We think about upset stomachs with our animals when we change their food, they steal out of the trash or table and of course at any holiday dinner.
Our friends at The Dog Food Advisors has written an article with some sensitive stomach advice and good suggestions. ~Tricia, Rudy and Trixie
Happy Wednesday.
If you’re eating your breakfast, maybe come back to this email in a few minutes — we’re going to be talking poop.
Specifically, diarrhea.
There’s no such thing as good diarrhea in dogs (or any animal). Aside from the obvious aesthetic and practical unpleasantness, it’s usually a sign of something wrong in a mutt’s guts.
When diarrhea strikes, it’s natural to worry that it’s something they’ve eaten — either something you didn’t intend them to consume or their dog food. See Our Best Dog Foods for Sensitive Stomachs
It’s not an invalid concern. Ingredients in your dog’s diet, changing their diet too dramatically, or their propensity to eat things they’re not supposed to, can all cause loose stools.
However, diarrhea is nearly always caused by an infection and one cause of infection is too often overlooked — your dog’s water.
Parasites like giardia — which causes the diarrheal disease giardiasis – absolutely thrive in the water that many dogs drink, whether a bowl that’s been left too long at home, a communal bowl at a dog park or cafe, or a puddle.
Limited-time deal: 40% off selected brands at Petco
The good news is, there are ways to minimize the risk of such infections — and the nauseating consequences. And you can read all about them in this article:
Full disclosure: we may receive a small referral fee if you use these links to purchase dog food containers, which goes towards funding and growing the Dog Food Advisor and keeping our work free to the public.
My apologies again if your breakfast was interrupted —
Until next time,
Andrew
Editor The Dog Food Advisor Saving Good Dogs From Bad Dog Food
Our friends at Dog Food Advisor has sent a short note with links to buy food containers at Chewy and PetCo (He is honest that they get a little something for purchasing through the links so if you purchase let’s support them). P
ersonally, I have the spin top containers for dry but I’m going to look into wet food containers because I use the containers we use and let’s face it, their food is human grade but it is still their food. I want something that stands out. I’ll leave it here so I can go shopping!!
Have a great read and a great week. Until next time. ~Tricia
Hey,
Happy Wednesday!
I went for a hike on the weekend. It was most enjoyable, full of Spring colors, sunshine and scents. That is, it was enjoyable until I opened my backpack to find the wrapper of my now-melted chocolate bar had been opened and its contents had made good their escape, leaving the adjacent white t-shirt looking like a soiled diaper.
It was my fault for failing to put the bar in a suitable container. But my foolishness was not without its benefits.
It made me think about how we should store dog food (pretty much everything that enters my head somehow comes back to dogs and dog food these days). It turns out it’s not quite as simple as you might think.
Storing food properly is a really important part of looking after your dog, after all. It keeps it good to eat and, from a dollar-in-your-pocket point of view, does so for longer.
Keep the original packaging for info/expiry dates.
You can double-layer with the original packaging and a container.
Wet food should be stored in the fridge.
Dry food should be stored in a cool, dry place.
I have to repeat the airtight lid tip — it’s a must.
That’s a very brief summary, so I do recommend reading the full article here. We also have some links here to buy dog food storage solutions on Petco and Chewy.
Full disclosure: we may receive a small referral fee if you use these links to purchase dog food containers, which goes towards funding and growing the Dog Food Advisor and keeping our work free to the public.
Anyway, I’m off to buy some stain-remover and pray to the laundry gods for my t-shirt.
Until next time,
Andrew
Editor The Dog Food Advisor Saving Good Dogs From Bad Dog Food
Growing up we had Mallards, I don’t know why but we did. We had chickens with the fully enclosed coop. I remember picking up the eggs and holding them up to a light to make sure there wasn’t a chick in it. My parents had an acre and a half. Part was filled with all kinds of fruit trees, herbs, berries everything. I grew up in California, San Bernardino.
Living here in Huntington Beach backyard farm animals are not common or are they allowed in many zip codes. Many are interested in having them but you would need to move into Corona, Norco more inland.
