Toxins and Cautions for the Spring Season

Spring is a time of warmth and renewal but we need to think about new hazards for our pets. Please review below things to be cautious about and don't hesitate to call if you have any questions.

Link to poisonous plants-click on this link

Green tomatoes are more toxic than the mature fruit.

Common Hazards in Spring

Lilies
Members of the Lilium spp. are considered to be highly toxic to cats. While the poisonous component has not yet been identified, it is clear that with even ingestions of very small amounts of the plant, severe kidney damage could result.

Chocolate All types of Chocolate can cause problems, but dark chocolate creates the most problems. Below is a chart for toxicity levels.  Common signs of chocolate poisoning include: restlessness, increased heart rate, diarrhea, vomiting, increased urination and excitability. Treatment needed will depend on the pet's weight and the type of chocolate consumed.

On average,
Milk chocolate contains 44 mg of theobromine per oz.
Semisweet chocolate contains 150mg/oz.
Baker's chocolate 390mg/oz.

Using a dose of 100 mg/kg as the toxic dose it comes out roughly as:
1 ounce per 1 pound of body weight for Milk chocolate (9 ounces toxic for 9 lb dog)
1 ounce per 3 pounds of body weight for Semisweet chocolate (3 ounces toxic for 9 lb dog)
1 ounce per 9 pounds of body weight for Baker's chocolate. (1 oz toxic for 9 lb dog)


Easter Grass Dogs and cats (especially our feline friends) can find easter grass to be fun to play with.  It can cause problems if the consume the product as it has potential to cause a blockage.  Keep the grass away from your pets.


Spring/Summer Hazards

Cocoa  Bean Mulch- This much can be lethal to dogs and cats. It contains theobromine which is the ingredient in chocolate that can cause poisoning. Please do not let your pets eat cocoa bean mulch.

Bulbs Many plant bulbs can be toxic.  Please refer to the Poison Control Centers Website for information on specific plants