Foods and Plants that are Poisonous to Dogs

The prospective dog owner plans ahead for their new dog. The seasoned dog owner knows that not everything can be planned for. But it is possible to plan ahead for a very serious and common emergency - poisonous hazards for dogs.

There are many toxic foods and plants for dogs. All of the toxins that affect dogs are too numerous to mention in an article so it is best to research anything you aren't sure about. Ask your vet or check with an animal organization like the ASPCA.

Some Inside Plants Poisonous to Dogs

    * Aloe Vera
    * Caladium
    * Chrysanthemum
    * Dumbcane
    * Elephant's Ear
    * Emerald Fern
    * Hyacinth
    * Philodendron
    * Weeping Fig
    * Yew

Some Outside Plants Poisonous to Dogs

    * Azaleas
    * Daffodils
    * Foxglove
    * Ivy
    * Morning Glory
    * Nightshade
    * Oak
    * Green Potato
    * Rhododendrum
    * Wisteria

Human Foods That Poison Pets

    * Avocado: All parts are toxic to dogs
    * Chocolate: Contains Theobromine, a cardiac stimulant which can be fatal to dogs
    * Fruit Pits and Seeds: Most contain cyanide
    * Garlic: Contains Thiosulphate, though a small amount, so a lot would have to be ingested to be toxic. Keep in mind, it builds up in the system
    * Grapes: Affects a dog's kidneys
    * Macadamia Nuts: Affects the nervous system
    * Mushrooms: Affect the nervous system, kidneys and heart
    * Nutmeg: Can cause seizures and central nervous system damage
    * Onions: Contains same toxin as garlic, though in much larger amounts
    * Raisins: Same as grapes
    * Sugar-Free Foods: These contain Xylitol, which can cause liver failure in dog
    * Tomatoes, Potatoes and Rhubarb: Parts of these contain oxalates, which can be toxic to dogs

Holiday Hazards For Dogs

The holidays are a very hectic time for dogs and dog owners alike and it's easy to miss some of the plants and foods poisonous to dogs specific to that time.

    * Christmas: Many of the plants used for Christmas decorating are toxic to dogs, including Holly, Mistletoe and Poinsettias. It's best to find safe substitutes.
    * Easter: Lilies are highly toxic to dogs, as are Tulips.
    * Fourth of July: Alcohol can be toxic to dogs so during your BBQs, do keep the beer to yourself.
    * Halloween: We all know that chocolate is poisonous to dogs but excessive sugar from any source can be as well.
    * Thanksgiving: Trim that turkey well and keep the gravy for the humans. Too much fat intake, especially over a short period of time, can be toxic.

General Signs Of Poisoning

Though there can be signs that are specific to each toxin, the most common are:

    * Abdominal Pain (your dog may whine and his stomach will be tender to the touch)
    * Coma
    * Convulsions
    * Diarrhea
    * Drooling
    * Irregular Heartbeat
    * Labored Breathing
    * Lethargy
    * Swollen Limbs
    * Vomiting

Immediate Treatment of a Poisoned Pet

If your dog is exhibiting any of these symptoms or even if you just suspect he ingested something toxic, call a pet poison hotline such as the ASPCA (1-888-426-4435) or the Pet Poison Hotline (1-800-213-6180). Your local ASPCA might also have a hotline.

If possible, have someone simultaneously call your vet or the emergency vet. They can tell you what to do immediately and prepare for your immediate arrival.

There are home remedies out there such as charcoal and sodium sulphate but it is best to get professional advice before administering these.

An Ounce Of Prevention

Clean House: The first thing to do is take an inventory of all plants in your house. Remove all plants that you know are hazards for dogs as well as those that you aren't sure about. Also, check your cupboards for toxic foods and place them high up with the cupboard securely closed.

Keep a List and Check It Often: Keep a list of toxic foods and plants for dogs. Be sure to check back regularly with your vet and online sources for the most up-to-date information. Some good resources are the ASPCA, the FDA, and the Humane Society. Also, keep a list of a pet poison hotline, you vet's number and an emergency vet number by the phone at all times.

A Dog-Safe Home: It can seem daunting when you consider how many food and plant items can be hazards for dogs but with a little preparation and diligence, you can have a dog-safe house, inside and out.



