Spring Flowers Poisionous to Pets

BY: Laurie Brzostowsk, President, Snaggle Foot Dog Walks and Pet Care-Round Lake, IL

Woo Hoo !  Spring is here.  I was sitting outside yesterday with my puppy Bandit and things are blooming !  Yay !

So while I was sitting outside with my doggie I realized we will now be shopping around for annuals to plant.  Some of these flowers can be extremely dangerous to our pets, so I thought I would list the top flowers that will be growing soon that are dangerous.

For more information about pet poisons, please check out http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com.

1. Tulips and Hyacinth: Tulips contain allergenic lactones while hyacinths contain similar
   
   alkaloids. The toxic principle of these plants is very concentrated in the bulbs (versus the leaf or flower), so make sure your dog isn’t digging up the bulbs in the garden. When the plant parts or bulbs are chewed or ingested, it can result in tissue irritation to the mouth and esophagus. Typical signs include profuse drooling, vomiting, or even diarrhea, depending on the amount consumed. There’s no specific antidote, but with supportive care from the veterinarian (including rinsing the mouth, anti-vomiting medication, and possibly subcutaneous fluids), animals do quite well. With large ingestions of the bulb, more severe symptoms such as an increase in heart rate and changes in respiration can be seen, and should be treated by a veterinarian. These more severe signs are seen in cattle or our overzealous, chowhound Labradors.
2. Daffodils:  These flowers contain lycorine, an alkaloid with strong emetic properties(something that triggers vomiting). Ingestion of the bulb, plant or flower can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and even possible cardiac arrhythmias or respiratory depression. Crystals are found in the outer layer of the bulbs, similar to hyacinths, which cause severe tissue irritation and secondary drooling. Daffodil ingestions can result in more severe symptoms so if an exposure is witnessed or symptoms are seen, we recommend seeking veterinary care.
3. Lilies:  There are dangerous and benign lilies out there, and it’s important to know thedifference. Peace, Peruvian, and Calla lilies contain oxalate crystals that cause minor signs, such as tissue irritation to the mouth, tongue, pharynx, and esophagus – this results in minor drooling. The more dangerous, potentially fatal lilies are true lilies, and these include Tiger, Day, Asiatic, Easter and Japanese Show lilies – all of which are highly toxic to cats! Even small ingestions (such as 2-3 petals or leaves) can result in severe kidney failure. If your cat is seen consuming any part of a lily, bring your cat (and the plant) immediately to a veterinarian for medical care. The sooner you bring in your cat, the better and more efficiently we can treat the poisoning. Decontamination (like inducing vomiting and giving binders like activated charcoal) are imperative in the early toxic stage, while aggressive intravenous fluid therapy, kidney function monitoring tests, and supportive care can greatly improve the prognosis.
4. Crocus:  There are two Crocus plants: one that blooms in the spring (Crocus species) and theother in the autumn (Colchicum autumnale). The spring plants are more common and are part of the Iridaceae family. These ingestions can cause general gastrointestinal upset including vomiting and diarrhea. These should not be mistaken for Autumn Crocus, part of the Liliaceae family, which contain colchicine. The Autumn Crocus is highly toxic and can cause severe vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding, liver and kidney damage, and respiratory failure. If you’re not sure what plant it is, bring your pet to their veterinarian immediately for care. Signs may be seen immediately but can be delayed for days.
5. Lily of the Valley: The Convallaria majalis plant contains cardiac glycosides which will causesymptoms similar to digitalis (foxglove) ingestion. These symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, a drop in heart rate, severe cardiac arrhythmias, and possibly seizures. Pets with any known exposure to this plant should be examined and evaluated by a veterinarian and treated symptomatically.

And don't forget about fertilizers.. almost ALL fertilizers are dangerous to pets.  Use them ONLY when your pets are not around and keep your pets off lawns and around plants that you have fertilized.  Even better, try and find pet friendly environmentally safe fertilizers to use in your yard.

Happy Spring everyone and let's just make sure we ALL enjoy the flowers !

