**Warning** The Lethal Food Lurking in Your Pantry!

I had a recent scare with our dog Jake which reminded me of a time when I was very naive about what was, and wasn’t, toxic to dogs. Jake is a canine trash can. If he can eat it he will eat it. Not even to our approval, just because that’s what he does. He eats. Hydrogen peroxide induced vomiting has become the main staple in my first aid routine. Have you ever had a dog like that? That just eats everything? Now, a little disclaimer: we are very responsible pet owners and do not encourage or condone this behavior. Sometimes animals just act like, well….animals!

 

A few days ago Jake heard the sound of commotion in the kitchen and decided to come check things out. Before we even realized it, the bag of grapes that was one second ago on the kitchen counter, was now on the floor. I’m sure you can imagine what happened. Jake grabbed the bag and inhaled the grapes. I am so thankful that I knew how toxic and downright deadly grapes (and raisins) are to dogs (and cats)! I immediately administered hydrogen peroxide and within ten minutes or so Jake threw up his loot. Did you know that grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs and cats? If not, pay close attention!

This is what PetMD has to say about the matter:

“Grape and raisin (dried grapes) toxicity is well documented in dogs. Although the exact substance that causes the toxic reaction is not yet known, it has been shown that even small amounts of grapes or raisins can prove to be fatally toxic for a dog. Dogs of any age, breed, or gender may be affected.”

Again, this does not just apply to dogs. If you have animals you must be very careful to ensure that they do not have any opportunity to ingest this yummy but deadly fruit. After Jake’s last counter diving episode, my husband and I decided that the consequences of our dog’s potential grape and raisin eating just weren’t worth it and they will no longer be on the grocery list. Yes, we love our pets that much.

Snack on!

Michelle Brockman

Jonah’s Place, Inc.

Reference:

PetMD

http://www.petmd.com/dog/emergency/digestive/e_dg_grape_raisin_toxicity#.UkOXRD95GSo

Pet Parents: Beware of the ‘Sol’ in Your Cleaning Products!

                                                           

Most of us animal lovers have heard about the harmful side effects that certain chemical products can cause our pets. But what about cleaning agents that kill bacteria and germs that someone with animals is usually quick to use to clean their home and pet areas? Well you may end up killing more than just some yucky germs!

According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, exposure to coal-tar derivatives (one being phenols as found in Lysol, Pinesol and other ‘sol’ cleaners) can cause liver damage, kidney damage, anemia and death, among other things. You may be thinking ‘Well my pet isn’t going to lick or eat the cleaners!’ Guess what – they don’t need to! These dangerous chemicals can be absorbed through the skin. You should especially avoid using these products if you care for felines as they are more susceptible to the negative side effects.

This is what AnimalShelting.com (The Humane Society of the Unites States) has to say:

"Steer Clear of Phenols

 

Disinfectants containing phenols are extremely toxic to some animals, including cats and reptiles. First isolated from coal tar in the 1800s, phenols are now manufactured synthetically and are included in many products, including some Lysol disinfectants. Colorless to white when pure, phenol has a strong, sweet odor. It is corrosive and requires extra precautions when handling. To ensure the disinfectants you’re considering purchasing don’t contain phenols, check with manufacturers and avoid products that list any of the following ingredients, which are synonyms for “phenol,” according to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration: carbolic acid; monohydroxybenzene; hydroxybenzene; benzenol; phenylic acid; phenyl hydroxide; benzophenol; phenyl hydrate; phenylic alcohol; monophenol;phenic acid; and oxybenzene. To learn more about the hazards of phenol, visit the Osha website: https://www.osha.gov/dts/chemicalsampling/data/CH_261100.html "

 

So the verdict is definitely in! Read ALL labels very carefully when choosing a cleaning product for your home and any area that animals may come in contact with. These days, there are many safe and natural cleaning products that are on the market and widely available. Using non-chemical cleaners will give you peace of mind that the only thing that will be harmed is the dirt and grime you are intentionally trying to remove – not your four legged family member.

Happy Cleaning!

 

Until Next Time…

Michelle Brockman for

Jonah’s Place
www.JonahsPlace.org