Client Resources

Go to http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control for pet poison information. Below is a list of the top 17 poisonous plants.With Spring approaching keep in mind the toxins in the lawn fertilizers and bug sprays that you might be using.

17 POISONOUS PLANTS

Lilies

Members of the Lilium spp. are considered to be highly toxic to cats. While the poisonous component has not yet been identified, it is clear that with even ingestion of very small amounts of the plant, severe kidney damage could result.

Marijuana

Ingestion of Cannabis sativa by companion animals can result in depression of the central nervous system and incoordination, as well as vomiting, diarrhea,drooling, increased heart rate, and even seizures and coma.

Sago Palm

All parts of Cycas Revoluta are poisonous, but the seeds or “nuts” contain the largest amount of toxin. The ingestion of just one or two seeds can result in very serious effects, which include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, seizures and liver failure.

Tulip/Narcissus bulbs

The bulb portions of Tulipa/Narcissus spp. contain toxins that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation, drooling, loss of appetite, depression of the central nervous system, convulsions and cardiac abnormalities.

Azalea/Rhododendron

Members of the Rhododenron spp. contain substances known as grayan toxins, which can produce vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, weakness and depression of the central nervous system in animals. Severe azalea poisoning could ultimately lead to coma and death from cardiovascular collapse.

Oleander

All parts of Nerium oleander are considered to be toxic, as they contain cardiac glycosides that have the potential to cause serious effects—including gastrointestinal tract irritation, abnormal heart function, hypothermia and even death.

Castor Bean

The poisonous principle in Ricinus communis is rich in, a highly toxic protein that can produce severe abdominal pain, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, weakness and loss of appetite. Severe cases of poisoning can result in dehydration, muscle twitching, tremors, seizures, coma and death.

Cyclamen

Cylamen species contain cyclamine, but the highest concentration of this toxic component is typically located in the root portion of the plant. If consumed,Cylamen can produce significant gastrointestinal irritation, including intense vomiting. Fatalities have also been reported in some cases.

Kalanchoe

This plant contains components that can produce gastrointestinal irritation, as well as those that are toxic to the heart, and can seriously affect cardiac rhythm and rate.

Yew

Taxus spp. contains a toxic component known as taxine, which causes central nervous system effects such as trembling, incoordination, and difficulty breathing. It can also cause significant gastrointestinal irritation and cardiac failure, which can result in death.

Amaryllis

Common garden plants popular around Easter, Amaryllis species contain toxins that can cause vomiting, depression, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hypersalivation,anorexia and tremors.

Autumn Crocus

Ingestion of Colchicum autumnale by pets can result in oral irritation, bloody vomiting, diarrhea, shock, multiorgan damage and bone marrow suppression.

Chrysanthemum

These popular blooms are part of the Compositae family, which contain pyrethrins that may produce gastrointestinal upset, including drooling,vomiting and diarrhea, if eaten. In certain cases depression and loss of coordination may also develop if enough of any part of the plant is consumed.

English Ivy

Also called branching ivy, glacier ivy, needlepoint ivy, sweetheart ivy and California ivy, Hedera helix contains triterpenoid saponins that, should pets ingest, can result in vomiting, abdominal pain, hypersalivation and diarrhea.

Peace Lily (AKA Mauna Loa Peace Lily)

Spathiphyllum contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation,excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing and intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue in pets who ingest.

COMMON HOUSEHOLD DANGERS

Items commonly found around the house can present a real danger to our small animal pets. Due to their smaller body weight and different abilities to metabolize chemicals from us, pets often cannot safely take in medications or foods that we consider perfectly safe for us. Some examples include:

Grapes and Raisins, Chocolate, Caffeine, Xylitol (sugar free sweetener found in gums and candy), Onions, Marijuana, Acetaminophen in cats and Ibuprofen in both species, and numerous prescription medications or recreational drugs.

