Your dog may love yummy treats given on special occasions but there are some things you should avoid. Below are some dangerous substances that can be found in or around your home.

Avoid Feeding These Foods To Your Pet

• Raisins and grapes ......Related Information: Read Article
• Chocolate (all forms of chocolate)
• Onions, onion powder
• Coffee (all forms of coffee)
• Fatty foods
• Macadamia nuts
• Moldy or spoiled foods
• Avocado
• Alcoholic beverages
• Yeast dough
• Salt

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PRODUCTS SWEETENED WITH XYLITOL CAN BE TOXIC TO DOGS
Sugar-free candy and gum may be sweet enough for you, ASPCA News Alert readers, but they can possibly be toxic to your animal companions.According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), xylitol--a sweetener found in certain sugar-free chewing gum, candies and other products--can potentially cause serious, even life-threatening problems for pets.

Based on data collected from the 40-plus related cases the center has managed since last July, canines who have ingested significant amounts of gum or candy solely or largely containing xylitol may develop a sudden drop in blood sugar, resulting in depression, loss of coordination and seizures. "These signs can develop quite rapidly, at times less than 30 minutes after ingestion," says Dr. Eric Dunayer, consulting veterinarian for the APCC. "Therefore, it is important that pet owners seek veterinary treatment immediately."

The APCC advises pet owners to be especially diligent about keeping candy, gum or other foods containing xylitol out of their animals' reach. For more information on how to protect your pet from potentially dangerous substances, please visit APCC online.
http://www.aspca.org/site/R?i=qZX3nwSVNhcXSXLRAGHJvQ..

Dog Owners Warned Over Sugar-Free Items View article here

FELINE HEALTH ALERT:

LILIES CAN BE LETHAL
With Easter just around the corner, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) has partnered with the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) in a campaign to educate companion animal caretakers about the potential dangers of some of the most popular springtime plants. Many kinds of lilies--including Easter lily, tiger lily, rubrum lily, Japanese show lily and some species of the day lily--can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested.

Last year alone, the center handled more than 275 cases of cats ingesting a lilium species. Signs of toxicosis, such as vomiting, lethargy and loss of appetite, may appear within a few hours, and will continue to worsen as damage to the kidneys progresses. Without prompt and proper treatment, kidney failure can develop in 36-72 hours. "Unfortunately, all parts of the lily are considered toxic to cats," says APCC veterinary toxicologist Dr. Sharon Gwaltney-Brant. "Consuming even small amounts can be life-threatening."

You can keep your feline family members safe and sound by simply
removing all dangerous plants from their access. We also encourage you to consider beautiful but safer alternatives to lilies, such as Easter
orchids, Easter daisies and violets. To help you identify potentially
harmful members of the lily family, the APCC and CFA have developed online informational materials that include photos of dangerous species and a list of nontoxic plants. Please visit APCC or CFA to take a look.
http://www.aspca.org/site/R?i=CDmSGOKii88XSXLRAGHJvQ..
http://www.aspca.org/site/R?i=T53IkJcxa_gXSXLRAGHJvQ..

Winter Hazards:

POINSETTIAS, POISONING AND PETS--SHOULD YOU BELIEVE THE HYPE?

Have you heard that poinsettias are dangerously poisonous to dogs and cats? As the holidays descend upon us, we wanted to set the record straight on these showy wintertime favorites. As our experts at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) explain it, the myth of the plant's toxicity began during the early part of the 20th century, when the two-year-old child of a U.S. Army officer was alleged to have died from consuming a poinsettia leaf.

As a result, the poinsettia's toxic potential to living beings of all species has become greatly exaggerated. In reality, points out the APCC's Dana Farbman, CVT, poinsettia ingestions typically produce only mild to moderate gastrointestinal tract irritation, which may include drooling, vomiting and diarrhea. "Therefore," says Farbman, "while keeping the plant out of the reach of your pet to avoid stomach upset is still a good idea, pet owners need not fear the poinsettia and banish it from their homes for fear of a fatal exposure."

For more on which plants are toxic to pets--and which ones are not--please visit the APCC online.
ASPCA Toxic Plant List

     As winter approaches, many people will "winterize" their automobiles, including a change of antifreeze. Dogs and cats find antifreeze quite tasty and will drink it when given the opportunity.  Antifreeze can be deadly even in small doses, around five tablespoons can kill a medium sized dog. A cat can ingest enough to prove fatal by just walking through a puddle of antifreeze and then licking its paws. Not just dogs and cats are at risk, all animals are susceptible. When ingested animals suffer from drunkenness, weakness, depression, staggering, possible seizures, renal failure (kidney) and even death. They may drink lots of water, urinate large amounts and vomit. Antifreeze should be kept away from your pets and all spills should be cleaned up right away. If your pet comes in contact with Antifreeze take him/her to your local veterinarian immediately. Treatment for antifreeze poisoning needs to be started as soon after ingestion as possible to be effective. The earlier treatment is started, the greater the chance of survival. Once kidney failure develops, most animals will die.

Other Winter Weather Hazards

• Antifreeze- Contact your veterinarian immediately if you think your pet has consumed antifreeze.
•  Rat and mouse bait - place these products in areas that are inaccessible to your companion animals.