We Need Each Other, Please Stop!

"Much smoking kills live men and cures dead swine."
George Dennison Prentice

Humans never seem to be satisfied. They like variety, seek out thrills.... always want something bigger and better. Good is bad, bad is good. Simple moments ignored.... the smell of the neighbors barbecue, chasing the same ball for hours, eating the same food night after night, peeing on the same tree day after day, now this is good stuff. Us dogs, we like repetition. We are satisfied by a "good boy", long walks, chasing squirrels.......

Many humans like to bring fire to their face.... what the heck!? The smoke rolls in and out without a cough, while we (your dog and cat) are over here with red eyes, coughing and sneezing..... is the place burning down?

Well believe it or not your harming us as much as yourselves. Secondhand smoke can cause cancer in your pets but that isn't the only risk!! Many people are now trying the electric cigarettes, nicotine patches and gum. All of these products are concentrated nicotine, a little goes a long way, right to the emergency clinic. Even the butts your squishing out on the driveway, poison dude, poison.

Let's look at the facts:

1. We don't live very long compared to a humans life expectancy. Hard to swallow I know and we cherish every moment we have with you! The average life expectancy of a dog is 10-12 years, the cat is a little longer, 12-19 years. Secondhand smoke can cause lung and nasal cancer in dogs, and repeated exposure of smoke to a cat doubles their chance of developing Lymphoma, as well as asthma and bronchitis.

2. Quit smoking. Did you know on the average a person who smokes a pack a day spends approximately $1000 a year on cigarettes? But let us also talk about your veterinary bill. Quit now and you will save money on your vet bill (or at least smoke outside).

3. E-cigarettes can be fatal to your pet! It takes only 5 milligrams of nicotine to cause problems for your pet. A regular cigarette has approximately 15-20 milligrams of nicotine, e-cigarette refill cartridges can have anywhere from 6 to 24 milligrams, then take into account that a package can have five to one hundred cartridges. According to the Pet Poison Hotline, the number of calls about nicotine poisoning from these new products has doubled. One cartridge could cause toxic signs in a 50 pound dog, but in a ten pound dog it could be fatal. Yikes!! And their flavoring them!!! Banana Cream Pie anyone???!!!

4. Nicotine poisoning happens rapidly in pets, typically within 15-60 minutes after ingestion.

5. Signs in dogs and cats: vomiting, diarrhea, irritation, increased heart and breathing rates, depression, tremors, seizures, coma, and cardiac arrest.

6. React quickly, because of the rapid onset every moment counts. Call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect nicotine poisoning.

I've heard how hard it is to stop sucking in all that smoke (my human mom was hooked and quit "cold turkey" when she fell in love with my dad). If you really love your pets you should think twice about lighting, vaping, whatever you want to call it. Quit today, we want you around as much as you want us around. If you can't do it (we know you can), then please take it outside (and don't drop that butt, it's lethal).

Tata for now
Oli

for more information check out these links:
Secondhand smoke harmful to pets as people: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/secondhand-smoke-as-harmful-to-pets-as-people/
E-Cigarettes and Pets Do Not Mix: http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/uncategorized/e-cigarettes-pets-mix/

summertime thirsty, water or a lead cocktail?

So just when you thought it was safe to go back into the garden.... you stopped using slug/snail bait, and scoured the grass for sprouting mushrooms. Your best friend has his flea and tick medication on, you have your sunhat and shades, ahhhhhh summertime.

Well folks, think again. That harmless little garden hose, sure you may slip or trip on it, forget to move it when your mowing your lawn, or accidentally drag it through your Petunia patch. Guess what? That little thirst quenching fountain of fun could be harming you and your pets!

Many garden hoses made from PVC contain phthalates, a chemical used to soften plastics. Many researchers believe these could be linked to birth defects and breast cancer. The Ecology Center, a non-profit environmental organization based in Ann Arbor, Michigan tested nearly 200 garden products including hoses and found over two thirds to be over the safe limit of certain harmful chemicals such as lead and phthalates. They left a section of garden hose in the sun for several days and then tested the water inside the hose. The water exceeded the safe standards for drinking water, four times what is considered safe for phthalates and 18 times that for lead. Did you know the brass fittings on hoses are not regulated like indoor plumbing fixtures are?

So next time you think about getting a sip or letting your pet drink from the hose, think about what may be in that water. Buy lead free hoses (they are usually white with a blue stripe) found at marine stores. Don't leave your hose out in the sun and flush them through before using them to water your garden. I will thank you and so will your children and pets!

Tata for now!