I’m writing this because PetMD posted an article about it. All the good and icky parts of having ducks. Enjoy the read.
Have you ever seen some ducks swimming contentedly in a park pond and wondered to yourself whether you can keep ducks as pets? Well, you are not alone. More and more people are bringing ducks home to be part of their daily lives.
If you think pet ducks might be the right fit for you, here are some tips for duck care and issues to consider before adopting a duck as a pet.
Check Your Local Laws
If you are considering adding pet ducks to your family, the first step is to see if your local municipality allows you to keep ducks as pets.
Some areas won’t permit any poultry to be kept as pets (e.g., no ducks or chickens). Some cities will allow only chickens, and some are more flexible.
Other areas will allow only a certain number of birds, or they will restrict the hours that they may be allowed outside.
Be sure you know what your town permits; there is certainly nothing worse for you (or your birds!) to be bonded, attached and then forced to give them up because you didn’t obey the local guidelines.
Benefits of Having Ducks as Pets
So, what are some reasons why you should consider having ducks as pets? They are feathered balls of personality! Each one is different, and it is really fun getting to know them as individuals.
They also lay eggs and are more regular about it than chickens. They are relatively long-lived pets—it’s possible for them to live 10-15 years when well cared for.
Keep in mind that they produce LOTS of manure. So, they are great pets if you have a garden. They are also less damaging on your yard and landscaping than chickens are. And, they consume lots of insects in the process!
Things to Consider Prior to Adopting Pet Ducks
Ducks are pretty high maintenance compared to chickens. They need lots of fresh water, which they soil frequently—so that will need to be cleaned quite regularly.
There is a lot of cleanup to be done with ducks—and it is often a wet, stinky mess.
Since pet ducks usually are unable to fly, they are a big target when it comes to local wildlife predators. That means that you will need to provide them with hawk covers, which should be placed over their pens. When outside, your pet ducks will also need to be supervised and protected from potential coyote attacks.
Also, in my experience, ducks do not tend to do well in colder climates. In fact, if it is below 30 degrees Fahrenheit (and I live in Maine)—my ducks only want to spend a short period of time outside each day, preferring to live in my basement. And, what is a moderate mess to clean up outside is a bit more extensive when it’s in the house.
Lastly, pet ducks can be pretty noisy, especially when they want something or someone. Neighbors may not appreciate the enthusiastic quacks as much as you do.
How to Take Care of Pet Ducks
If all of this sounds like a good fit for you and your lifestyle, and the adorable little faces of ducklings are calling your name, then you will want to take some time to set up your yard before bringing your new family members home.
Preparation is key. Finding pet duck supplies can be a lot more challenging than chicken supplies, so a little more time and planning is needed. Here are a few basic duck supplies that you will need to get before adopting ducks as pets:
Duck Coop
You will need a completely enclosed, predator-proof coop for the ducks.
They do not tend to fly up and perch like chickens, so height is not important. What you do need to consider when it comes to duck coops is the amount of floor space.
Since you will likely want to leave water in the coop with them, be sure to have waterproof flooring and bedding material. You can use linoleum, tarps or a rubberized floor coating to protect your floors from water damage.
On top of that flooring, I have a layer of soft wood chips, but you can also use recycled paper. You will want this bedding to be absorbent.
Ducks can’t “jump” well into coops, either. So, the coop you choose should have a low opening or a wide, stable ramp to get through the entry.
Enclosed Yard
You will want to have a safe place for your pet ducks to play when they are not in the coop. Having a fenced-in yard is the best solution. This “free time” should be supervised because of the risk of predators.
In addition to a fenced-in yard, pet ducks should have a secure, enclosed area that can serve as a safe place to be when you can’t watch them. I strongly recommend surrounding it with an electric fence and covering it with hawk netting—even if you live in an urban area. Many species of predators find pet ducks very appealing.
Swimming Tub
Ducks LOVE to swim. And splash. And drink. And bathe. Everything in their life revolves around water, which means the bigger the tub, the better.
