Protecting Pets From Household Poisons

Pets are curious creatures by nature, always looking for something interesting to eat. This habit can sometimes get them into serious medical trouble when they accidentally find a toxic substance. Protecting pets from household poisons is all part of being a good pet parent. Start by following these tips on hazardous substances that are commonly found right where you live.

Pain Relievers

Over-the-counter pain relievers for humans are frequently the cause of poisoning in dogs. Though some of these medications are sometimes used for veterinary care, the dosage is critical for safe administration. Tylenol, which contains acetaminophen, can cause severe liver damage. Ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, can cause gastric ulcers and kidney failure. Naproxen can cause stomach perforation, gastric ulcers and acute kidney failure and should never be used on dogs. If you carry these drugs in your purse, ensure that your dog cannot get at them.

Antidepressants

Increasingly, doctors prescribe antidepressant medications not only for depression, but also for a variety of other medical conditions. When pets accidentally get ahold of these medications, they may exhibit symptoms such as lethargy, vomiting and signs of -serotonin syndrome,- a condition that causes agitation, elevated temperatures, high blood pressure, increased heart rate, tremors, seizures and disorientation. As with over-the-counter pain relievers, these medications are often left in purses or on nightstands where pets can get into them. Take extra precautions with these medications and keep them in childproof containers on a high shelf.

Chocolate

By now, everyone knows that some types of chocolate are poisonous to dogs. However, this information has not reached the dog world, and dogs continue to take every opportunity to snap up chocolate candy, cookies and cake whenever they get the chance. Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, which metabolizes much more slowly in dogs than in humans. Small amounts can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Large amounts can cause serious toxicity that requires anti-seizure medications and IV fluids. Of course, dogs only know chocolate foods taste good, so they must rely on owners to keep them safe. A program for protecting pets from household poisons includes keeping these foods on high counters and shelves where pets cannot reach them.

Grapes and Raisins

Many dog owners may not yet have gotten the word on grapes and raisins being poisonous to dogs. It wasn’t until about 25 years ago that documented statistics on the toxicity of grapes and raisins have been available. It is not known why these foods are toxic to dogs, but some researchers believe it may be a mycotoxin, a substance produced by a fungus or mold that causes the problem. After consumption, the dog may show symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, tremors, seizure and eventual acute kidney failure. The prognosis for recovery depends on how much was eaten and how quickly treatment was begun.

Onions

Onions can cause anemia in dogs and should not be given to them, either cooked in table foods or raw. Onions contain a substance called thiosulphate that is toxic to both dogs and cats. This substance damages the red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the animal’s body. Hemolytic anemia can cause lethargy, shortness of breath, vomiting and diarrhea. As little as five grams can cause toxicity.

Xilitol Sweeteners

Xilitol is a type of artificial sweetener that is found in many foods for humans. It is often used in chewing gum, cookies, candies and products made for diabetics. Xilitol is toxic to dogs and can produce changes in blood sugar levels, vomiting, lethargy and difficulty walking. Seizures and liver failure can also result. Protecting pets from household poisons means no Xilitol, ever.

Rodent Poison

Any poison you use to kill rodents in your home or yard can be ingested by your pet with disastrous results. Your dog or cat may find and eat the poison or consume part of an animal that has eaten it. Most rodenticides contain anticoagulant compounds that cause bleeding to kill the rats or mice. Symptoms of rodent poisoning in dogs may not occur until a week after ingestion. Bright green stools and bleeding from nose, ears, rectum or other areas can occur. Get your dog to a veterinarian immediately if you see these symptoms. Always use these poisons with great caution and keep your pets out of the area.

Household Plants

Generally, grown dogs will live with plants in their houses or yards without trying to eat them. However, puppies are often more adventurous and will try a taste of anything that is remotely edible and many things that aren’t. Common household plants that can be toxic to dogs include philodendron, ficus, croton, Boston fern, jade plant, snake plant, schefflera, antherium, ivy, spider plant, corn plant and pothos.