Garlic & Onion: causes anemia

Though treated as a health food and often taken in supplement form by humans, garlic (along with its alliaceae cousins onions and leeks) is toxic-sometimes deadly-for pets, with reactions ranging from stomach damage to acute dermatitis to asthmatic attacks. Pets By Nature reports the story of a Pennsylvania woman who lost her Newfoundland to garlic poisoning: “Within two weeks of feeding a popular garlic supplement available at most pet stores and over the Internet, her Newfoundland developed a bleeding ulcer and perforated intestine.” The dog did not survive.

Grapes & Raisins:– kidney failure While not as toxic as members of the onion family, consumption of grapes and raisins can cause vomiting, dehydration and, in large quantities, kidney failure. The exact toxin present in grapes is not known, but scientists have established that both commercially and privately cultivated grapes, as well as raisins, present a risk.

Avocado: (fruit, pit, and plant) – toxic, causes breathing difficulties and pancreatitis.

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), avocado leaves, fruit, seeds and bark contain a toxic substance called Persin, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal unpleasantness in dogs. While a medium-sized dog would have to consume a substantial quantity of avocado (picture a big bowl of guacamole) to become seriously ill, even a little bit is enough to cause an upset tummy.

Macadamia Nuts: Not widely consumed outside of Hawaii, macadamia nuts pose a stealth risk to canine health. The nuts can cause macadamia nut toxicosis, resulting in soreness, stiffness, and listlessness, according to Working Dog Magazine. The condition usually passes in 48 hours, but can lead to shock in severe cases.

Nutmeg: causes seizures, tremors and death

This popular spice, commonly used to season cakes, vegetables and even lasagna, should never be found on your dog’s dinner plate. Nutmeg, which has mild hallucinogenic properties, can cause seizures, tremors, central nervous system problems in dogs. In severe cases, shock and death have been reported.


Tomatoes – “tremors and heart arrhythmias”
Caffeine – causes “vomiting, restlessness, heart palpitations” and death
Diet products – drop in blood sugar
Macadamia nuts – muscle tremor, weakness and paralysis
Walnuts - poisonous
Fruit pips, seeds – poisonous since it contains cyanide
Salt – dog may develop bloating due to too much drinking
Ham and bacon – pancreatitis
Liver (raw or uncooked)- Vitamin A deficiency
Wild mushrooms – poisonous causing liver and kidney damage other
abdominal discomfort and death
Raw egg whites – biotin depletion
Cooked bones – Destroy dogs internal organs
Vegetables – Dogs cannot digest vegetables
Dairy food - pancreatitis, gas and diarrhea

Source: http://www.lacetoleather.com/fataltodogs.html


Chocolate - seizures, coma and death
Fatty foods – pancreatitis
Grapes – poisonous, acute kidney failure
Cocoa Mulch - seizures, coma and death (like chocolate)
Turkey – causes pancreatitis

Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Grapes,-Nuts,-and-Your-Dogs-Health----Food s-that-Fido-should-Avoid&id=20315


Alcoholic drinks – coma and death
Baby food – toxic, result to nutritional deficiencies
Fish and Poultry Bones – causes laceration of digestive system
Cat Food - high in fat, causes pancreatitis
Citrus oil extracts – vomiting
Hops – seizures and deaths
Marijuana – depression and heart rate changes
Mushrooms – toxic, causes shock and death
Persimmons – “intestinal obstruction and enteritis”
Tobacco – causes heart rate changes and death
Yeast dough - rupture to the stomach or intestines