5 Signs of Pain in Your Pet

Our pets can’t outright tell us when they are in pain.  If your pet is limping or has a visible wound, then it may be obvious - but otherwise it is important to be aware of subtle clues that your pet is in pain.

1.  Verbal cues

Vocalization is a typical sign of pain in animals.  Your pet may start to whine continuously or respond with sound when a certain painful area is touched.  Verbal cues to listen for include whining, whimpering, howling, growling, and yelping.  Cats may purr with increased frequency when they are in pain.

2.  Changes in facial expression

Changes in facial expression can be subtle and are a good hint that your pet is experiencing pain.  Abnormal eye expressions include squinting or glazed vacant stares.  Pupils often stay dilated when pets are experiencing pain.  Ears may also differentiate from their normal upright position.

3.  Altered posture

Cats and dogs in pain can experience discomfort in their normal resting or sitting position.  Pets that are in pain tend to hunch or bend over to arch their backs and tuck their abdomen in.  Pets in pain may be reluctant to lift their head and therefore appear to have a ‘droopy’ body posture.

4.  Behavioural changes

Changes in your pet’s daily habits can be indicative of discomfort or pain.  Regular eating or sleeping patterns, and grooming habits may lapse.  Pets in pain may begin to act out of character and become withdrawn from social interaction or become snappy at their owners.  Caution should be taken if your pet is exhibiting behavioural changes as they could become abnormally aggressive as a self-protection reflex.

5.  Decreased activity

Painful conditions can cause pets to become lethargic and reluctant to move.  Animals with sore joints may have difficulty getting up from a resting position or performing certain manoeuvres such as climbing stairs due to a limited range of motion.

Cats and dogs can be good at hiding their pain because injuries or ill-health can cause them to feel threatened.  If your pet shows any signs of being in pain or simply doesn’t seem themselves, do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian.  The sooner the source of your pet’s pain is diagnosed and treated, the quicker your pet can return to being healthy and happy.

How To Find The "Right" Pet Sitter/Dog Walker

By:  Laurie Brzostowski, President, Snaggle Foot Dog Walks and Pet Care-Round Lake, IL

This is a topic I am well versed in.  I have owned Snaggle Foot Dog Walks & Pet Care in Round Lake Illinois for almost 7 years.

But, I remember when my dog (Sebastian) was just a puppy and I had to drive home every day at lunch to let him out because we all know in order to potty train a puppy they have to stay on a consistent schedule.  It was really hard.

I was working full time in Gurnee so every day I drove to Round Lake Beach to let my puppy out. Back then there really weren't a lot of "pet sitters" or "dog walkers" but if there were I would have jumped all over that service.

If you are in a situation where you need pet care there are now a lot of pet sitters, dog walkers, house sitters, out there that can help you.  Whether it be a daily dog walk, puppy care, senior pet care, overnight pet sitting, vacation sitting, etc.  Which is a good thing because as pet parents we may need help on occasion or every day.

If you are in this situation and are looking for a pet sitter or dog walker, there are a few things you should be looking at.

First, decide what type of you care you need.  If you need a daily dog walk or puppy care or vacation visits or cat care, you want to try and find a pet sitter who does all of the above.  This will make it easier if you have multiple species of animals and you may need all the services.  If the pet sitter can do it all you won't have to go searching for separate pet sitters who do separate activities.

Do an internet search in your town.  You will find there a lot of pet sitters like me out there.  Once you find a couple give them call or email them and ask them the following questions:

• Are they bonded and insured?  This is very important, it protects you and it protects the pet sitter.
• Do they have a backup system, this means are they the only pet sitter or do they have a staff. This is also very important in case the primary sitter/walker goes on vacation, falls ill, etc., you can then have the backup put into place.
• If they do have a staff do they run background checks on the staff?  Also very important since these sitters will be entering your home.
• If they do have staff, are they Independent Contractors or actual Employees (Snaggle Foot Round Lake hires "employees").
• How do they schedule the visits and what is included in the visit.
• Cost.

You notice I put cost last that is because there are so many other things that are important in choosing a pet sitter "besides" the cost of hiring one.  For your peace of mine just don't look at who is the cheapest.