Other non-edible items commonly found around the house (which our pets sometimes make edible!) include:

Ethylene Glycol (antifreeze, all types) and other Glycol containing shower cleaners, All parts of Lilly sp. plants, Rhododendron sp., Rat poisons or Baits (all types).

An ounce of prevention is indeed worth a pound of cure, keep your home pet proofed!

KEEP YOUR PETS WARM, DRY & SAFE DURING THE COLD WEATHER

It’s that time of year when the freezing temperatures and snow can be very dangerous to our pets. The doctors and staff at Yakima Pet Emergency Service, want to remind you that the dogs and cats in our community are not conditioned to severe cold. These drops in temperatures can cause serious and fatal health problems very quickly.

10 Tips to Keeping Them Safe:

1. Hypothermia and dehydration are the two most probable life-threatening conditions for animals in cold weather. Make sure your pet is indoors or in covered shelter, with plenty of food and water. Blankets or thick towels, even an old quilt will give your animal something to snuggle in against the cold. If you cannot bring your animal inside, check on him or her regularly. Animals used to living in warm temperatures aren’t as able to acclimate to a severe drop in temperature.

2. Animals drink less in cold weather, so it’s important to make sure your pet is getting hydrated. Be sure your pet’s water supply does not freeze.

3. Keep them out of the wind. When pets are exposed to the wind, they are experiencing temperatures colder than what the thermometer may say. If the temperature reads 30 degrees, with a 5 mph wind, the temperature you are actually experiencing is 25 degrees. The faster the wind or colder the temperature, the greater the variance is in the actual temperature you are experiencing.

4. Be aware that some chemicals used to melt snow can be hazardous to your pet! Keep a close eye on them when they’re outside, and be sure to clean off their feet when they before coming back inside. That way, they won’t lick their feet and ingest any toxic residue.

5. Leaving a pet in the car on these cold winter days can be dangerous. Small dogs and all short haired dogs especially, need some sort of blanket or coat if they will be in a cold car for any length of time.

6. Avoid letting them play in water. It can drop their body temperature severely. If your pet runs through a puddle or falls in a lake, get them out and dry them off immediately.

7. Very young, very old and sick animals need special attention during the cold. Their immune systems can’t handle the weather as well as other pets. These pets also often have less muscle and fat stores to generate heat in cold temperatures.  After they become cold, older or sick, pets often cannot get themselves to warm shelter, even if it is available.

8. Keep your cat inside. Outdoors, felines can freeze, become lost or stolen, injured or killed. Cats who are allowed to stray are exposed to infectious disease, including rabies, from other cats, dogs and wildlife.

9. During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. If there are outdoor cats in your area, bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine to give the cat a chance to escape.

10. Antifreeze, also known as coolant, is a lethal poison, for both dogs and cats. If a spill occurs, be sure to thoroughly clean up those areas, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol. You can visit the

     ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for more information. 

Early signs of Hypothermia include: shivering, lethargy, depression, wobbly legs and pale gums. If your pet has any sign of hypothermia, contact your veterinarian.

Winter can be a beautiful time of year. It can be a dangerous time as well, but it certainly doesn’t have to be. If you take some precautions, you and your pet can have a fabulous time.

KEEP YOUR PETS SAFE THIS SPRING SEASON

Spring time is the season of Easter, spring cleaning, home improvement projects, gardening, bugs and pesticides. The doctors and staff at Yakima Pet Emergency Service want to remind you that many of these things can bring potential harm to your pets. Here are some of the things that you can watch for during the spring season.

10 Tips to Keeping Pets Safe:

1. Easter Treats and Decorations. These things can be very toxic to our pets, from true lilies to chocolate candies. True Lilies can be fatal if it is ingested by a cat. Puppies and kitties love to chew on colorful plastic decorations, which can lead to a foreign body obstruction in the body.  Chocolate or candy containing Xylitol are toxic to dogs and cats.

