Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Fruits, Veggies & Nuts That Are Toxic To Your Dog - Part 1




There's very little we won't do for our little fury loves, including giving them pieces of our food. However, there are some things your dog should never get his or her little paws on.

Here's a list of fruits and veggies that may be toxic to your dog...play it safe, keep it away.


Grapes & Raisins can cause kidney failure and irreversible kidney damage within 24 hours of being eaten.
Symptoms: Vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, noticeable abdominal pain, little urination, and wobbly and almost weakened movement.


Tomatoes - parts of tomato plants, like the vines, stems, and leaves contain a harmful alkaloid called atropine (tomatine poisoning), which can cause serious problems if eaten. Green or unripened fruit has less of the toxin but can still cause stomach upset. Although ripened red tomatoes are not as likely to make your dog sick, they should not be part of a regular dog food diet.
Causes: Tremors, seizures, and heart arrhythmia.
Symptoms: Unusual drooling, overall weakness, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, dilated pupils, and even paralysis.


Garlic, Onions and Chives - There are mixed thoughts about feeding dogs garlic. When fed in small amounts, garlic is said to be beneficial for your dog because it's considered one of nature's antibiotics. On the other hand, when injected in larger amounts, both garlic and onion (in fresh, dried, or powdered form) can cause anemia and stomach upset due to the destruction of red blood cells.
Symptoms: Rapid heart rate, weakness, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, blood in the urine, pale and thin gums.


Avocado - All part of the plant and seed-pit should NOT be eaten by dogs. If they do, dogs could experience painful oxygen deprivation leaving to possible death and pancreatitis. It is still being debated by the scientific community if the actual avocado meat and oils are poisonous, so it may be best to void all of it.
Symptoms: Trouble breathing or loss of breath, wheezing, vomiting, diarrhea, congestion, fluid build up in the chest are.


Macadamia Nuts - Generally consumption will not be fatal, but can cause your dog to become extremely ill. The toxin in the nut is not know. Ingestion of just a handful of nuts can cause adverse effects. As little as six macadamia nuts can trigger locomotory difficulties in dogs. Toxicity will typically happen within 6-24 hours.
Symptoms: Vomiting, weakness, depression, lack of energy, drunken walking, joint/muscle pain, joint swelling, tremors, ataxia, hypothermia, and abdominal pain.



Immediately take your dog to the nearest Veterinarian if your dog ingests any of these items.



(Part 2 of this post will go live next week)

Monday, July 7, 2014

Doggie Street Festival - San Diego & Los Angeles




I'm constantly on the look out for any fun events I can take Gigi to so I was super excited to come across this fabulous Doggie Street Festival being held at not just one, but two SoCal locations.


Not only is your dog welcome at this free festival but there will be many sponsors there sharing pet heath, nutrition and training tips. And of course, there will be lots of dogs there for you to ADOPT. Last year's event sent 166+ fur balls to a new home! That's right, every homeless pup needs a warm home...make yours theirs.




EVENT INFO:

San Diego, CA
Saturday, July 12 @ 9am-4pm
Liberty Station: NTC Park 92106 (directions)


Los Angeles, CA
Sunday, July 20 @ 11am-5pm
Westfield Century City Mall - 10250 Santa Monica Blvd. Los Angeles, 90067 (directions)




Hope to see you there!

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Dog Owner Must Have: GULPY Water Dispenser



I'm the first to admit I spoil my dog. Truth is, I probably enjoy shopping for her just a teeny bit more than I like shopping for myself...strange, I know. Out of numerous items I've purchased over the last 10 months since she's been with us, the Gulpy pet water dispenser is by far the BEST! 

Not only do I no longer worry about not having a water dish on hand for Gigi but I also never worry about whether or not water will be accessible. It's ideal for walks, hikes, road trips, beach trips or just everyday use when you're not at home. The dispenser has a nifty little belt hook on it so you can clip it to your belt or purse and fits into any standard bike water bottle holder.

Gigi's super picky - girl won't drink out of a water dish if other dogs have used it so her Gulpy is always the first thing to get tossed in my purse when we're off to the dog park.  She even knows that's her water dispenser and will nudge at it when she's thirsty and needs me to open it for her. Smart dog.




Gulpy makes the pet water dispensers in two sizes: 10 oz (aka: Gulpy Jr - shown in pics above) and 20 oz. They're also available in various colors including blue, purple, orange, and green. I purchased her first Gulpy Jr. on Amazon but just last week purchased a back up Gulpy Jr. at Target, both under $8. Talk about a deal!

It's super easy to use, just flip it open and give it a little squeeze to fill the water reservoir and flip it back to close.

The only negative thing I've read is the fact that the dispenser does not suck the unused water back in...honestly I don't care. I just toss it and close it back up. The container is made of sturdy plastic, no breaks or cracks yet. I've tossed ours around the room and left it in my hot car and it's still in good shape. Not sure if it's recommended but I've tossed it in the dishwasher and it's still in perfect condition. It's leak proof too! I've never had an incident where I've found my purse soaked with water. 

My advice to all dog owners, get one! Every time I pull it out for Gigi we get tons of compliments and inquiries as to where they can get one.