Merry Murphy Pet Sitters

ASPCA Lists Tobacco Smoke as a Toxin Dangerous to Pets.

I don't think this should come as a surprize if second-hand smoke is dangerous to humans, in all likelihood it would stand to reason it would be dangerous for pets.

In fact we have the latest statement from the ASPCA:  "Nicotine from secondhand smoke can have detrimental effects to the nervous systems of cats and dogs," says Dr. Sharon Gwaltney-Brant, medical director for the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. "Environmental tobacco smoke has been shown to contain numerous cancer-causing compounds. Owners should avoid exposing their pets to secondhand smoke to help minimize the risk of their pets developing lung disease or cancer."

So what do we tell smokers? "Take it outside!"

Dolittler: News on Dog Toxic Cocoa Mulch Chips

Everyone knows that chocolate is bad for dogs, right? Problem is, most of us think it’s only about the sweet bars of brown stuff and big bags of candy-coated goo. 

Not so much so. In fact, the chocolate most likely to land your dog in the ICU is a baking staple––cocoa powder. This common pantry item, along with the almost-black chunks of the unsweetened stuff, are liable to kill a dog if consumed. 

  

OK, so you knew that, too. But what if I told you that mulch sold at your favorite big box home store or garden center might kill your dog with chocolate, too?  CONTINUED