In your yard, bulb plants such as amaryllis, daffodil, gladiolus, iris and tulips can be toxic to dogs if they are prone to digging them up. Asparagus fern and lace fern are also poisonous. Hydrangea, kalanchoe, foxglove, morning glory, nightshade and tomato plants can also be poisonous to dogs. Shrubs like oleander, rhododendron, yucca, holly and sago palm should also be monitored closely to ensure that dogs do not eat them. The list of plants found in fields and wooded areas is extensive and varies from region to region. If you are out in these areas with your dog, ensure that he does not sample the local (possibly poisonous) flora.

Insecticides

Insecticides can be deadly to your pets. Always remove pets from the area when using them. Ensure that toys, feeding bowls, rawhide chews and other equipment are removed to avoid contaminating them with the pesticide. Keep pets out of the area until the insecticide has completely dried. Signs of insecticide poisoning include excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors or seizure. Get your pet to the vet as quickly as possible if you notice these symptoms after using a home or garden insecticide. Bring the insecticide with you to the vet so that he or she can treat the animal appropriately.

Household Cleaners

Substances like ammonia and bleach are highly toxic to pets if consumed. When these chemicals are mixed together, they can produce toxic fumes that can be deadly. Chlorine products used for cleaning and pool care are also toxic. Any type of floor, bathroom or all-purpose cleaner can contain harmful amount of these substances. Cleaners should always be stored in cabinets that close securely to prevent accidental ingestion.

Antifreeze

Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, which is extremely toxic to dogs. Generally, dogs encounter this substance when it drips from car engines. It gets left on the garage floor where the dog can lap it up. Some people use antifreeze in their toilets to keep pipes from freezing. Because antifreeze has a sweet taste, dogs may be attracted to it. However, it can affect kidneys, liver and the brain of these animals. Always store antifreeze on high shelves or in cabinets. Clean up any spills immediately. Seek veterinary attention if you suspect your dog has ingested antifreeze.

Fertilizers

Garden and lawn fertilizers can also be toxic to your pets. Though the pet may not directly eat the fertilizer compound, he can pick it up on paws, bones or toys. Always water the fertilizer to allow it to seep into the ground before allowing your pet into the area. Signs of fertilizer poisoning include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. There may also be difficulty breathing. Take your pet to the veterinarian immediately for emergency care if this happens.

Alcohol

Some manufacturers of conventional pet medications add dangerous amounts of straight grain alcohol to their products. Alcohol is a cheap preservative which allows products to be warehoused for many years with minimal spoilage. But alcohol, even in small amounts, is toxic to dogs and cats according to the ASPCA and an increasing number of informed veterinarians, animal rights organizations and medical researchers.

Makers of pet dental care products that remove plaque and tartar are among the worst alcohol abusers. Many of them spike their products with 190 proof Grain (Ethyl) Alcohol, equal to a whopping one-fourth (25% by weight) of their product’s ingredients. That’s like serving our beloved animal companions a 50 proof cocktail with every application.

Pet Friendly Hotels in Oklahoma City

Pet friendly hotels in Oklahoma City offer affordable yet luxurious accommodation for guests and their pets. There’s no better way to experience the warmth of Oklahoma City than by the oodles of hospitality showered all over you. While the innumerable attractions of Oklahoma City would be a feast for the senses, the hotels in Oklahoma City would offer the warmth those tired and aching muscles need.

The actual services offered may vary from hotel to hotel, though you can always expect a great package. Most pet friendly hotels in OKC are well-equipped with features such as free local phone calls, handicap rooms, free wireless Internet, iron and ironing boards, complimentary parking, satellite TV, coffee makers, room service, smoke detectors, voice mail, valet cleaning service, safe deposit boxes, hairdryers, buffet breakfast, great dining options, etc. Recreational opportunities include gym, outdoor pools, heated pools, wading pools, and tennis courts. Other options are also provided by hotels.

