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By Karen McConnaughey

You love your cats and dogs like they are one of the family. And chances are, you’ve got a first aid kit in some form around the house in case something should happen to one of the human members of your family. But what about the animal members?

Pet owners should create a safety kit to keep on hand for poisoning emergencies involving their animals. According to the ASPCA, a poisoning emergency kit should contain:

• A fresh bottle of hydrogen peroxide, 3 percent solution (USP).
• Can of soft dog or cat food.
• Turkey baster, bulb syringe, or large medical syringe.
• Saline eye solution to flush out eye contaminants.
• Artificial tear gel to lubricate eyes after flushing
• Mild grease-cutting dishwashing liquid to decontaminate skin.
• Skunk Off! or tomato juice (for skunk spray).
• Rubber gloves or tough gardening gloves.
• Forceps to remove stingers.
• Muzzle (a frightened animal may inadvertently bite).
• Several soft old towels.
• Pet carrier.

And, here’s a link to Martha Stewart’s Pet First-Aid Kit checklist.

Plants that are poisonous to your pets:

And do you know what plants or food is poisonous to your animals. Voracious appetite, natural curiosity and indiscriminate taste can lead to trouble for our canine companions.

1. Grapes: The toxicity of grapes to dogs was once thought to be an urban legend, but it's true; even a small serving can cause vomiting and diarrhea, while larger amounts can lead to kidney failure. Researchers aren't yet sure what exactly causes this reaction, whether pesticides or a fungal toxin. 
   
   And while keeping the grapes and raisins in your pantry away from your dog is a concern, you should be on the lookout for grapevines outside as well. As any dog owner knows, berries and fruits of all sorts are a tempting treat.
   
   
2. Mushrooms: While there are plenty of great-tasting, perfectly safe mushrooms out there, dogs just don't seem capable of discerning the difference between the edible and the toxic. To be on the safe side, it's best not to allow dogs to eat any wild mushrooms at all, unless you can confidently identify the species yourself. 
   
   Amanita, Galerina and Lepiota species are especially dangerous because they contain toxins that cause a series of worsening symptoms, from vomiting to swelling in the brain. Amanita phalloides, the Death Cap mushroom, is responsible for most of the reported fatal mushroom poisoning cases in dogs. 
   
   
3. Marijuana: For most people, the likelihood of your pet gaining access to marijuana—whether on a live plant or not—is relatively low. But regardless of your view of marijuana's safety for human use, it has absolutely no benefits for your pet. 
   
   After ingesting marijuana, a dog can experience symptoms like slow heart rate, lack of coordination, disorientation, drooling and tremors that can persist for up to three days. 
   
   
4. Lilies: While lilies are well-known as a serious danger to cats, certain varieties are highly toxic to dogs as well. 
   
   The peace lily, calla lily, amaryllis, lily of the valley, autumn crocus and the common houseplant, giant Dracaena or palm lily, are all deemed dangerous to dogs by the ASPCA. Ingestion of lilies can cause gastrointestinal upset, depression, anorexia and tremors. 
   
   
5. Black walnuts: Dropping from black walnut trees by the thousands, the nuts themselves don't contain anything that can harm your dog. 
   
   But once they start to decompose, they grow molds that can cause tremors and seizures. If you have one of these trees in your yard and your dog seems attracted to the nuts, it might be a good idea to rake them up on a regular basis.
   
   
6. Sago palm: Often used in landscaping and as houseplants, sago palms develop seed pods that are often very tempting to dogs. 
   
   Unfortunately, the whole plant and the seeds in particular contain a potent toxin called cycasin that can be fatal, even if the dog only eats a single seed. Ingestion of any part or amount of this plant warrants immediate emergency treatment. 
   
   
7. Azalea: A member of the widely toxic genus rhododendron, the azalea is found in many varieties all over the United States and is commonly used as an ornamental flowering shrub in landscaping. 
   
   Ingestion of just a few leaves can cause serious issues like digestive upset, drooling, loss of appetite, weakness and leg paralysis. In some cases, eating azalea can lead to coma or death. 
   
   
8. Castor bean: This ornamental tropical plant, also used as a crop for castor oil, contains the toxic protein ricin. 
   
   At the least, eating this plant can burn a dog's mouth and throat and lead to excessive thirst, vomiting and diarrhea. But ingestion of even an ounce of seeds can be lethal. 
   
9. Daffodils: Among the first blooms to herald the arrival of spring, daffodils are a cheerful addition to the garden, but they contain poisonous alkaloids that can cause vomiting, excessive salivation, diarrhea, convulsions, tremors and heart problems. 
   
   The bulbs are the most dangerous part of the plant. Other common names for the daffodil include narcissus, jonquil and paper white.
   
   
10. Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane): With its broad variegated leaves, the dieffenbachia is often recommended as an ideal houseplant for natural air purification. 
    
    But if you choose to have one in your home, be sure it's well out of your dog's reach. When eaten, it not only burns the mouth and throat but causes the esophagus to swell, potentially blocking the dog's airway.

Other items that are poisonous to pets also are Chocolate, Raisins, Onions, Caffeinated Items. Xylitol a sugar-free sweetener most often found in chewing gum and candy, Alcohol, Fruit Pits and Seeds.

And while we’re at here, here’s a list of emergency supplies from the ASPCA.

