Common Foods:
Onions, grapes, raisins, garlic, chocolate (sweetened and unsweetened), walnuts, macadamia nuts, xylitol (commonly found in sugar free gum), coffee, and all alcoholic beverages

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Common Household Items:
Antifreeze, electrical cords, yarn, snail bait, rat or mouse poison, rock salt / snow melt, dryer sheets, batteries, pennies, copper, Tylenol / acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, any other human prescription or medications, moth balls, Gorilla Glue, petroleum products, aluminum foil, cellophane, iron, zinc, lead, mercury, citrus oil, liquid potpourri, laundry detergent, all cleaning supplies, bleach, and pine oil.

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Plants:
There are several different types of plants which could be dangerous to your pet. Here are some of the more common ones. If you have a question about any plant or tree you may have in your yard or home, the ASPCA has a in-depth web site on poisonous plants.

Bulbs:
Amaryllis, Daffodil, Day Lily, Elephant Ears, Gladiolas, Hyacinth, Iris, Lily of the Valley, Tulip, Orange Day Lily, and Narcissus.

Ferns:
Asparagus, Australian Nut, Emerald (Feather Lace), and Plumosa.

Flowering Plants:
Cyclamen, Hydrangea, Poinsettia, Kalanchoe, and all Lillie's.

Garden Perennials:
Christmas Rose, Fox Glove, Marijuana, Morning Glory, Nightshade, Charming Diffenbachia, Flamingo Plant, and Tobacco Plants.

House Plants:
All Philodendron, Cornstalk Plant, Chinese Evergreen, Dumbcane, Cordatum, Dracaena, and Golden Pothos.

Shrubs:
Cycads, Heavenly Bamboo, holly, Mistletoe, Oleander, Philodendron, Yucca, and Jerusalem Cherry.

Trees:
Avocado, Black Walnut (bark), Buddhist Pine, Japanese Yew, Lacy Tree, and the Madagascar Dragon.

Vines:
English Ivy, Branching Ivy, Needlepoint Ivy, Glacier Ivy, European Bittersweet, and Clematis.

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Holiday Tips:
The holidays mean sharing but for pets, sometimes sharing is not always the best option. We may give our pets little bites of turkey or ham, but our pets digestive systems are very sensitive to some foods and changes in their diet. When a pet has had too much or is just having a hard time with the food it was given, it can lead to more serious conditions such as Pancreatitis. This condition can lead to hospitalization. It's best to stick to our pets normal diet and approved pet treats.

This time of year, homes also have extra chocolate, candy, tinsel, lights, ribbons, Poinsettia, Mistletoe, and small decorations that could be swallowed. Follow these tips and enjoy a safe and happy holiday season with your pet.

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Weather Watch:
The weather can be dangerous for your pet. If it is too cold outside for you, it is too cold for your pet. Pets left outside during winter run the risk of Hypothermia. Hypothermia is a condition where the body temperature drops below 99 degrees Fahrenheit. If not treated promptly and properly your pet can suffer permanent damage or death. If your pet must be outside for any length of time, make sure they have proper shelter, food, and fresh water. Water will freeze at 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

Warm weather can be as dangerous as cold weather. Pets body temperatures run higher than that of a human. Pets are susceptible to heat stroke. Heat stroke will occur when the body temperature is 104-107 degrees Fahrenheit. Pets should be kept in a cool environment during warm weather. If your pet must be outside during warm weather, they need proper shelter, a shaded area, and plenty of fresh water.

Never leave pets unattended in a car, even if the air conditioner is running. A fan belt can break, the car may stall, or the air conditioner can fail. A recent study by Stanford University has shown that even at 72 degrees outside, the temperature inside a car can rocket to 116 degrees in less than one hour (even with the windows cracked).

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