Martha A. Cheves's Blog, page 49

8 Plants That Are Poisonous to Cats and Dogs - Part 8 Hops

Hops
Hops are used in beer brewing, so home brewers need to be aware of this toxic plant.  Ingestion of hops by dogs causes their body temperatures to skyrocket.  Signs can be seen within hours.  Dogs become agitated and begin to pant.  Their body temperature can get high enough to kill them - up to 108 degrees Fahrenheit.

8 Plants That Are Poisonous to Cats and Dogs - Part 7 Autumn Crocus

Autumn Crocus
Autumn crocus contains chemotherapy-like compounds that attack rapidly dividing cells in the body.  Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, weakness and possible death.  Do not confuse this flower with the innocuous spring crocus which is not toxic.

8 Plants That Are Poisonous to Cats and Dogs - Part 6 Castor Bean

Castor Bean
Ricinus communis (commonly known as the castor bean) contains ricin, which can be highly toxic.  Ricin causes multiple organ failure.  Ricin is found throughout the plant, but the highest levels are found in the seeds.  The seed coat must be damaged to release the toxins, so animals who swallow the seeds whole may not get sick.  the mortality rate of dogs is about 9%.  These beans are also commonly used in many rustic-type ornaments and jewelry.

8 Plants That Are Poisonous to Cats and Dogs - Part 5 Japanese Yew

Japanese Yew
Yews are commonly used as landscaping plants as they stay green year-round.  A pet looking for a bit of winter green may be tempted to take a nibble.  Yews contain compounds that have a direction action on the heart.  The toxins can cause an irregular heartbeat or even stop the heart.  All parts, except for the ripe berry (a fleshy red structure surrounding the seed), are toxic.  Sudden death can occur within hours of ingestion.

8 Plants That Are Poisonous to Cats and Dogs - Part 4 Grayanotoxin

Grayanotoxin Plants
Grayanotoxins can cause vomiting, seizures and cardiac arrest.  sources include rhododendrons, azaleas, laaurels, and Japanese pieris.  These are typically outdoor plants, but they are highly toxic in all species and deserve extra caution.

8 Plants That Are Poisonous to Cats and Dogs - Part 3 Cardiac Glycoside

Cardiac Glycoside Plants
Plants containing cardiac glycoside include oleander, foxglove and lily of the valley.  These glycosides slow down the heartbeat and can even stop it.  These plants are toxic in all species.  They are typically outdoor/landscape plants, but the popular and beloved lily of the valley is a common bouquet flower for winter arrangements, weddings and other holiday gatherings.

8 Plants That Are Poisonous to Cats and Dogs - Part 2 Lillies

Lilies
Members of the true lily family (Lilium and Hemerocallis) have been shown to cause kidney failure in cats.  Some examples of true lilies include Easter lilies, tiger lilies, rubrum or Japanese showy lilies, and day lilies.  Even a small amount of exposure (a few bites on a leaf, ingestion of pollen, etc.) may result in kidney failure.  Cats often vomit within a few hours of exposure and stop producing urine within 72 hours.  Cats who receive quick treatment (intravenous fluids for two days) have a good prognosis.  Lilies are common in holiday flower bouquets and arrangements, as are popular lily-like holiday flowering bulbs, such as amaryllis, which can also be toxic to pets.

8 Plants That Are Poisonous to Cats and Dogs - Part 1 Sago Palm

I know this doesn't pertain to cooking but it does pertain to the dangers of what our pets might eat and the health problems that can occur.  If you're an animal lover, like me, you might just find this information helpful.  I'll be posting this in 8 parts with hopes that it will be easier to consume.This was sent to me by my veterinarian and since I love plants, inside and out, this is something that I plan on keeping handy for the health of my Jesse.  These are the 8 plants that are poisonous to cats and dogs.Many common plants, both in the house and the yard, can be toxic to our pets, including some that can still be found even in the winter, either because they are being brought in from outside or because they are popular in holiday displays or decorations.  some toxic plants only cause mild stomach upset, while others can be poisonous.  To make things even more confusing, some plants are safe for some species while deadly for others.  As a pet owner, it is important that you be familiar with the most dangerous of the toxic plants.

Sago Palms
Sago palms (Cycas and Macrozamia spp.) can be found as outdoor ornamental plants in warm climates or as houseplants in cooler climates.  Ingestion of sago palm plants can cause liver failure and death in dogs and cats.  All parts of the plant are toxic, with the seeds having the highest concentration of toxin.  One seed can kill a dog.  Vomiting usually begins within 24 hours, and the animal becomes depressed and may start having seizures.  This plant is one of the most toxic, with a mortality rate of around 30%.

Corned Beef Hash

It doesn't take much to make an appealing as well as tasty dish.  I had some leftover corned beef a few days ago and didn't want to use it to make sandwiches so I made Corned Beef Hash instead.  It's so simple.  Fry up a couple of diced potatoes with a little onion.  Chop the corned beef and add to your potatoes.  Heat, don't cook or it will come out dry.  Place on a plate and top with a fried egg.  Serve with toast, I used rye with a healthy spread of cream cheese and herbs.  So good.  So Easy.  And So Appealing, at least it is to me.

I Didn't Know That - Sore Throat & Cough Remedies

Sore Throat and Cough Remedy - Best
Garbling with warm saltwater not only helps alleviate sore throat symptoms by drawing moisture out of swollen glands and bacteria, but it may also help prevent upper respiratory infections if done regularly, according to National Institute of Health.
To calm a cough, reach for the sweet stuff.  Honey soothes the back of the throat, contains free radical-fighting antioxidants, breaks up mucous and has even been shown to be more effective than over-the-counter cough suppressants, according to a study by the Penn State College of Medicine.  However, due to the risk of infant botulism, remember that honey should never be given to children under on year old.
Sore Throat and Cough Remedy - Worst
It might be hard to believe, but over-the-counter cough suppressants actually do very little to alleviate coughing due to a cold, according to The American College of Chest Physicians.  Essentially, the drugs previously thought to help reduce the severity of a cold-related cough - suppressants such as dextromethorphan or expectorants such as gualifensein - don't appear to effectively loosen mucous in the airways, according to multiple research studies.

If you're coughing up a cold-related storm, use a humidifier, take that spoonful of honey, and maybe add some of Grandma's chicken soup to your get-well regimen.