How to Be Thankful for Your Pet on Thanksgiving
Poisonous Plants and Pets: What Not to Grow in Your Garden
Remember Animals on Thanksgiving and Be Sure to Give Back
How to Be Thankful for Your Pet on Thanksgiving
Our pets bring us so much joy, love and laughs. When we come home from work they greet us with kisses and purrs. When we’re sad, they sit by our sides to comfort us. Sometimes we may take them for granted, but we should always remember to be thankful for them, especially in November.
According to “7 Reasons to Be Thankful for Dogs,” an article at Vetstreet.com, here are some reasons to be thankful:
1. They help you stay fit. Did someone say “walk?” Going for walks with your dog is not only good for the soul, “but studies have shown that walking a dog for just 30 minutes a day can reduce your risk of heart disease, relieve stress and more,” the article said.
2. Cuddle up! Dogs love to snuggle and cuddle, showing you their love. There’s nothing more comfortable and warm on a chilly Thanksgiving night.
3. No judgment zone. Be thankful that your dog (or cat) isn’t judging you for your looks, your salary, or weight, your political affiliation or your profession. “Dogs accept you for who you are and aren’t going to try to change you or make fun of you or gossip about you — something that we could all be better about,” the article said.
4. Dogs just want to have fun. Grab a toy or ball and make time to play with your dog.
Pets also do a heart good, according to the article, “7 Reasons to be Thankful for Pets,” at Veterinary Pet Insurance. “According to a report of the American Heart Attack Survey, within a year of surviving a coronary event (heart attack, stroke, etc.), there was more of a chance for long-term survival in pet owners versus non-pet owners.”
Always remember to be thankful for everything pets bring to our lives.
Poisonous Plants and Pets: What Not to Grow in Your Garden
There’s nothing more beautiful than a garden in full bloom especially for those with a green thumb. There are pretty plants that may look innocent enough but can prove poisonous and dangerous to pets.
In the article, “10 Garden Plants That Are Toxic to Pets,” from the University of California, Davis, here are some plants to keep out of your garden:
1. Daffodil. The yellow flower contains lycorine, which can cause “vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, heart rhythm abnormalities and respiratory depression.”
2. Lily. “Some lilies (Peace, Peruvian and Calla) contain oxalate crystals that cause minor signs of toxicity, and true lilies (Tiger, Day, Asiatic, Easter and Japanese Show lilies) can be fatal,” the article said. Cats are more sensitive to lily poisoning.
3. Cycad (such as Sago palm and cardboard palm). The Sago Palm is poisonous and very dangerous to pets. “The plants contain the chemical compounds cycasin and B-methylamino-l-alanine, which are toxic to the nervous system when ingested,” the article said. Some symptoms include vomiting, jaundice, increased thirst, liver failure and death. Even ingesting one to two seeds can cause death.
According to “Top 10 Plants Poisonous to Pets,” an article at Pet Poison Helpline, some of the other poisonous plants to avoid include Oleander, an outdoor shrub whose flowers and leaves “are extremely toxic if ingested.” Azaleas are also very dangerous. Ingesting only a few leaves can cause excessive drooling, diarrhea and vomiting. The article said that “without immediate veterinary attention, the pet could fall into a coma and possibly die.”
Pet Poison Helpline has a more complete list of plants to keep away from dogs and cats.
Make sure you contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline as soon as possible if you suspect your pet has ingested any of the poisonous plants.
Remember Animals on Thanksgiving and Be Sure to Give Back
Thanksgiving is a great time to get together with family and friends, feast on great food, gather to watch the game, get ready for holiday shopping, and be thankful for all you have, including the animals in your life.
It is also a time to remember the animals who don’t have homes. Throughout the year local animal shelters are filled with dogs, cats, bunnies, horses and more. They all need homes. Even if you cannot adopt one at this time, Thanksgiving is the perfect time to give to your favorite local animal rescue.
Most rescues run on donations and are staffed by volunteers who give of their time without pay. They do it out of the goodness of their hearts. The animals in their care rely on them, while the staff and volunteers rely on the goodness of the public.
This is the beginning of one of the most difficult times of the year for rescues as they become inundated with animals the closer it gets to the holidays. While you give thanks for all the good things in your life, you can give back to a local rescue.
If you don’t have a favorite rescue, go online, do your research and choose one. Find out what they need. Most rescues have wish lists that often include the following:
• Dog or cat food
• Dog or cat treats
• Cat litter
• Toys
• Blankets
• Dog or cat beds
• Scratching posts for cats
• Puppy pads
• Nail clippers
• Folding crates
• Disinfectant
• Pet shampoo
• Bleach
• Laundry detergent
• Paper towels
• Garbage bags
• Leashes
• Pet carriers
• Antibacterial hand soap
• Monetary donation
If you can spare some time to volunteer and play with the cats or walk some dogs at your local rescue, you’ll feel good, and rescue staff and the animals will be ever so thankful to you.
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