But remember that ducks will soil their water with amazing speed, so the tub needs to be changed regularly. In fact, I change mine several times per day. You will want to find a tub that has enough room to swim but is small enough to clean easily.
A moderately large dog swimming pool, like the Cool Pup Splash About dog pool, works for most birds. Be sure that they can both get in and get out of it easily, particularly if you are raising young ducklings that aren’t quite coordinated yet.
Duck Food
Believe it or not, there is such a thing!
Many people choose to feed their pet ducks chicken food, and I do NOT recommend this. There are different nutritional needs that ducks have (such as needing more niacin than chickens) that will not be met by feeding chicken food.
You wouldn’t consider feeding your dog exclusively cat food or your cat exclusively dog food, right? In the same way, ducks shouldn’t be fed exclusively chicken food.
Yes, I will occasionally slip them a snack of chicken chow, but that is the exception rather than the rule. More than likely, you will not be able to find waterfowl food in your local stores. So, you will have to order it online. I feed Zupreem waterfowl food, and I have had very good luck feeding my birds with it.
Duck Treats
Ducks love treats! Healthy treats that complement their diet are the best option.
Foods like fresh, leafy green vegetables are always favored. Carrots, ripe tomatoes, pumpkin, squash, oats, berries, bananas—the sky is the limit here! I will also offer snacks such as corn, green beans and brussels sprouts.
For the most part, anything that is in season at the local farmer’s market or grocery store is probably fair game for the ducks.
And of course, remember that the pests that an exterminator may remove from your lawn and garden are probably amongst the best and healthiest snacks that your pet ducks could possibly find.
Are You Ready for Some Pet Ducks?
Ducks can be amazingly fun and interesting pets. They do require more work—and more expense—than chickens, but the payback certainly can be worth every bit.
Ducks tend to be more consistent about laying eggs, and duck eggs are alleged to be healthier than chicken eggs and are prized by bakers everywhere.
So, if you are ready for lots of baked goods as well as plenty of manure for your garden, pick up a good book or two on keeping ducks, find a source for waterfowl food, and get ready to start on a great adventure!
I have gone through this over and over with different housekeeping and my husband. I try to use natural products which don’t always work the best like the ones that are toxic. They walk on the floors, lick the wall, whatever it is and now Trixie drinks out of the toilet. We keep the door shut, lid down but it’s the guest bathroom and it doesn’t always go as planned.
This article came from PetMD and it hopefully will be of some help to you. Leave your comments.
According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, 8.3% of pet poison calls are due to exposure to household cleaning products. Depending on their ingredients, cleaning products can pose dangers if your pet licks, inhales, or ingests them, or if they’ve come into contact with your pet’s skin or eyes.
This can make deep cleaning your house a tricky feat for pet parents, as cleaning product labels can be very hard to read and interpret for possible pet poisons and toxins. Here’s some useful information on common cleaning products that may be harmful to your pet, and what to do if you suspect your pet was exposed to them.
What Makes Cleaning Products Dangerous?
Some common ingredients that are toxic to pets include ammonia, bleach, chlorine, formaldehyde, and isopropyl alcohol. However, the level of toxicity and degree of illness can vary significantly based on the concentration, how much the pet is exposed to, and the route of exposure (ingested, inhaled, contact).
Common clinical signs of cleaning product toxicity in pets when ingested include:
Drooling or pawing at the mouth
Vomiting
Not eating
Diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Lethargy
Disorientation
Seizures
Coma
Common clinical signs of cleaning product toxicity in pets when inhaledinclude:
Sneezing
Coughing
Watery eyes
Trouble breathing
Increased rate of breathing
Open-mouth breathing (in cats)
Bluish-colored gums
Common clinical signs of cleaning product toxicity in pets when contact with the skinoccurs:
Redness and irritation
Sores or blisters
Rash
Chemical burns
6 Cleaning Products That Are Toxic to Pets
Here are some common toxic ingredients found in many popular brand-name cleaners:
1. Ammonia
Ammonia most commonly appears on the product label as ammonium hydroxide, which is ammonia combined with water.
