Fleas Fleas Fleas

Summer is winding down, but one little pest is still thriving in warm, humid parts of the country like New England. Fleas are hearty and nimble; when searching for a host they can jump up to 2 feet, 10,000 times in a row - that adds up to the length of 3 football fields! They can also cause troublesome health problems in dogs such as anemia, skin allergies and tapeworms. These legendary leapers are tough to fight, but here are some tips that will rub your dog the right way:

• Apply a monthly, veterinarian-approved anti-tick medication. Some of the good ones are Frontline Plus, Advantix, and Program. Don't miss a month, from March through November!!
• Know your enemy: confirm your pet has fleas by identifying signs such as tiny black spots on the skin. These are droppings, sometimes known as "flea dirt". Also watch for excessive scratching and scabs.
• Treat all of your pets, not just those who show outward signs of infestation.
• Thoroughly clean your house, including rugs, bedding and upholstery, and discard any used vacuum bags.
• Fleas love long grass and shady outdoor spots - remember to treat and maintain your yard as carefully as your house. Ask your vet about products for treating your yard.
• NEVER use medications intended for dogs on cats, or vice versa! Dr. Steven Hansen, veterinary toxicologist and ASPCA Senior Vice President, says, "Just a few drops of concentrated permethrin, present in many spot-on treatments for dogs, can be lethal to cats".

And enjoy an itch-free end of summer!

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Are There Poisonous Plants in Your Home?

As gardeners across the country say goodbye to summer, green thumbs and amateurs alike are scooping up houseplants to spice up the fall and winter months. They're also taking off their sunhats and dragging outdoor plans inside to protect them from upcoming dips in temperature. Plants are popular for their decorative, restorative, and air-cleaning properties, but many species are toxic to our curious furry friends. Soil and leaves attract dogs and cats who like to chew on vines and romp in the dirt. Here are some of the most poisonous best-sellers:

• Lilies, including stargazer, tiger and Easter lilies. "Even with very small ingestions, severe kidney damage can result," according to Dr. Steven Hansen, veterinary toxicologist.


• English ivy contains triterpenoid saponins which can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, hypersalivation and diarrhea if eaten.


• Peace lily and pothos can cause irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue (peace lilies), and swelling of the GI tract (pothos).


• Oleander is one of the most poisonous plants to pets and people. It can lead to GI irritation, abnormal heart function, hypothermia and even death.

Keep the nibbler in your life safe from toxic foliage by placing all plants out of reach. Or better yet, choose a nontoxic alternative to brighten your home. For a list of safe plants, go to http://www.aspca.org/: (Aug. 29th, 2008 News Alert, "Most Popular Poisonous Plants) where there's an alphabetical listing of safe house plants. As always, if you think your pet has ingested something poisonous, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center's 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435.

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www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=media_newsalert082908#1

Plants That Poison Your Dog

Mark your calendars, people! Sunday, March 15 kicks off National Poison Prevention Week—a perfect time to learn what’s poisonous to your pet. In 2008, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center handled more than 140,000 cases of pets exposed to toxins, many of which were everyday household items. Some of the worst offenders were those living things that keep your home fresh and green—household plants!In honor of National Poison Prevention Week, as the ASPCA, we put together a video of our top toxicologist, Dr. Steven Hansen, Senior Vice President, ASPCA Animal Health Services, discussing the dangers of 17 common plants that you may have in your homes right now, including lilies, chrysanthemum and sago palm. Dr. Hansen shows you examples of each plant, so you’ll know exactly what to look out for. To watch the video, go to www.aspca.org/news/national/03-13-09.html#1. Remember, if you suspect your pet has ingested something poisonous, please contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.P.S. Keep an eye on our website during National Poison Prevention Week, when you can ask ASPCA experts about potentially toxic plants and substances directly. Join our live “Ask the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center” chat from noon to 2:00 P.M. on Friday, March 20, in the ASPCA Online Community, and stay tuned for the relaunch of our popular Ask the APCC online column.



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