Source: http://www.lowchensaustralia.com/health/dietno.htm

Calling All “Hot” Dogs for Wiener Nationals Race July 10, 2010

Posted by: Beach Reporter In: beaches| california| events


Sponsored by Wienerschnitzel, the Wiener Nationals are held annually at Los Alamitos Race Course, and are open to owners of Dachshunds who can put in an application with hopes that their prized pet will be selected to enter.
The 15th annual Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals at Los Alamitos Race Course on July 10, 2010,  is a 50-yard dash for Dachshunds. Believe it or not over 13,000 fans attended the event last year, held between normal course horse races. In 2009  Presley took home the title and over $1000 in winnings with a speed of 6.8 seconds.  Yep, it goes fast.
If you have a Dachshund and want to enter the Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals at Los Alamitos Race Course, write a story and tell why your Wiener Dog should be in the Wiener Nationals. Please make the letter as creative as possible because creativity, rather than speed, counts. You can send a drawing; poem; essay; funny photo; link to Facebook page, MySpace page; YouTube video, DVD or VHS tape or whatever you come up with (entries returned at your request.) For more information, please call 714-820-2690.
All letters must be received by May 25, 2010 to be considered, and must include your phone number and photograph of your dachshund.  Send to: Orlando Gutierrez, Publicity Department, Los Alamitos Race Course, 4961 Katella Ave. Los Alamitos, CA. 90720. You can also email your entry to: larace@losalamitos.com.
Only 98 dogs will be selected to compete in a total of 12 trials with winner, or wiener, of each trial advancing to the Wienerschnitzel Wiener National at Los Alamitos Final.  There’s no fee to enter - in fact your doggie will win $100 if he/she comes in first place in one of the trials and an additional $900 if he/she wins the championship race.
All of the trials, and the final, will take place Saturday, July 10, 2010 at Los Alamitos. The trials will begin at approximately 6:15 p.m. and the final will be held at about 9:30 p.m.
Wienerschnitzel will continue to sponsor the event for the 14th straight year and the 2010 running is expected to be bigger and better than ever. The races are held to raise funds for the Seal Beach Animal Care Center, a non-kill shelter that was established with the goal of finding homes for abandoned animals in the Orange County area. The 2009 dog races raised roughly $15,000. -losalamitos.com.
There are wiener dog races held in various locations in California, including races held monthly during the summer at Old World Village in Huntington Beach.

Silver Bay Kennel Club Dog Show

If you're a dog lover (hey, who in this group isn't!) and you've ever seen on TV the spectacle that is the famous Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, you know how entertaining dog shows can be. Just seeing all the breeds of dogs and their unique personalities is a lot of fun. Of course, at the same time, while you're watching these immaculately groomed and well-behaved pooches on TV, you look down at your feet and see your own loved mutt and mumble, "How come you don't act and look like that?" Ah, we can always wish... What's even better than watching a dog show on TV is to see one in person. Especially a large show, which includes all the AKC breeds. San Diego's annual dog spectacle, the Silver Bay Kennel Club Dog Show, sets up at the Del Mar Fairgrounds on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 26-28, 2009. And what better way to spend the weekend than to check out all the amazing breeds: small, large, huge, cute, ugly, prim, sloppy...but they're all lovable. And the best thing is that admission is free. Hours: Friday, 8:00AM-6:00PM

Saturday, 8:00AM-7:00PM Sunday, 8:00AM-3:00PM Price: Free admission Location: O'Brien, Bing Crosby and Exhibit Halls Parking: $9.00 The Silver Bay Kennel Club dog show is one of the largest in the United States. It will take place in the O'Brien, Bing Crosby and Exhibit Halls. A dog agility competition also will be part of the competition. Members of the public who would like to see that can take a tram to the competition location. Please see the Web site listed at the bottom of this page for judging schedule and other information. For more information, please contact: http://www.jbradshaw.... Silver Bay Kennel Club 760-751-2302 premium List DOG SHOW TOUR YOU'RE INVITED TO ATTEND! Please join us on a 10:00 AM dog show tour on Saturday and Sunday. See the breeds, meet breeders, owners and handlers. Tour meets 5 minutes prior to our departure at the Superintendent's table in Bing Crosby Hall. Obedience Club of San Diego County Inc.

Obedience & Rally Trials  - Friday, February 26, 2010- Specialties & Trials

Silver Bay Kennel Club Dog Show

February 26 - 28, 2010

Hours:      Friday, 8:00AM-6:00PM
                 Saturday, 8:00AM-7:00PM
                 Sunday, 8:00AM-3:00PM
Price:       Free admission
Location: O'Brien, Bing Crosby and Exhibit Halls 
Parking:   $9.00

The Silver Bay Kennel Club dog show is one of the largest in the United States. It will take place in the O'Brien, Bing Crosby and Exhibit Halls. A dog agility competition also will be part of the competition. Members of the public who would like to see that can take a tram to the competition location.

