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FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | JULY 2018 53 Summer is upon us and Four Seasons is abloom with glorious color. This season brings some additional challenges for keeping our fur babies safe, healthy, and happy. Listed below are some plants that we see commonly at Four Seasons that are poisonous or toxic to canines. The effects of these plants range from mild to severe if ingested by a canine in sufficient quantities. The results can range from mild nausea to death. This is not an exhaustive list, but the toxic plants you might encounter in your yard or neighborhood. Aloe vera • Ivy • Jade plant • Dieffenbachia • Philodendron • Pothos • Sago palm • Lilies (all) • Corn plant • Asparagus fern • Yew • Cyclamen • Daffodil • Azalea • Marijuana • Oleander • Begonia • Geranium • Yucca • Holly • Chrysanthemum • Hydrangea • Wisteria • Iris. Usually, canines will avoid these plants but in some cases under the right circumstances, your dog might grab a mouthful just because they are curious. Usually a pet would never eat enough to cause any harm, but a watchful eye is always recommended. If you think your dog has eaten a poisonous plant, here are the things to watch for: Racing or irregular pulse; Vomiting; Cold extremities; Lethargy; Rapid breathing. Some dogs are more reactive to poisonous plants than others. Vulnerability to plant toxicity depends on the breed, weight of your pet, and amount ingested. If you have any concern, it is best to take your pet to a vet as quickly as possible for a diagnosis. Be sure to take a sample of the plant and an estimation of how much was ingested. Also, be advised that the consumption of any plant material may cause vomiting and gastrointestinal upset for dogs and cats. Plants listed as either non-toxic, or potentially toxic with mild GI upset as their symptoms are not expected to be life- threatening to your pets. Finally, although canines seem to love to munch on the beautiful lawns here at Four Seasons, it is not a good idea to let your dog treat it as the local salad bar buffet. Pesticides and fertilizers are used to keep those lawns looking green and luscious. These chemicals can cause gastrointestinal problems for your dog. Better safe than sorry. Pack Walks, all dogs are welcome and we practice techniques to calm barking dogs. Join us Saturday mornings, 8 am, at the Spa parking lot and/or Wednesday evenings, 6 pm, at the Summit parking lot. Please, no retractable leashes. Dog Owners Group, Patrick and his dog, Ricky Ricardo: dog_owners@yahoo.com. ~ Patrick Gerety D.O.G. Tails & Trails - All Pets Why does my pet eat grass? Are you concerned when your cat or dog eats grass, then vomits afterwards? Not to worry, this is normal; grass acts as an internal cleanser, expelling mucus or impurities, and it cleanses pets' bowels and expels worms. Grasses contain enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, as well as chlorophyll, which was used for treating infections, ulcers, and skin issues before the use of antibiotics. Some pet owners grow their own pet grass to prevent diarrhea, fleas, excessive shedding, and other minor issues in their pets. Veterinarians suggest that if you don't feel comfortable with your pet eating lawn grass, you can grow your own for them to eat such as rye or barley sprouts. Also, many grocery stores sell cat grass in little planters near the floral area. Vets suggest that when feeding grass to your pet, cut it into tiny pieces or mix it in with other foods. To be sure your pet will accept the grass, begin feeding just a tiny bit and increase the amount gradually to 3/4 teaspoon per 10 lbs. of body weight. Why is my cat scratching unwanted surfaces or scratching in increasing frequency? Scratching is a natural behavior for your cat. It is a form of communication, and often your cat will scratch during times of stress or anxiety. The main reasons cats scratch on the carpet (or your furniture if you don't have a scratching post for your cat) are to renew his claws by dislodging old growth and exposing a new nail underneath, and to mark his territory visually and with scent as a message to other cats and animals. If your cat's scratching has increased, this may be a sign of stress such as a threat to his/ her environmental resources (food, litter box, a safe place to sleep, territory infringement). If the surface being scratched is near a location where your cat can see or smell another cat or wild animal, discourage the intruders from coming into your yard or block your cat's window view and place calming pheromones near the site (purchase at any pet store). Place a scratching post near where your cat is currently scratching that is unwanted. Whenever your cat scratches somewhere other than his post, take her to the post and then provide a reward within three seconds such as a treat or petting. Please join us for our July Tails & Trails meeting on Wednesday, July 25 at 7 pm in RCN 3 and join our Facebook Group Four Seasons DOG / Tails and Trails. ~ Toni Adams

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