Type of cleaner
Example
Window cleaner
Windex Original Glass Cleaner
Floor polishing wax
Pledge Tile and Vinyl Floor Finish
Drain cleaner
ComStar Blow Out Drain Cleaner
Bathroom cleaner
Lysol Aerosol Bathroom Cleaner
Multisurface cleaner
Windex Advanced Glass and Multi-Surface Cleaner
Glass and mirror cleaner
Walmart Great Value Original Glass Cleaner
Carpet cleaner
Resolve High Traffic Foam
Pet stain remover
Resolve Instant Eraser
Other products that may contain ammonia can include furniture polish, toilet bowl cleanser, oven cleanser, and stainless-steel cleaner.
2. Bleach and Chlorine
Bleach and chlorine are chemically identical. The difference is their concentration: Bleach is more likely to have 3%–6% concentration, whereas pool chlorine can be 10%–12% concentration. The toxic ingredient most commonly appears on product labels as sodium hypochlorite.
Type of cleaner
Example
Multipurpose cleaner
Lysol Bleach Multi-Purpose Cleaner
Tile cleaner
Tilex Disinfects Instant Mildew Remover
Bathroom cleaner
Scrubbing Bubbles Foaming Bleach Bathroom Cleaner
Disinfectant
Comet Disinfecting Cleaner with Bleach
Bleach
Clorox Disinfecting Bleach
Pool chlorine tab
In the Swim Chlorine Tabs
Drain cleaner
Drano
3. Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde has many precursors and byproducts, and can appear on the product label under many names, including formalin, formic aldehyde, methanal, methylene, and quaternium-15.
Type of cleaner
Example
Bathroom cleaner
Comet
Laundry detergent
Woolite
5. Phenol
Phenol may appear on a product label under many names, including butylated hydroxytoluene, benzenol, carbolic acid, phenolic acid, Bakelite, and alkylphenols.
Type of cleaner
Example
Soap
Carbolic soap
Disinfectant
Lysol
Laundry detergent
Woolite
6. Isopropyl Alcohol
Isopropyl alcohol is also commonly listed on product ingredient lists as rubbing alcohol, with a percentage to indicate the concentration. It’s found in both antiseptics and cleaning products.
Type of cleaner
Example
Electronics cleaner
Windex Electronics Wipes
Hand sanitizer
Germ-X
Disinfecting spray
Lysol
What To Do if Your Pet Is Exposed to a Cleaning Product
If your pet was exposed to a cleaning product, this may be a medical emergency. Act quickly to determine if they need to be seen at the emergency room. Try to determine:
How your pet was exposed
Which product was involved
How much your fur baby was exposed to
Toxicity in pets varies greatly among household cleaners and can range from mild to life-threatening. It’s best if you have the packaging or can find the product label online to verify which ingredients are present. Even with the product label, however, it can be hard to determine if a toxic ingredient is present, because those ingredients may have multiple names.
Gather as much information as possible, then call your veterinarian to discuss whether your pet needs to be seen. You can also call the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 for more help determining if your pet needs to go to the emergency room.
Pet-Safe Cleaning Products
When possible, switching to pet-safe cleaning products reduces the risk of exposure to toxic chemicals. Some favorites are:
How to Keep Your Pets Safe Around Cleaning Products
Prevention is key when it comes to exposure to household cleaning products. When you’re cleaning in a home with pets:
Keep cleaning products in a secure location, out of paw’s reach.
Do not leave cleaning products unattended.
Keep pets out of the room while you are cleaning.
Ventilate the room by turning on fans or opening windows.
Consider using fragrance-free or odorless products.
Make sure all surfaces and products are fully dry before allowing pets back in the room.
FAQs
1. What happens if my dog licks a cleaning product?
If your pet ingests a cleaning product, contact their veterinarian or one of the animal poison control centers (Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435) immediately to determine if your pet needs to go to the ER.