Please see the Web site listed at the bottom of this page for judging schedule and other information.
For more information, please contact:
http://www.jbradshaw.com/64/index.htm
Silver Bay Kennel Club
760-751-2302


The dachshund club of San Diego will be participation in the Dog Show. They will also be having a meet the breed booth. Please come by and say Hi! Mila and I will be there on Saturday from 10:00 till noon.

Helping Pets of the Homeless

I came across this article and wanted to pass it along to my dog friends.


Helping Pets of the Homeless
By R. STICKNEY
Updated 4:17 PM PST, Tue, Jan 12, 2010

Grateful Dogs Rescue

One woman has launched a very personal campaign - to clothe dogs living with San Diego's homeless.

Kelly Tomke thought of the idea one November day when she was driving through downtown, headed home to Golden Hill, and she spotted a dog's water dish.

Tomke had knit sweaters for the three dogs in her life, including her 14-year old poodle Bonaparte The Little General. She briefly considered knitting something for the dogs living with the homeless but soon realized that would be impossible.

However, older sweaters that Bonaparte wasn't wearing could be reused. With that idea, she started Keep Woofy Warm through a Craigslist posting and a couple of flyers posted around town.

Tomke's campaign to take used pet items and regift them for the pets of the homeless started slowly. After her story appeared in a local newspaper column, donations started coming in.

"It's all been good. It hasn't been great, but I didn't know what to expect," she said. "I'm happy something is happening. I'm okay with that."

She feels dogs help homeless people beyond simply protecting their stuff. "They need something to live for and I guess a pet is it," she said.

Soon, she found herself collecting more than just sweaters.

"It's food, it's toys, it's chew toys," she said. The items aren't necessarily new but may be items left by a pet that has passed on or one that has outgrown the sweater or toy.

"The stuff is useful," she said. "That's the point that I'm trying to bring across."

Tomke estimates she's received 30 sweaters so far and handles the distribution on her own.

People interested in donating send Tomke an email and she arranges for pickup. Residents in the North County can drop off donations at Synergy Escondido on 710 East Grand. James Young, Tomke's friend for more than 20 years, offered the site after several donations came in from North of Interstate 8.

"I think it’s a great idea," said Young. "She’s helping the homeless people and their dogs."

But Tomke doesn't think she's doing anything that can't be done by anyone else in San Diego.

"You don't need me," she said, "If you have a homeless group near you, find out how you can help."

Some may argue dogs have coats and don't need sweaters or blankets but Tomke disagrees.

"Dogs get cold. Big dogs get cold. Imagine a greyhound with no body fat and no hair," she said. "I know my poodle gets cold and he’s fat and hairy."
First Published: Jan 12, 2010 4:04 PM PST

Dogs in Tight Tights

A new short video I created - This is a spoof of the Movie "Robin Hood: Men in Tights" (1993)Directed by Mel Brooks. But this is Dogs in Tight Tights. If you want a laughs take a look.

Big Balloon Parade - Dachshund Participation

During the Big Balloon Parade there were many dachshund events going on. There was the 14th annual Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals dog race before the start of the 2009 Port of San Diego Big Bay Balloon Parade. 

The day started with a breakfast for the entrants. Then on to the Race itself. The Race started with a run off between Princes Destiny, and another dachshund. Followed by a few practice runs to warm the dogs up, and an introductions of the dogs to be raced. Then on to the main event, the race for the fastest dog. Sully from San Clement walk away with that title. 

Video by EricLanz Roberts )

(click her to go to more images by the North County Times)  and
  (More pictures photo stream by ActiveRain) 

The race contestants were then allowed to sit on a float hosted by the Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals. 

(This and other photos can be see on Port of San Diego's photo stream on Flicker)

The Dachshund Club of San Diego also had an entry in the parade. The members marched there dachshunds in costumes to the delight of the Crowds.

Other Photos 

Dachshund Meet-up, doxie86 Carol








If any one has any more photos posted on the internet please contact me with the link so I can reference it for others to see.  



Unified port of San Diego video 

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