Once you decide on the sitter make sure they conduct a inhome consult. This is where you get meet the pet sitter and they can meet you and the animals they will be taking care of.  The logistics of the visit are also usually explained during this inhome consult (where are the food and water bowls, pet food, leashes, litter box etc.).  You may even ask if they provide other services, like bringing in your mail and newspapers and watering plants.

Once you are all done with that you now have your very own pet sitter/walker. Usually once you become a client they are there for you for however long you need them which is a wonderful service to have.  

So go ahead and do what you normally do during the day, it's okay because you now have someone to help you with your pets.

3 Disaster Planning Considerations for your Pet

BY: Laurie Brzostowski

Serious storms, earthquakes, floods, and power outages can be unpredictable.  Preparing a disaster plan for you and your pets can save a lot of unnecessary stress during a serious crisis.  Some things to consider include:

1. Identification

Frightened animals tend to exhibit the flight response and flee when scared.  Current identification is vital in case your pet becomes unexpectedly lost during a disaster.  All dogs and cats should possess identification tags with up to date contact information.

Permanent identification methods are also useful in case your pet loses their collar.  Microchip implants are painless and sit under your pet’s skin for life.  If your pet is found, they are scanned by workers at animal shelters or clinics to be traced back to you.  Make sure to keep contact information updated on the microchip register as well.

2. Retrieving your pet

If you are not at home with your dog or cat when a disaster occurs, you will need to go back and retrieve them.  If you are not able to make it back to your home safely, it is a good idea to establish a contingency plan with a family member, neighbour, or friend for someone to go and check on your pet.  This should be a person who your pet is familiar with and who you trust to gain emergency assess into your home.

Another useful tool is a pet alert sign.  Pet alert signs inform emergency workers who may be first on a disaster scene that there could be animals trapped inside your home.  The sign should be placed in a front window to be easily visible.

3. Evacuation kit

If evacuation of your home is necessary, you will be responsible for your pet’s food and supplies.  Your pet evacuation kit should be assembled in advance and should contain at least a one week supply of pet food and water as well as an extra stock of any medications your pet requires.  It is important to regularly check the expiry dates of food and medication.  Restock supplies when necessary.

Other essential items to include in the evacuation kit are first aid supplies, copies of medical and vaccination records, items for restraint, waste supplies, blankets, and towels.

Following a disaster, observe your pet for signs of stress including restlessness, vomiting or diarrhea.  If you have any concerns about their health, contact a veterinarian.

Not All Pet Sitting Companies Are Alike

By:  Laurie Brzostowski, President, Snaggle Foot Dog Walks and Pet Care-Round Lake.


I understand, as a pet owner myself, what it takes to trust someone to come into your home and take care of your home and your pets.  All of our pet sitters are strictly screened to make sure they are the best of the best.  We do phone interviews, face to face interviews, reference checks, background checks and "field" training.  It takes a very long time to the find the right people to do this job.

However, as a pet owner it is your responsibility to also check and make sure you are hiring the right person to take care of your home and pets.  Here are some tips to help you make the right decision in choosing a pet sitter for your home and your pets:

• Make sure you call and compare different pet sitting businesses.  Don't just call around and base it all on cost.  The old adage "you get what you pay for" does go along way in who you hire.  The cheapest pet sitter out there may not be the best pet sitter out there.
• Are they bonded and insured?  This is very important, it protects you and it protects the pet sitter.
• Do they have a backup system, this means are they the only pet sitter or do they have a staff. This is also very important in case the primary sitter/walker goes on vacation, falls ill, etc., you can then have the backup put into place.
• If they do have a staff do they run background checks on the staff?  Also very important since these sitters will be entering your home.
• How do they schedule the visits and what is included in the visit.
• Ask for references from the pet sitting company, talk to their other clients. 
• Ask the pet sitter to text or email you every day while you are gone.  We text and send pictures after each visit or once per day based on what the client wants.
• Make sure you meet the pet sitter before you go away.  If you are not comfortable with that person then do not hire them.  If the pet sitting business has other pet sitters available, ask that you meet another sitter that does make you comfortable.  If none of them make you comfortable, then hire another pet sitting business.  It is your home and your pet and you should do what you think is right.  We understand.