The suites in some OKC pet friendly hotels are extremely spacious and offer the ideal blend of exclusivity and relaxation. The features offered include living room area with sleeper sofa, large screen TV, refrigerator and microwave, coffee maker, guest bathroom, king size bed, garden tub, Jacuzzi tub, exclusive patio, and more. Pet friendly hotels in Oklahoma City offer non-smoking as well as smoking rooms.

Dogs require to be leashed, and it’s also important that you specify you’ll be bringing your pet while reserving online. Pet friendly hotels in Oklahoma City generally offer shuttle services to either all or nearby points of interest in the city. Reserve your pet friendly hotel, and you can experience OKC better.

Oklahoma City Hotels – The Bricktown Hotel and Convention Center is one of the finest pet friendly hotels in Oklahoma City. Located only 1.5 miles from downtown Oklahoma City’s historic Bricktown District, the Bricktown Hotel is your destination for superior lodging when you travel to Oklahoma City.

Noise From The Chicken Coop – Are Chickens Noisy Pets

If you are thinking of getting backyard chickens, you may have wondered whether or not these lovely creatures will make too much noise to be a backyard pet. You may be surprised how many people have chickens in their backyard without their neighbours even realising. Chickens should no/t be confined to a farm or rural area – they are a great addition to any backyard.

Who makes the most noise?

If you’re worried about waking up early every morning, together with your neighbors, due to the sounds coming from your chicken coop, be sure to exclude a rooster from your flock. Roosters naturally see the morning in with an enthusiastic crow but aren’t in fact necessary in your backyard. Many people are unaware that roosters aren’t necessary for egg production. So, if you are after some organic eggs for your breakfast table and a nice sleep-in in the morning, do not include a rooster in your backyard flock of chickens.

How much noise do chickens (hens) actually make?

Backyard chickens do make some noise, but nothing compared to roosters. The sound of a chicken is known as a cackle which is basically an excited little sound to announce to the world that the chicken has just laid an egg. This is quite a pleasant sound and is a nice little alarm for you to know when your fresh eggs have just been laid.

Apart from roosters crowing and hens getting excited after egg laying, these creatures really are very quiet. You will have many more neighbours complain about cats and dogs lurking the neighbourhood than you will about chickens in their chicken coop. Neighbors are usually also quite happy to look after your pets while you are away because they know that some eggs will be coming their way.

Oreck Vacuums Vs Simplicity Vacuums

Oreck and Simplicity are similar in design since both are about 8 lbs, are easy to push and clean better than most vacuums on the market.
Both brands use a direct-air fan motor. The fan pushes huge amounts of air into the hypo-allergenic bag and a brush spins to agitate the carpet to loosen embedded dirt and pet hair.
The typical vacuum found in most stores, like Dyson,Hoover,Eureka, use a suction motor that pulls air through a series of filters into a dust containment bin.
The problem with this design is that the filters quickly clog with dirt ,reducing the cleaning power. Dyson does a better job and is considered the best
bag less design on the market,yet it still won’t clean like a direct-air type motor.
Other brands you may have heard of use a direct air motor are Kirby,Royal and Eureka commercial vacuums.
Simplicity vacuums have a larger motor and fan and have tested to clean 38 percent more than the basic Oreck model. The air path from the carpet to the bag is also larger than Oreck with less twist and turns, enabling a more efficient air-flow.