2. Is Lysol toxic to dogs?
Many Lysol products, like most common household cleaning products, can be toxic to pets. For example, Lysol can contain ammonia, bleach, and phenols, which are all toxic ingredients. If your pet is exposed to Lysol, locate the product’s label and contact your veterinarian.
3. Can my dog get sick from smelling cleaning products?
Yes. Inhaling some cleaning products can be dangerous to pets and result in damage to the lungs, coughing, and trouble breathing.
4. Is Clorox toxic to dogs?
Most Clorox products contain bleach, which is toxic to dogs.
5. Is Windex toxic to pets?
Some Windex products contain toxic ingredients such as ammonia or bleach. If you suspect that your pet has had exposure to Windex, locate the product label and contact your veterinarian or one of the animal poison control centers (Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435).
Been there, yep. Our 11 year old Border Collie is not slowing down until she just can’t walk. She doesn’t like it when I pickup the ball and tell her it’s time to go home. Now a days she drops the ball drinks some water and heads for home. It’s sad understandable but sad.
When this came in from the Food Advisor it made me feel good about how we fed her but at 11 we have to watch her weight too. It’s all good and if you have a younger active dog remember they need a bit more protein
Hey,
Happy Wednesday!
Also, happy Active Dog Month! Yes, another Wednesday email, another dog-related day/week/month to mention.
How active is an active dog? It’s a bit like asking, how long is a tail? Dogs’ activity levels vary not only among different dogs, but the same dog. My boy can be like a coiled spring one day, a very elaborate and expensive soft furnishing the next.
It’s not a precise science, but we each have a pretty good idea of what the term means — much as we’d say a dog has a short or long tail with some degree of confidence — and whether it applies to our dogs.
What a dog eats is, of course, entwined with their exercise levels. If they’re a whirl of perpetual motion, certain foods will help provide the necessary energy. Likewise, you don’t want to keep pumping gas into a car that rarely leaves the driveway.
There’s also a question of cause and effect, too. Is a dog more sedate because they’re not getting enough energy from their food? It might be worth looking at their diet and maybe even chatting with your vet or a nutritionist if you’re worried.
If your dog is active, there are certain things you should look for in, or add to, their dog food — and those depend on the kind of activity they enjoy. Endurance exercise relies on aerobic metabolism, while during short bursts of activity, the metabolism remains anaerobic.
If it’s endurance we’re talking about — long hikes or days swimming at the lake, for example — your dog needs fat for sustained energy and increased protein to help condition the body for that exercise and repair muscle damage.
If your dog’s a sprinter not a hiker — more Usain Bolt than Bill Bryson — carbohydrates are the most available source of energy. Carbs aren’t always shown on dog food labels but there’s a simple way to calculate them.
And that’s not all. Our in-house nutritionist, Laura Ward, says:
“There are three nutrients which are valuable for active dogs, over and above the requirements for a complete and balanced diet. They are:
Omega 3 – especially a source of EPA and DHA. Omega 3 has properties to soothe inflammation, which is great for protecting active joints.
Probiotics – great to support brain health and focus.
L-carnitine – this works on the mitochondrial system, which uses fat to provide energy.
You can look for these things in a bought dog food or you can add them, either through supplements or natural sources.
Fish oil or algal oils are the primary sources of Omega 3. Indeed, fish is a good source of Omega 3 generally. Plain live yoghurt or plain kefir will add probiotics to your dog’s diet, and if you want L-carnitine, that’s in meat and fish.”
And remember, whether you have a springy Springer Spaniel or a layabout Lab, you can use our dog food calculator to get an idea of their calorific needs.
I hope you and your dogs have a bounce in your steps for the rest of the week.
Until next time,
Andrew
Editor The Dog Food Advisor Saving Good Dogs From Bad Dog Food
If you’ve ever wanted to try any of these brands here is your chance. Enjoy
Hey,
It’s Friday (again) and, as you know, this is when we round up the best dog food deals and discounts on The Dog Food Advisor, including any new offers.
As a reminder, our reviews remain impartialand we are never paid to promote a product. This is a service we provide and if you don’t want to be informed of any savings or feeding tips, you can always click the link in the P.S. below and opt out. It’s up to you!