2. Buckle Up. We know that dogs love to feel the wind in their faces but this can be harmful to them. Flying debris and insects can cause harm to your dog’s eyes, ears, and even develop lung infections. Whenever riding in a car or pickup truck, pets should be secured in case of an accident, sharp turns, and to prevent them from jumping from the vehicle. 

3. Spring Cleaning. Many chemicals and cleaners can be harmful to your pets if ingested. You can visit the ASPCA website for a list of Poisonous Household Products, or to get more information or visit our common household toxins page.

4. Home Improvement. After the winter, the weather begins to clear up and we begin to remodel our homes, paint, or do other renovations. Paints, solvents, and other material can be toxic to our pets, while others such as nails, power tools, staples, etc. can pose physical harm to our pets. Keep these items picked up and out of reach of your canine and feline friends.

5. Tick, Tick. As the weather clears up brings many insects and pests to life. Ticks can be harmful to your pets. It is important to speak to your veterinarian about the appropriate flea and tick treatment plan for your pet, as many over the counter products available are toxic. Tick and flea control can keep them safe from possible diseases these pests can transfer to your pet and even to you. Lyme disease, Ehrlichia, Periodic Tick Paralysis and other diseases are a few that can harm your pet. 

6. Allergies. Just like humans, pets can be allergic to items like food, dust, plants, pollens, bee stings, and insect bites. The symptoms can be itching, facial swelling, hives, sneezing, wheezing, or collapse from anaphylactic shock which can be life threatening.

7. Gardening Fertilizers. According to the Pet Poison Control Hotline, most fertilizers contain a wide variety of potentially toxic substances. These range from iron, nitrogen, and pesticides. If the chemicals don’t poison your pet, large amounts of the fertilizers and mulch, can result in other emergencies such as an obstruction or pancreatic situations.

8. Metaldehyde (Slug Bait). No one enjoys slugs in their gardens but slug bait can have major risks to dogs and cats. Metaldehyde is a poison that is typically in these products and it tastes sweet to pets. For full list of symptoms follow the link to a Toxicology Brief from Linda K. Dodler, DVM, ASPCA.

9. Snakes. Snakes pose a large threat to our pets here in the Yakima Valley. There are 20 different species of venomous snakes in North America, the Western Rattlesnake is very common in Yakima County and can be fatal to your dog if they are bitten. A rattlesnake can strike the distance of more than half their body length, which is 18 inches to 4 feet by maturity. Be careful and watchful outdoors, rattlesnakes don’t always warn you first with a rattle of their tail.

10. Ivermectin. Although sometimes used in small doses to kill parasites in dogs, it can be toxic to dogs if given an excessive dose. It is important to discuss administration, dosing, and proper instructions as directed from your veterinarian. Never medicate at home on your own. Horse dewormers often contain Ivermectin in a larger concentration and should never be consumed in any amount by your dogs or cats, so keep horse products out of reach.

KEEP YOUR PETS SAFE THIS SUMMER SEASON

Summertime is the season for snakes, bees, home improvement projects, and more.  But more importantly, the heat! The doctors and staff at Yakima Pet Emergency Service want to remind you that many of these things can bring potential harm to your pets. Here are some of the things that you can watch for during the summer season.

10 Tips to Keeping Pets Safe:

1. Dogs Can’t Beat The Heat. This is the most important tip to keeping your pet safe in the summer months. It can take a car as little as five minutes to become fatally hot for a dog to sit in, even if it is parked in the shade with the windows down. The rule of thumb is to never leave your dog in a car when it is over 75 degrees outside.  Make sure your pet has adequate shade and plenty of fresh water available if they are outdoors. Some dogs are more at risk for complications from heat stroke than others (elderly pets, brachycephalic breeds, overweight pets) . Please see our blog, Heat Stroke, for more information.   

