E-Cigarettes and Pets Do Not Mix

E-cigarettes are sparking heated debates as lawmakers, medical professionals and industry grapple over the relative safety of the nicotine-delivering devices. But for pet owners, there is no debate. Nicotine poses a serious threat of poisoning to dogs and cats, and e-cigarettes back a powerful punch. The problem is that many pet owners don’t realize it.

Pet Poison Helpline has encountered a sharp uptick in calls concerning cases of nicotine poisoning in pets that ingested e-cigarettes or liquid nicotine refill solution. In fact, over the past six months, cases have more than doubled, indicating that along with their increased popularity, the nicotine-delivering devices are becoming a more significant threat to pets. While dogs account for the majority of cases, nicotine in e-cigarettes and liquid refill solution is toxic to cats as well. “We’ve handled cases for pets poisoned by eating traditional cigarettes or tobacco products containing nicotine for many years,” said Ahna Brutlag, DVM, MS, DABT, DABVT and associate director of veterinary services at Pet Poison Helpline. “But, as the use of e-cigarettes has become more widespread, our call volume for cases involving them has increased considerably.” In an effort to educate pet owners before an accident occurs, Pet Poison Helpline offers this important safety information.

What are e-cigarettes?
E-cigarettes are simply another way of delivering nicotine. Designed to resemble traditional cigarettes, the battery operated devices atomize liquid that contains nicotine, turning it into a vapor that can be inhaled. The most recent craze is flavored e-cigarettes, which are available in an array of flavors from peppermint to banana cream pie, and everything in between.

What makes e-cigarettes toxic to pets?
The aroma of liquid nicotine in e-cigarettes can be alluring to dogs, and flavored e-cigarettes could be even more enticing. The issue is the amount of nicotine in each cartridge, which is between 6 mg and 24 mg. So, each cartridge contains the nicotine equivalent of one to two traditional cigarettes, but purchase packs of five to 100 cartridges multiply that amount many times over, posing a serious threat to pets who chew them. For example, if a single cartridge is ingested by a 50-pound dog, clinical signs of poisoning are likely to occur. But if a dog that weighs 10 pounds ingests the same amount, death is possible. Dogs of any weight that ingest multiple e-cigarette cartridges are at risk for severe poisoning and even death. In addition to the toxicity of nicotine, the actual e-cigarette casing can result in oral injury when chewed, and can cause gastrointestinal upset with the risk of a foreign body obstruction. Some e-cigarette users buy vials of liquid nicotine solution for refilling e-cigarette cartridges. The solution is commonly referred to as “e-liquid” or “e-juice.” The small bottles hold enough liquid to fill multiple cartridges, meaning they contain a considerable amount of nicotine. Pet owners should be very careful to store them out of the reach of pets.

What happens when e-cigarettes are ingested by pets?
Nicotine poisoning in pets has a rapid onset of symptoms – generally within 15 to 60 minutes following ingestion. Symptoms for dogs and cats include vomiting, diarrhea, agitation, elevations in heart rate and respiration rate, depression, tremors, ataxia, weakness, seizures, cyanosis, coma, and cardiac arrest.

What to do if a pet is exposed?
Because nicotine poisoning can happen so rapidly following ingestion, prompt veterinary care can mean the difference between life and death for a pet. Home care is not generally possible with nicotine exposure due to the severity of poisoning, even in small doses. Take action immediately by contacting a veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline at 1-800-213-6680. As always, prevention is the best medicine. E-cigarettes, cartridges and vials of refilling solution should always be kept out of the reach of pets and children. 

SOURCE: http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/2014/09/e-cigarettes-pets-mix/ Published on September 2, 2014

Spring Plants Poisonous to Dogs

Some spring plants may be poisonous to dogs in spring. Dogs like to eat plants because they may crave greens or because they are curious or bored. Dogs will sniff, chew and eat almost anything, especially when they are puppies. What does a pet-loving gardener need to know about plants poisonous to dogs? These 9 plants are among the most poisonous to dogs:

*1 Grapes -It is said that grapes are poisonous to dogs. How they are toxic is not known, however as few as 7 raisins or grapes could be poisonous to dogs. Raisins are much more concentrated and that is why are more dangerous. Grapes cause kidney failure in dogs if it gets inside their system. After the kidney fails, the dog is naturally unable to urinate and the situation turns serious soon if not treated quickly. The color of the grapes is irrelevant, both dark and green grapes are poisonous to dogs . If large amounts of grapes are ingested by the dog, symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting can be observed. Activated charcoal will absorb the toxins in the dog’s body, so it should be given to the dog. Rush to your vet as soon as the symptoms are seen.

*2. Mushrooms. Dogs and mushrooms don’t mix. These fungi can contain a variety of different substances that can be poisonous to dogs. They affect an animal’s gastrointestinal tract, nervous system, kidney, liver and even their red blood. They shouldn’t eat the ones that grow wild in your yard. This can make them really sick and could even result in death. If you see your dog eat a mushroom – induce vomiting immediately. Use a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide and get it out of dog’s system.. It could save life.

*3. Lilies. The peace lily, calla lily, amaryllis, lily of the valley, autumn crocus are all poisonous to dogs. They contain oxalic acid, which is poisonous to dogs, cats and rabbits (probably others too). The most dangerous part is the root. The toxins cause burning in the mouth and throat, nausea and vomiting, depression and tremors.

*4. Azalea. Azalea plants are poisonous to dogs. They contain toxic substances known as grayanotoxins. These toxins can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and even a depression of the central nervous system. Severe poisoning from azaleas can lead to coma and death caused by cardiovascular collapse.

*5. Castor bean. The poisonous ingredient in Castor beans is called ricin. Ricin is a highly toxic protein that can cause drooling, vomiting, severe abdominal pain, excessive thirst, loss of appetite, and weakness. Severe poisoning from Castor beans can cause muscle twitching, seizures, tremors, dehydration, coma, and even death.

*6. Daffodils. The bulbs are the most dangerous part of the plant.They contain poisonous alkaloids that can cause vomiting, excessive salivation, diarrhea, convulsions, tremors and heart problems. The lethal dose can be as little as just one bulb!

*7. Chrysanthemum. These flowers contain something called pyrethrins that if eaten can cause diarrhea, drooling, and vomiting. If enough of the plant is consumed, it can cause depression and loss of coordination.

*8. Onions and Garlic.They contain the toxic ingredients sulfoxides and disulfides can damage red blood cells and lead to anemia. Onions are more of a danger. All forms of onion can be a problem including dehydrated onions, raw onions, cooked onions and table scraps containing cooked onions and/or garlic.

*9. Morning Glory This annual climbing plant contains 4 toxic chemicals which cause hallucinations, disorientation and diarrhea. The seeds of the morning glory have the potential to be the most poisonous to dogs.

*10. Christmas Tree Pine Needles. Pine needles are not considered poisonous to dogs.But they can be irritating to the mouth and stomachs of dogs. The needles can puncture stomach and intestines. Many dogs will vomit after eating the needles. If you already have some of these plants poisonous to dogs, consider creating a fenced-in run to keep your dog away from your gardens. Wheat grass and catnip are not the plants that are poisonous to dogs. They are healthy and even recommended, so you may grow these in the garden for your dog.

 Source: Author: Polly – Organic Gardener
http://yourorganicgardeningblog.com/growing-spring-dangers-plants-poisonous-to-dogs/