We have a doozy for you today: Ollie fresh dog food is offering a limited-time 60% off your first box plus a free bag of sweet potato treats (cue craving for sweet potato fries). Click here for the deal. This deal runs until 11.59pm PST on April 24th.
I prefer fresh. I always top the kids food with meat, Fresh Pet, carrots, Rudy loves carrots. I’ve always been hesitant about raw unless I give them salmon or some type of fish, I’m not a big meat eater but that’s me not the dogs. I try to get them a well rounded diet. I haven’t found a fruit they like not even bananas. Well at least they eat vegetables.
I’m copying the newsletter from The Dog Food Advisor. I’m loving this newsletter. Enjoy and I hope you find it useful. Let me know.
Hey,
The weekend is upon us, so here’s our Friday round-up of news, savings and the like.
I read a story yesterday about a dog in Australia who eats better than I do. Bowie has spent months taste-testing a “gourmet, raw food and native-ingredient bush tucker degustation menu” ahead of an event in Melbourne.
He’s been chomping on raw emu and kangaroo, “seasonal vegetables in golden turmeric coconut milk” and “dog-safe mint sorbet and crocodile crisps”.
The cheese sandwich in front of me looks pathetic in comparison.
Bowie’s diet is quite extreme — my dog eats very well but I draw the line at crocodile crisps. However, there’s no doubt raw and fresh human-grade dog foods are rocketing in popularity. With good reason too.
Raw food is based on dogs’ ‘ancestral’ diet and is very carnivorous. Every part of an animal is in there — muscles, organs, bones — just as dogs would eat in the wild. This means much higher protein levels and a lot less carbohydrate content — and no additives.
You can supplement the diet with vegetables, probiotics, Omega-3 oil — anything really, even kibble.
Benefits include: firmer stools, improved digestion, healthier skin and coat, reduced allergy symptoms, and better weight management.
It has its downsides like any dog food. It’s not as cheap or as convenient as kibble and, as it’s raw meat, you have to handle it with care. Bacterial contamination such as Salmonella and E. coli germs can be a problem and while the risk to dogs is very low, there’s a greater risk to humans.
You should also be careful about where you buy your raw food from.
There are many ‘micro-brands’ whose food isn’t tested or may not be nutritionally balanced (e.g. no calcium content because the bone is removed). It’s easy to over- or under- supply nutrients without proper care. You need to get the balance right.
Full disclosure: My dog’s main diet is a raw ‘80:10:10’ mix (80% meat, 10% bone, 10% offal) with additional treats, probiotics and chews, and he’s in great shape. It’s a financial stretch but I’m convinced it helps keep vet bills down — that’s just my opinion, mind.
(The biggest bonus for me personally is picking up his small and firm stools!)
If you want to try a raw diet, there are suggested brands on our site. And you can get an exclusive 25% discount and free shipping with 5-star-rated We Feed Rawby clicking this linkor via our DFA review.
We Feed Raw’s food meets the AAFCO-approved nutritional levels for all life stages, including large-breed puppies, and includes meat, organs and bone.
Fresh food is different. It’s usually human-grade meat and vegetables gently cooked to preserve nutrients and is low in moisture. It’s similar to something you might cook for your dog at home — indeed, many fresh dog food brands started out when someone decided to do just that. But now they’re mostly designed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists.
Oh, and people have been known to accidentally eat a portion — but it’ll do them no harm!
Like raw, fresh food tends to be delivered frozen — you then keep some in the fridge and some in the freezer, defrosting as necessary. The food you receive is tailored to your dog’s needs based on details you give about their age, weight, breed, etc.
The downsides are, again, price and convenience. It’s something you need to weigh up.
There’s a ton of deals on 5-star-rated fresh dog foods currently available through DFA. Here’s a selection:
Reviewed on March 19, 2020, by Dr. Jennifer Grota, DVM
Did you know that certain plants and flowers can actually be dangerous for your cat?