If all of this still does not make you comfortable, then by all means, hire a friend, a neighbor or a family member, but make sure these people also don't mind coming to your house early in the morning, again in the afternoon, and again at night and on weekend or Holidays.

We are professional pet sitters, our business name and reputation are on the line so we all make sure we do what is right by making sure you and your pets are taken care of and loved while you are away.

Spring Safety Tips For Your Pets !

By: Laurie Brzostowsk, President, Snaggle Foot Dog Walks and Pet Care-Round Lake, IL

Woo Hoo !!  Spring is finally here.  We started seeing some awesome weather last week, however, today we are a bit chilly here in Northern Illinois.  But as far as I am concerned, Spring is now upon us and I am so happy.  It was a very long cold winter.

With Spring coming all of us are now "coming out of the woodwork"... LOL !  Going on walks with our doggies, starting to plant flowers and bushes and other spring time activities.

Spring is a glorious time but we always need to make sure our pets are safe.  Below are some Spring Safety Tips for your pets.  For more tips, please go to www.aspca.org.

• Easter Treats and Decorations Keep Easter lilies and candy bunnies in check—chocolate goodies are toxic to cats, dogs and ferrets, and lilies can be fatal if ingested by our furry friends. And be mindful, kitties love to nibble on colorful plastic grass, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting and dehydration. Moreover, while bunnies, chicks and other festive animals are adorable, resist the urge to buy—these cute babies grow up fast and often require specialized care!
    
• Screen Doors  Many pet parents welcome the breezy days of spring by opening their windows. Unfortunately, they also unknowingly put their pets at risk—especially cats, who are apt to jump or fall through unscreened windows. Be sure to install snug and sturdy screens in all of your windows. If you have adjustable screens, make sure they are tightly wedged into window frames.
    
• Car Rides  While every pet parent knows dogs love to feel the wind on their furry faces, allowing them to ride in the bed of pick-up trucks or stick their heads out of moving-car windows is dangerous. Flying debris and insects can cause inner ear or eye injuries and lung infections, and abrupt stops or turns can cause major injury, or worse! Pets in cars should always be secured in a crate or wearing a seat belt harness designed especially for them.
    
• Spring Cleaning Spring cleaning is a time-honored tradition in many households, but be sure to keep all cleaners and chemicals out of your pets’ way! Almost all commercially sold cleaning products contain chemicals that are harmful to pets. The key to using them safely is to read and follow label directions for proper use and storage.
    
• Home Improvement Projects  Products such as paints, mineral spirits and solvents can be toxic to your pets and cause severe irritation or chemical burns. Carefully read all labels to see if the product is safe to use around your furry friends. Also, be cautious of physical hazards, including nails, staples, insulation, blades and power tools. It may be wise to confine your dog or cat to a designated pet-friendly room during home improvement projects.
   
• Gardening  Pet parents, take care—fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides keep our plants and lawns healthy and green, but their ingredients aren't meant for four-legged consumption and can be fatal if your pet ingests them.  Always store these poisonous products in out-of-the-way places and follow label instructions carefully. 
    
• Poisonous Plants  Time to let your garden grow! But beware, many popular springtime plants—including Easter lilies, rhododendron and azaleas—are highly toxic to pets and can easily prove fatal if eaten. 
    
• Allergies  Like their sneezy human counterparts, pets can be allergic to foods, dust, plants and pollens. Allergic reactions in dogs and cats an cause minor sniffling and sneezing as well as life-threatening anaphylactic shock. If you suspect your pet has a springtime allergy, please visit your veterinarian as soon as possible.
    
• Insects  April showers bring May flowers—and an onslaught of bugs! Make sure your pet is on year-round heartworm preventive medication, as well as a flea and tick control program.
     
• Out and About  Warmer weather means more trips to the park, longer walks and more chances for your pet to wander off! Make sure your dog or cat has a microchip for identification and wears a tag imprinted with your home address, cell phone and any other relevant contact information. 

Spring is a wonderful time of year.  Let's just make sure that "everyone" enjoys it.