has been contaminated with it. “To prevent the infection, people, particularly children, should wash their hands after playing in the dirt or in uncovered sandboxes,” said Ivanek- Miojevic. “Feces of dogs and cats should be disposed of promptly and pets should be regularly dewormed, particularly if they spend time outdoors and may become infected again.” The bacterial infection campylobacter can be spread through food and hands contaminated by infected animal’s feces. Aside from occasional diarrhea, animals often do not show significant symptoms of the infection. If a person becomes infected, they may also develop diarrhea, which can occasionally be accompanied by fever. Washing your hands after interacting or coming into contact with pets is a must to prevent the spread of this infection. “In summary, our pets can have a wide variety of infectious diseases, many of which could spread from pets to people,” Ivanek- Miojevic said. “In order to protect human health, pets should be regularly vaccinated against rabies and treated against intestinal parasites and fleas. The closer we share our lives with our pets, the more important becomes their health to our own.” 15

{centerstage} 16

d gs cats Texas

from Alabama

labama, or Al for short, picked his own parents out. While staying in a hotel in Alabama, Pam opened the door to find a tiny kitten sitting in the doorway. Being animal lovers, Pam and her husband offered a cat crate to the little kitten and he jumped right in! The reformed street kitty now spends his day lounging in his lavish downtown home. His mornings consist of lounging in sun beams and playing with his 9 other rescued kitty friends and his evenings are spent snuggling with his humans and receiving belly rubs!

{April 2014}

{pawz-itivelynatural}

???

BY NADINE JOLI-COEUR

decodingcats I 18

adopted Harold just over 2 years ago and it has been an interesting journey not always comprehending why he did that? He is truly fascinating and can have a few habits that I could live without. Here are some interesting insights into cat behavior.

d gs cats Texas

Purring A mother cat and kittens purr as a sign of comfort, and cats will continue this behavior throughout their lives. A cat normally purrs when it is happy about something or feeling contented and relaxed, but it might also purr when anxious or even close to death. Nobody is completely sure how purring happens. Face rubbing Have you ever wondered why your cat likes to rub his face on everything? Cats like to rub their cheeks, chins and bodies on nearly anything. Their mouths, foreheads, lips, chins, and under their claws all have scent glands. When a cat rubs itself, it is not only greeting (exchanging scents), but it is also leaving a scent. Scratching things Scratching is mainly to sharpen and condition a cat’s claws but scratching also leaves the cat’s scent on the item being scratched. This marks it as the cat’s territory. It is instinct for a cat to scratch. Cat furniture can be a great way to allow your cat to scratch but not destroy your furniture. Kneading Kneading is when a cat extends the claws on its front two paws and digs them into the surface with an alternating rhythmic motion which is first used in kittenhood with their mother. Your cat continues this behavior because it feels happy and safe and associates the comfort and joy he shared with his mother. So when your cat “kneads” you, your cat is happy! {April 2014}

Why does my cat crawl underneath the blankets with me? Cats are smart. They love the warmth, which is why they often lay in the sun. It is always a good idea to place their cat furniture in a place that is warm, like by a window,and gets lots of sun. Why does my cat follow me around? They follow you around because they are curious about what you are doing, or just keeping tabs on you. Why do cats sleep so much? Cats sleep for up to 18 hours a day, depending on their age and personality. If your cat is alone, they tend to sleep a lot. Try spending time with your cat(s) or find activities to keep him busy. My cat likes to roll onto his back, why does he do this? It means that your cat has trust in you and that you would never hurt him, or he just wants to play! Be careful, they don’t like their belly rubs and if they are too excited they may nip at you (which you may not enjoy). Why does my cat lick me? Grooming is a demonstration for love and caring, he is showing you acceptance and caring as a feline friend. I was happy when I saw this as Harold likes to give me kisses from time to time. Why does my cat pee where he is not supposed to? Inappropriate Elimination” is the term when a cat is peeing outside their litter box.

