Holidays with Pets

Our patients had a lot of fun dressing up in festive outfits this holiday season!  Enjoy!

Poinsettias and Cats & Dogs

Poinsettias are a popular holiday plant.  Have you banned them from your home because you have heard that poinsettias are deadly to pets? 

Poinsettias have gotten a bad rap when it comes to pets.  The toxic potential of this plant has become highly exaggerated over the years.  In reality, poinsettias are only mildly toxic (if at all) to dogs and cats.  Poinsettia ingestion typically produces only mild to moderate gastrointestinal tract irritation, which may include drooling, vomiting and/or diarrhea. 

Keeping this plant out of reach of your pet to avoid stomach upset is still a good idea, but it is not necessary to banish the poinsettia from your home for fear of a fatal exposure.  If you suspect your pet has eaten a poinsettia and is displaying concerning symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately. 

There are other holiday bouquets that are far more worrisome than poinsettias.  Lilies, holly and mistletoe are three popular ones to watch out for.  Lilies are the #1 flower used by florists.  Just one or two bites from a lily can result in severe acute kidney failure in cats.  Inspect your holiday bouquets thoroughly. 

If holly is ingested by dogs or cats, it can cause severe gastrointestinal upset.  Mistletoe is best kept out of your pet's reach as it can cause hypotention, ataxia (walking drunk), seizures and death if consumed in large amounts.    

Sources:
http://www.aspca.org/Pet-care/ask-the-expert/ask-the-expert-poison-control/poinsettia
http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/

Happy Holidays for the Homeless Pets

South Des Moines Veterinary Center has partnered with Animal Lifeline of Iowa (ALI) this holiday season to make sure homeless pets can have a Happy Holiday too!

During the month of December, we will display a tree in our lobby with ornaments featuring pets in need at ALI.  Each ornament will list items that will benefit the featured animal.  Take the ornament with you and bring back any item listed to help a homeless animal in need. 

Or pick up an item from the list below next time your our doing your holiday shopping and drop it by the clinic during the month of December.



                                    Wish List

    CAT SUPPLIES
    Cat toys of all kinds - laser pointers
    Scoopable Cat Litter
    Yesterdays News Cat Litter
    Canned cat and kitten food
    Feline Prescription Diets (dry and canned)

DOG SUPPLIES
Milk Bones brand dog biscuits-small
Buster Cubes and Jolly Balls - for dogs large and small
Toys for dogs of all sizes
Nylabone Rings
Peanut Butter - creamy
Small and Medium Flat Buckle Collars and Leashes
Canine Prescription Diets (dry and canned)

      GENERAL SUPPLIES 

      Liquid Laundry Soap

      Dish Soap

      Bleach

      Clorox Anywhere Spray Cleaner

      Tall Kitchen Garbage Bags

      Paper Towels

      Toilet Paper

      Kleenex Tissues

      Dobie Scrubbers

      Bottle Brushes

      Copy Machine Paper

      Postage Stamps

GIFT CARDS (to purchase supplies)

Suggested retailers:

PETCO

PetSmart

Target

Walgreens

About Animal Lifeline of Iowa:
“Animal Lifeline of Iowa is a special needs, no-kill animal shelter. Seventy percent of our work is done by our caring volunteers, and we receive no government assistance. All donations go directly to care for and help animals in need. Animal Lifeline of Iowa is a tax exempt, non-profit organization.”