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Ontario launches animal-cruelty hotline, new chief inspector appointed
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Please read the below! Take note.
Ontario launches animal-cruelty hotline, new chief inspector appointed
A succulent refers to any plant that stores water in its leaves, stems, or both, which gives the types of plants a bit of a swollen or fleshy appearance.
With the succulent phenomenon showing no sign of slowing, it’s important for veterinarians to be able to tell their clients whether these popular plants are harmful for their pets.
The bottom line: Most succulents won’t harm pets if ingested, but there are a few toxic varieties that pet owners and veterinarians need to be aware of. Make sure your clients are steering clear of these potentially dangerous succulents both inside and outside their homes.
Aloe Vera and True Aloe
Toxicity: Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses (not true aloe)
Probably one of the most popular succulent houseplants in the world, some aloe plants are, in fact, toxic to pets. Saponins and anthraquinones found in aloe vera can cause lethargy, diarrhea, and vomiting (not in horses) if ingested. Anthraquinones, anthracene, and glycosides found in true aloe can cause vomiting and a change in urine color (red).
Euphorbias
Example: Pencil Cactus
Toxicity: Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses
Succulents classified under the Euphorbia family are among the more commonly known poisonous succulents. Euphorbias contain an white sap in their leaves that can irritate skin. For humans and animals, coming into contact with the sap can cause a rash. Ingesting this succulent can irritate the mouth and stomach, sometimes causing vomiting.
Kalanchoes
Also known as: Mother of Millions, Mother-In-Law Plant, Devil’s Backbone, Chandelier Plant
Toxicity: Toxic to dogs and cats
While not dangerous for humans, many Kalanchoes can cause dogs and cats to become ill. If ingested, the animal may show signs of vomiting or diarrhea, and sometimes (rarely) an abnormal heart rhythm.
Jade
Also known as: Baby Jade, Dwarf Rubber Plant, Jade Tree, Chinese Rubber Plant, Japanese Rubber Plant
Toxicity: Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses
While the toxic principles of this specific succulent are unknown, ingesting this plant can cause clinical signs such as vomiting, depression, and incoordination in animals.
Silver Dollar
Also known as: Chinese Jade, Silver Jade Plant
Toxicity: Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses
Animals that ingest this succulent may experience vomiting, an upset stomach, and (rarely) tremors, but cats may also show signs of drunkenness after ingestion.
If clients are wondering about succulents that are nontoxic to their furry friends, you can recommend this sampling:
Blue Ridge Beef of Georgia is recalling one lot of Kitten Grind raw pet food because it may be contaminated with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. The FDA received a complaint of two kitten deaths. One of the deaths was confirmed caused by Salmonella septicemia. Testing of Kitten Grind lot number GA1102 found both bacteria.
The recalled lot contains 20 cases or 300 chubs of the product. It was shipped to Texas, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and North Carolina. The Kitten Grind two pound chubs are sold frozen. The lot number is GA1102 and the manufacturing date is 11/02/2017.
If you purchased this product, do not feed it to your pet. Throw it away in a double bagged or sealed container in a secure garbage can so other animals can’t get at it, or take it back to the place of purchase for a refund.
Humans are at risk for contracting illness in several ways. If the food cross-contaminates other surfaces in the home, or if a person doesn’t wash their hands well after handling it, they could get sick. In addition, pets can excrete these pathogenic bacteria in their feces. If it gets on their coat or paws, or if a pet licks a person, they could transmit the bacteria.
The symptoms of Salmonella infections and Listeria monocytogenes infections in pets include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. Salmonella symptoms usually begin a few hours or a few days after exposure. But the symptoms of listeriosis can take up to 70 days to appear. Some pets may not appear ill at all, but can be carriers and infect other pets and people. If your pet is experiencing these symptoms, take her to the vet.
Human symptoms of salmonellosis include fever, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea that may be bloody. Human symptoms of listeriosis include high fever, stiff neck, severe headache, muscle aches, and diarrhea. If you or anyone in your household is experiencing these symptoms, see your doctor.