It is important to figure out why your cat is doing this. If this is not typical behavior, it may be due to serious medical conditions such as urinary tract infection, crystals or some other condition which makes it painful to urinate. Secondly, it could be due to stress caused by a change in the household, adding a new family member (2 or four legged), a change (new furniture), a stressed owner and so on. Thirdly, he may be avoiding the litter box - if you changed the litter, if it hasn’t been cleaned recently. It is important to find the source. If you have a two story house or multi cats, it is ideal to have at least one litter box per cat plus one extra. Once you have ruled out medical conditions - Make The Inappropriate Area Unattractive Step 1 – remove any evidence of his urine from the place he’s been using – make sure to use a natural cleaner (enzyme based usually does the trick) . Do not use anything with ammonia as your cat can smell it and will use urine to cover it up. If it is a cushion or dog bed, it may not be worth keeping and you may need to discard it. Step 2 – temporarily put aluminum foil where your cat has peed. Cats don’t like the noise Step 3 - thoroughly clean current litter box and look into using something with no added perfumes or scents Step 4 – add a secondary litter box in another location that is easy to get to. I wonder if our cats wonder why humans do what we do? 19

BY CONNIE GOEDECKE, CLIENT SERVICE AND COMMUNICATIONS, KINGSLAND BLVD. ANIMAL CLINIC

chocolate make mine

why rabbits may not make the best easter presents

UICK – think of Easter – what comes to mind? The cross, of course, but also a whole host of secular images: Easter baskets, Easter dresses, Easter bonnets, Easter parades … the list goes on and on. And for many of us, the one of the first images we think of is the Easter bunny.

d gs cats Texas

Pet stores lure us with adorable baby bunnies, and many families simply can’t resist these sweet little pets for their young children. All too often, these families are not prepared for the long term commitment; once the novelty wears off, the rabbits are dumped at a shelter, or worse, set free in the woods. Before adding any live pet to your family, it’s important to consider whether that pet is right for you and your family. Rabbits can make good pets for people, but it’s important to do your research and know what you’re getting into. • Rabbits are domesticated prey animals. As such, they are incredibly sensitive to their environment. They crave routine, quiet, and a fixed schedule of feeding, cleaning and exercise. Many modern families’ schedules, with friends coming and going, soccer practice and Scout meetings and play dates, don’t represent that kind of quiet nor routine. And many of us already have a dog or cat which may view the rabbit as a play toy. Most rabbits don’t share their enthusiasm for the idea. • Rabbits tend to be introverts. While they can be wonderful companions, the natural curiosity and energy level of young children can create too much stress for many rabbits. Children often prefer a pet they can hold, cuddle and play with, while rabbits rarely tolerate being carried around and, at best, do not play interactively. At worst, they may

{April 2014}

kick and scratch. Rabbits are more subtle in their interaction, and don’t obey like a dog. • Carrots aren’t the only things rabbits nibble. While most rabbits do best when they have plenty of time to roam freely, it is important to provide them with appropriate outlets for their instincts to dig and to chew. These behaviors are necessary in order to wear down their teeth and claws, which grow throughout their lives. If not provided with alternatives like plenty of hay to chew, a mat to dig in, cardboard to nibble and nest in and toys to play with, the bunny will turn to baseboards, furniture, and electrical cords instead. Be prepared to watch BunBun carefully – and be forgiving of the occasional, inevitable transgression – if you add a rabbit to your household. • Rabbits are fragile, especially their spines. Young children who are still working on the concept of “gentle hands” can easily injure a rabbit through mishandling. Rabbits need to be picked up in a certain way to avoid injury, and never, ever by their ears or scruff. • Rabbits are not “starter” pets. They take at least as much work as a dog or cat. They require fresh vegetables and pellets at least twice a day, cleaning of litter boxes, daily changes of water bottles, supervision when playing, fresh hay and visits to the veterinarian. They should be spayed or neutered. While rabbits use

a litter box fairly reliably, they will occasionally have accidents and, if not spayed or neutered, may spray or “mark territory” with urine or droppings. Rabbits can make wonderful pets for the right home, but it is important that you understand what you are getting into first. You need to be ready to make a 7-10 year commitment, as that’s the expected lifespan of an indoor rabbit. It may just be that a stuffed toy bunny is the better option, after all.