Another huge factor in carpet cleaning is the belt and brush roll.
Most vacuums use a cheap plastic brush roll and slip belt that needs frequent replacing. The plastic is prone to melting,warping and seizing up if too much thread or hair gets wrapped up into the brush. The means a 25.00 replacement,if you can find it.
Oreck uses a quality maple wood brush roll made by Cleavland Wood Products
It is much better balanced and makes less noise than an unbalanced plastic brush roll. It does have slip belts that will need changing and is not to hard to do with the proper tools. The brush roll itself will need changing after a few years because it wears and softens,like a tooth brush, and will do a poor job of carpet agitation.
Simplicity goes all out by making it’s brush roll of chromium steel with replaceable brush inserts.( F3700 Freedom model). The extra weight of the brush roll imparts greater kinetic energy to the carpet which vastly improves cleaning power. The steel won’t melt or imbalance,the bearings can be lubricated and the brush strips cost a mere 12.00 as opposed to the 49.95 an Oreck brush roll will cost you.
The belt on the F3700 is a serpentine,multi-grooved type like the timing belt on your car. It is protected by a Hall sensor. This device shuts down the motor the milli-second it detects something jamming it up. Your belt will not wear,burn or break and is guaranteed for life!
All of these innovations allow for Simplicity to out clean the Oreck and give you less service headaches. The Simplicity,although more powerful, is louder. So if noise is an issue ,consider an Oreck as a quieter option.
Before buying any vacuum, you owe it to yourself to visit an Oreck dealership and a vacuum repair store that features Simplicity and test the both out yourself. You will find that either brand will do better for you and the service is vastly superior to anything you will find at a Box store or an X club!

What’s the Story on Liquid Titanium Horse Products

Times are changing in the case of healthcare for horses. Many more people are trying to find alternative types of preventative/alternative care. Within this paradigm shift it appears as if liquid titanium products are becoming a wonderful adjunct inside the search for total health.

Titanium has been tested and proven to possess many incredible effects on biological and physical functions. Because liquid titanium products assist the horse’s system naturally causing it to deliver negative ions and far infrared rays, there are no limitations to how much time a horse can wear the item. Absolutely nothing enters the body through the gi tract, skin or blood vessels. Fundamentally, the liquid titanium acts on the bio-energetic field inherent to every living body. Exactly what does this all mean for the horse you could possibly ask. When liquid titanium items are worn by horses, the titanium surrounds the horse’s body and the horse is now able to utilize 100 % of the negative ions leading to extraordinary health advantages. When the negative ion effect is combined with the FIR (far infrared) producing properties, the health rewards of liquid titanium horse wear become quite extensive:

FIR converts into radiant heat (infrared energy) which produces body warmth.
Increases H2O hydration which improves blood circulation & increased oxygen inside blood provides more energy.
Increases metabolism.
Increases the production of nitric oxide which is a key component of any healthy immune system.
Reduces the acidity in the body.
Helps flush toxic substances from the body and reduces lactic acid buildup.
Reduces aches, pains and joint stiffness and relieves muscle spasms.
Reduces pain affiliated with arthritis.
Can reduce inflammatory skin problems.
Can reduce anxiety.
Can relieve stress, which could lessen the chance of ulcers.
Induces alpha brain waves and stabilizes serotonin levels which may result in a calming effect.
Increases awareness so helping your horse focus in a positive way. For horse owners this can mean a noticeable difference between mediocre performance and optimum performance, poor to average health versus blossoming health. It’s possible to start to learn how significant these health and fitness benefits can be ranging from a healthier, happier horse to improved focus and performance; with the potential of decreasing vet bills.

Up to date, the liquid titanium products available for horses include coolers/blankets, face masks and ear covers. All types of horse owners are beginning to use liquid titanium horse wear. Racehorses, barrel racers, 3day event horses, dressage horses and everything in between are experiencing the remarkable advantages of liquid titanium therapeutic horse wear.

Think of liquid titanium horse products as “drug-free” therapeutic horse wear. For holistic health enthusiasts seeking alternative ways of promoting health for their horses, liquid titanium horse wear is an excellent choice. Titanium products are not a replacement for traditional vet care, but can be applied besides your preferred vet’s services.

For more information on liquid titanium horse products visit https://www.TitianiumHorseProducts.com.

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