“While any plant material can cause mild stomach upset, some plants are much more dangerous,” says Tina Wismer, medical director at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
It’s also important for cat parents to know that some plants and flowers that are relatively safe for dogs can be deadly for cats. “Members of the Lilium (true lilies) or Hemerocallis (day lilies) can cause kidney failure in cats, but only mild stomach upset in dogs,” says Wismer.
If you’re considering an eco-conscious revamp of your home décor, check this list to find out which flowers and houseplants are safe for cats.
Flowers That Are Safe for Cats
Avoid bringing dangerous flowers into your home with this list of safe flowers for cats:
Alstroemeria
Asters
Freesia
Gerber Daisies
Liatris
Lisianthus
Orchid
Roses
Snapdragon
Statice
Sunflowers
Wax Flower (Madagascar Jasmine)
Air-Purifying Plants That Are Safe for Cats
Houseplants cleanse the air we breathe from toxins found in many household products—formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide, just to name a few.
Here are some air-purifying plants that are also safe for cats:
Areca Palm
Bamboo
Basil
Boston Fern
Cilantro
Dill
Dwarf Date Palm
Friendship Plant
Hens and Chicks
Lady Palm
Lemon Balm
Old Man Cactus
Painted Lady
Reed Palm
Rosemary
Sage
Shrimp Cactus
Spider Plant (Spider Ivy)
Venus Flytrap
Zebra Haworthia
Even Safe Plants Can Pose Dangers to Cats
Wismer suggests that you keep these plants and flowers out of reach of curious cats even though they are considered safe, because there are other dangers to watch out for.
Most cut flowers come with a powdered flower food to keep them fresh, and this can be toxic to cats. Even the vases could pose a problem. “Cats especially like to drink from vases, so make sure the cat cannot overturn heavy vases and hurt themselves,” Wismer adds. “Breakable vases can also be a hazard for your pets…and you, when you have to pick up the pieces.”
Karen Lawrence, director of The CFA Foundation and manager of the Feline Historical Museum, suggests using hanging planters as a way to keep plants out of the reach of your pets.
What to Do If Your Cat Eats a Plant That Might Be Poisonous
If your cat nibbled on a flower or plant, and you are unsure whether it may be toxic, call your emergency vet, or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.
You should call even if you just suspect that your cat might have eaten part of a plant or flower.
Read this article. Take into account your dog or cats tummy so it doesn’t get upset. No one wants that
Hey,
Happy Wednesday!
My wife comes from a big family — and I mean vast. One of the many advantages of this is the plentiful array of characters and stories it provides.
One of my favorite stories is how her cousin Michael only ate cornflakes with milk until he was 16. I thought this tale might be somewhat apocryphal but I confirmed it with the man himself.
“I did try other foods around that time but with little success,” he told me.
Now, while he not only survived but also turned out to be a strapping fellow — a triathlete and competitive karate practitioner — no one can argue Michael’s diet was a good one. Whatever nutrients are missing from cornflakes and milk were missing from his body.
You might think I’m about to mention our list of Best Dog Foods for Picky Eaters — it’s a fine list and useful if your dog is like the young Michael — but what I want to talk about is diet rotation.
The clue is in the name — it’s a feeding method where you give your dog a variety of foods using a planned schedule.
The aim isn’t to turn your dog into some kind of foodie who photographs each dish for his Instagram page. The logic behind diet rotation is there’s no perfect dog food.
Any dog food can be flawed. It might not have enough of one nutrient or too much of another. It could even contain toxins.
These flaws might be small and therefore do little harm over the course of a few meals or even months or years — but if a dog is fed the same food day after day for most of their life, it could shorten that life.
Thankfully, Michael now rotates his diet and eats most foods — the spicier the better, he says. (Needless to say, your dog shouldn’t be getting anything spicy — let’s not take rotation that far.)
That’s all for today. It’s a nice day here so I might literally rotate my diet — over a BBQ.
Until next time,
Andrew
P.P.S. Need help choosing dog food? Check out The Advisor’s Best Dog Foods page. There, you’ll find our most recommended brands in each of 39 different categories.