So, you think you want a rabbit anyway? Congratulations! A few resources and links to help make your new addition successful: • Small Mammal Health Series, “Rabbit Care” by Susan Brown, http:// www.veterinarypartner.com/Content. plx?A=3015 • ASPCA Pet Care Series, “General Rabbit Care” • http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/smallpet-care/general-rabbit-care • SPCA of Texas General Pet Care Tips, “Rabbit Care 101” http://www.spca. org/page.aspx?pid=430 An excellent resource for “all things rabbit” is the House Rabbit Society, an international nonprofit animal welfare organization dedicated to both rabbit rescue and education. Their website is contains a wealth of information: http://rabbit.org/

{spotted by the pupperazzi} 22

urr-tastic or flea infested! The Pupperazzi is on the scene and has your tail covered!

funrun T he Houston Humane Society kicked off their 33 annual Fun Run on Sunday, March 23. Hundreds of pooches and their parents participated in the 1 mile walk/ fun in beautiful downtown Houston and then returned to the park to visit local vendors, compete in a doggy fashion show and enjoy the Alumni Parade!

d gs cats Texas

{April 2014}

BY MONICA SCHMIDT – HOUSTON HUMANE SOCIETY

plantrant

pring has sprung here in Houston! Many of you have grand plans for re-landscaping, especially after the harsh winter left most of our gardens and yards with much to be desired. But before you start planting, do a little research to find out what kind of dangers might be lurking in your yard. Many beautiful plants, flowers, shrubs, and trees pose a harmful and even fatal threat to our dogs and cats.

Most of us know to avoid sago palms and lilies, but did you also know aloe vera, azaleas, and English ivy also need to be avoided? How about daffodils and tulips? And elephant ears, wisteria, and tomato plants? In fact, there are reports of over 700 plants that have been identified as toxic or harmful to pets. It is highly recommended you learn what not to plant in your own yard or garden and to familiarize yourself with many of the toxic plants you might encounter at parks, along your walk route, even your neighbor’s yard! If your dog or cat doesn’t seem interested in chewing on plants or foliage, still do your homework. Various plants have different levels of toxicity. Be sure you make an informed decision before planting something dangerous. Know what dangers to avoid when you are out and about with your pet to keep them safe.

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Alocasia Additional Common Names: Elephantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ear Scientific Name: Alocasia spp. Family: Araceae Toxicity: Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Dogs Toxic Principles: Insoluble calcium oxalates Clinical Signs: Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing Aloe Scientific Name: Aloe vera Family: Liliaceae Toxicity: Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats Toxic Principles: Saponins Clinical Signs: Vomiting, depression, diarrhea, anorexia, tremors, change in urine color. Amaryllis Additional Common Names: Many, including: Belladonna lily, Saint Joseph lily, Cape Belladonna, Naked Lady Scientific Name: Amaryllis sp. Family: Amaryllidaceae Toxicity: Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats Toxic Principles: Lycorine and others Clinical Signs: vomiting, depression, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, anorexia, tremors. Azalea Additional Common Names: Rosebay, Rhododendron Scientific Name: Rhododendron spp Family: Ericaceae Where Found: About 250 different species; geographic distribution varies with species. Toxicity: Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Dogs Toxic Principles: Grayantoxin Clinical Signs: Vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, weakness, coma, hypotension, CNS depression, cardiovascular collapse and death. Ingestion of a few leaves can cause serious {April 2014}

problems. Rhododendron is typically not very palatable to horses unless it is the only forage available, but sheep and goats may graze readily on the plant. The toxic principle interferes with normal skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle and nerve function. Clinical effects typically occur within a few hours after ingestion, and can include acute digestive upset, excessive drooling, loss of appetite, frequent bowel movements/diarrhea, colic, depression, weakness, loss of coordination, stupor, leg paralysis, weak heart rate and recumbency for 2 or more days; at this point, improvement may be seen or the animal may become comatose and die. Begonia Additional Common Names: Over 1,000 species and 10,000 hybrids Scientific Name: Begonia spp. Family: Begoniaceae Toxicity: Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats Toxic Principles: Insoluble oxalates Clinical Signs: Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing. Tubers are the most toxic. Branching Ivy Additional Common Names: English Ivy, Glacier Ivy, Needlepoint Ivy, Sweetheart Ivy, California Ivy Scientific Name: Hedera helix Family: Araliaceae Toxicity: Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Dogs Toxic Principles: Triterpenoid saponins (hederagenin) Clinical Signs: Vomiting, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, diarrhea. Foliage is more toxic than berries Buttercup Additional Common Names: Butter Cress, Figwort Scientific Name: Ranunculus sp. Family: Ranunculaceae Toxicity: Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Dogs Toxic Principles: Protoanemonin