2. Asphalt Scalding. When the sun is beating down on the asphalt it can make the sidewalks and roads very hot. If the temperature outside is 77 degrees, the asphalt in direct sun can reach 125 degrees, and pet’s paws can be scalded within 60 seconds. To test the safety of the surface you plan to walk on, place the palm of your hand on the surface and hold it there for a minimum of 7 seconds. If you can’t , than your pet can’t either. 

3. July 4th. During a celebration we tend to gather around in large social gatherings, have lots of food, treats, and on the fourth…fireworks. Not all human food is safe for our pets and no human food is good in large amounts. It is best to keep treats, food, packages, etc. picked up and out of reach of our pets. Fireworks can cause emotional and physical harm to your pets. Some dogs may run off and not stop running until someone stops them, others may chew foreign objects, hide or jump on unsafe objects. To help keep them safe emotionally and physically, keep them in an enclosed area. Some dogs do well in a dark room with music playing or action movies on the television.

4. Bee Stings. Just like their owners, dogs can have various reactions to bee stings. They vary from a mild redness to anaphylactic shock. The type of bee and how many times your pet has been stung can factor into the body’s response. It is important to keep the population of bees around the home to a minimum. If your pet has hives, swelling on the face or swelling that is spreading, coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing, it is recommended to seek veterinary help as soon as possible. Do not try to treat at home, when the symptoms are as listed above, at home treatment tends to be inadequate and veterinary care is needed to stop the reaction.

5. Rattlesnakes. Snakes pose a large threat to our pets here in the Yakima Valley. There are 20 different species of venomous snakes in North America, the Western Rattlesnake is very common in Yakima County and can be fatal to your dog if they are bitten. A rattlesnake can strike the distance of more than half their body length, which is 18 inches to 4 feet by maturity. Be careful and watchful outdoors, especially in areas of sagebrush or canyon land.  Rattlesnakes don’t always warn you first with a rattle of their tail.

6. Tick, Tick. Ticks can be harmful to your pets. It is important to speak to your veterinarian about the appropriate flea and tick treatment plan for your pet, as many over the counter products available can be toxic to pets. Tick and flea control can keep them safe from possible diseases these pests can transfer to your pet and even to you.  Lyme disease, Ehrlichia, Periodic tick Paralysis and other diseases are a few that can be caused or transferred by ticks. 

7. Hit By Car.  Keeping your pet safe within their own yard with a fence or tether, can prevent them from roaming and getting hit by a car. When driving keep an eye out for pets that are roaming, with warmer weather pets may travel more than in the winter months.

8. Roaming Dogs.  In the spring and summer, dogs tend to roam even more than in the winter months.  This is particularly true of pet’s who are not spayed or neutered.  This leads to high risks of dog attacks or fight injury. Keeping your own pet on a leash or secured in a fenced area can help eliminate the risk of a dog fight. 

9. Maggots. These little creatures love the heat. Fly eggs hatch within 24 hours in warm weather, into larvae that feeds on the host for three to five days. A female fly can lay her eggs in batches of 75-150!  Cats and dogs that are not well groomed, are very young, have wounds, or elderly pet’s who are defecating/urinating on themselves, are at greatest risk to having flystrike. Keep your pets groomed, clean, and if needed, keep them out of the heat away from environments where flies may land and lay eggs. 

10. Home Improvement.  As the weather begins to clear up and we begin to remodel our homes, paint, or do other renovations pet’s can gain access to these chemicals.  Paints, solvents, and other material can be toxic to our pets, while others such as nails, power tools, staples, etc. can pose physical harm to our pets. Keep these items picked up and out of reach of your canine and feline friends.

INFORMATION, TOOLS, AND ADVICE FOR YOU

The Ohio State University Veterinary Medicine Program is promoting the Indoor Pet Initiative that provides information, tools and advice for you, the pet owner, to create and sustain a thriving relationship with your indoor cat.

They list valuable information on helping prevent stress related feline urinary syndrome also known as FLUTD or FUS.

Please visit www.indoorpet.osu.edu for access to their on-line client education and handouts.