Emergency Supplies and Traveling Kits

Keep an emergency kit and supplies handy for your pets. Make sure that everyone in the family knows where it is. This kit should be clearly labeled and easy to carry. You may want to order a Pet Grab ‘N Go Bag (http://www.aspcaonlinestore.com/products/100742-pet-grab-n-go-bags) for each of your pets from the ASPCA Online Store*. This is a sturdy, waterproof bags specifically designed for carrying each of your pets’ documents, medications, and other emergency items. A large orange waterproof label on top of the bag has space to write in your pet's name and a check list of items to include.

Items to consider keeping in or near your kit include:

• Pet first-aid kit and guide book (Ask your vet what to include, or visit the ASPCA Store to buy them online.)
• 3-7 days' worth of canned (pop-top) or dry food (Be sure to rotate every two months.)
• Disposable litter trays (Aluminum roasting pans are perfect.) and litter
• Paper towels
• Liquid dish soap and disinfectant
• Disposable garbage bags for clean-up
• Pet feeding dishes
• Extra harness and leash (Harnesses are recommended for your pet’s safety and security.)
• Emergency contact information for you and for your pet (veterinarian, pet sitter, etc.)
• Identification numbers of each pet’s tag, microchip, or tattoo
• Vaccination certificates
• Medical records
• A waterproof container with a two-week supply of any medicine your pet requires (Remember, food and medications need to be rotated out of your emergency kit—otherwise they may go bad or become useless.)
• Bottled water, at least 7 days' worth for each person and pet (Store in a cool, dry place and replace every two months.)
• A traveling bag, crate, or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each pet
• Flashlight
• Blanket (for scooping up a fearful pet)
• Recent photos of your pets (in case you are separated and need to make "Lost" posters)
• Especially for cats: Pillowcase or EvackSack, toys, bedding
• Especially for dogs: Long leash and yard stake, toys and chew toys, a week's worth of cage liner

Accidents and natural disasters happen. Be prepared for emergencies involving your pet with the ASPCA Pet First Aid Kit. The kit can be used for medical emergencies prior to receiving the professional care of a veterinarian. Keep the first aid kit handy in your home or car.

It contains an astonishing 126 items:

• 1 ASPCA Pet First Aid Guide;
• 1 ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Magnet;
• 2 ASPCA “Animals Inside” Emergency Static Clings;
• 1 Cohesive Bandage, 2' x 5 yds (Compares to Vet Wrap);
• 10 Plastic Bandages, 1' x 3'; 1 Packet BurnAid Burn Gel, 3.5 g;
• 1 Instant Cold Pack, 4' x 6';
• 1 Emergency Blanket, Aluminized;
• 2 Sterile Eye/Skin Wash 'Squeezits,' 15 ml ;
• 30 Non-Sterile Gauze Pads, 2' x 2';
• 10 Sterile Gauze Pads;
• (5) 2' x 2' and (5) 3' X 3';
• 1 Roll Conforming Gauze, 2' x 4.1 yds;
• 4 Vinyl Gloves, Medical Grade;
• 2 Hydrogen Peroxide Packets, 1 oz;
• 1 Leash, 6' Slip Style;
• 3 Lubricating Jelly Packets;
• 1 Oral Syringe—10 cc;
• 1 Oral Syringe—30 cc;
• 6 Safety Pins;
• 1 Scissors—Metal, 3½';
• 8 Cotton Swabs/Applicators ;
• 1 Roll Adhesive Tape, 0.5' x 5 yds;
• 1 Digital Thermometer;
• 1 Ticked Off™
• Tick Remover;
• 3 Tongue Depressors;
• 4 Triple Antibiotic Packets;
• 1 Tweezers/Forceps – Metal;
• 9 Alcohol Wipes;
• 6 Antiseptic (BZK)Wipes;
• 6 Hand Cleansing Wipes;
• 6 Sting Relief Wipes.

Price: $49.99
Seems like a bargain to me!

We have a wealth of veterinarians in the area.

Drs. Ladron: Dr. Antonio and Dr. Hector
Veterinarians at the animal hospital next to the Animal Shelter on the carretera in Riberas.
765-5940
Hidalgo (aka Carretera) 210, Riberas del Pilar
{S. side} Hidalgo (aka Carretera) between San Lucas and San Mateo

West Ajijic
Animal Care, Dr. Luz Maria Perez
Carretera Pte. 526
Villa Lucerna
Tel: (376) 766.30.62
Cell Phone: (333) 463-0346 
http://www.animalcare.ws/aboutUs.htm

Dr. Pepe (Jose “Pepe” Magaña de la Peña)
Carretera, #96-A in Riberas del Pilar
Services include: examinations, vaccinations, dental, surgeries grooming and boarding.
Clinic & Grooming 765-2717
Cell # for Clinic 045-331-182-2955 or 045-333-496-7078
Cell # for Grooming 045-333-108-5508
Clinic hours - Mon - Fri: 9 am to 6 pm, Sat: 9 am to 3 pm
http://www.pepespawsandclaws.com/

Pet Charities in Lake Chapala

Sources:
care2.com
ascpa.org
Mother Nature Network, Stephanie Rogers, MNN.com

Karen McConnaughey: Operations Manager for FocusOnMexico.

Focus On Mexico offers 8-Day Educational Programs to Ajijic and Lake Chapala, Mexico (2^nd Best Climate in the World). Join us on a Focus program and learn why thousands of Americans and Canadians chose to retire in Lake Chapala.

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