(an irritant) Clinical Signs: Vomiting, diarrhea, depression, anorexia, hypersalivation and wobbly gait. Caladium Additional Common Names: Malanga, Elephantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ears, Stoplight, Seagull, Mother-in-law Plant, Pink Cloud, Texas Wonder, Angel-Wings, Exposition, Candidum, Fancy-leaved Caladium Scientific Name: Caladium hortulanum Family: Araceae Toxicity: Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats Toxic Principles: Insoluble calcium oxalates Clinical Signs: Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing. Chrysanthemum Additional Common Names: Daisy, Mum; many varieties Scientific Name: Chrysanthemum spp. Family: Compositae Toxicity: Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Dogs Toxic Principles: Sesquiterpene, lactones, pyrethrins and other potential irritants Clinical Signs: Vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, dermatitis Daffodil Additional Common Names: Narcissus, Jonquil, Paper White Scientific Name: Narcissus spp Family: Amaryllidaceae Toxicity: Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Dogs Toxic Principles: Lycorine and other alkaloids Clinical Signs: Vomiting, salvation, diarrhea; large ingestions cause convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors and cardiac arrhythmias. Bulbs are the most poisonous part. Geranium Additional Common Names: Many cultivars 25

Scientific Name: Pelargonium species Family: Geraniaceae Toxicity: Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats Toxic Principles: Geraniol, linalool Clinical Signs: Vomiting, anorexia, depression, dermatitis Gladiola Additional Common Names: Many cultivars Scientific Name: Gladiolus species Family: Iridaceae Toxicity: Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Dogs Toxic Principles: Unknown Clinical Signs: Salivation, vomiting, drooling,lethargy, diarrhea. Highest concentration in corms (bulbs). Hydrangea Additional Common Names: Hortensia, Hills of Snow, Seven Bark Scientific Name: Hydrangea arborescens Family: Hydrangeaceae Toxicity: Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Dogs Toxic Principles: Cyanogenic glycoside Clinical Signs: Vomiting, depression, diarrhea. Cyanide intoxication is rare â&#x20AC;&#x201C; usually produces more of a gastrointestinal disturbance. Morning Glory Scientific Name: Ipomoea spp 26

Family: Convolvulaceae Toxicity: Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats Toxic Principles: Indole alkaloids (Lysergic acid, lysergamide, elymoclavine and chanoclavine) Clinical Signs: Gastrointestinal upset, agitation, tremors, disorientation, ataxia, anorexia. Seeds may cause hallucination, may cause diarrhea. Palm Lily Additional Common Names: Giant Dracaena, Grass palm Scientific Name: Cordyline australis Family: Agavaceae Toxicity: Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats Toxic Principles: Saponins Clinical Signs: Vomiting (occasionally with blood), depression, anorexia, hypersalivation, dilated pupils (cats) St. Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wort Additional Common Names: Klamath Weed Scientific Name: Hypericum perforatum Family: Clusiaceae Toxicity: Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Dogs Toxic Principles: Hypericin Clinical Signs: Photosensitization (ulcerative and exudative dermatitis). Tomato Plant Scientific Name: Lycopersicon spp

Family: Solanaceae Toxicity: Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Dogs Toxic Principles: Solanine Clinical Signs: Hypersalivation, severe gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, drowsiness, CNS depression, confusion, behavioral change, weakness, dilated pupils, slow heart rate. Tulip Scientific Name: Tulipa species Family: Liliaceae Toxicity: Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Dogs Toxic Principles: Tulipalin A and B Clinical Signs: Vomiting, depression, diarrhea, hypersalivation. Highest concentration of toxin in bulb. Wisteria Scientific Name: wisteria species Family: Fabaceae Toxicity: Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Dogs Toxic Principles: Lectin, wisterin glycoside Clinical Signs: Vomiting (sometimes with blood), diarrhea, depression Yellow Oleander Scientific Name: Thevetia peruviana Family: Apocynaceae Toxicity: Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Dogs Toxic Principles: Cardenolides Clinical Signs: Vomiting, diarrhea, slow heart rate

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