As the holiday season gets underway, many people are buying plants and greens and putting up ornaments, lights, and other decorations. When decorating your house or yard, keep your pets in mind! Be aware of plants and cut greens to which your dog may have access. Puppies, adolescent dogs, and bored dogs who are left alone are at greatest risk, particularly if the item is new and intriguing. Gifts placed under a Christmas tree may not smell appealing to you, but the contents may be irresistable to your dog, who has a much keener sense of smell than you. Although most decorations are not hazardous, it is important to know the ones that are, since they may seem perfectly harmless to someone unaware of their danger. In this two-part segment, we discuss some of the common decorations that may be hazardous if chewed or eaten. This week, we review toxic plants and greens. Next week, we will cover hazardous non-living decorations.

Further Information & Help:
Illinois/ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center:
The only animal poison control center in the country; handles thousands of cases of poisonings or suspected poisonings; has been operating for over 20 years; flat fee of $45 per case includes consultation with owner and/or vet and covers any follow-up phone calls

PHONE #'s:
1-888-426-4435 (toll free)
1-900-680-0000: charge is placed on your phone bill.
Web site: http://www.napcc.aspca.org/



How to induce vomiting:
Note that it is very important NOT to attempt to induce vomiting in an animal that is unconscious or barely conscious and then to induce it ONLY upon the direct advice of a veterinarian. Never induce vomiting if there is a chance that the animal has ingested caustic substances (e.g. cleansers) or physical injurious objects (e.g. bones).

» For very young (less than 12 weeks) or very small dogs (less than 6 lb.), induce vomiting ONLY under the specific guidance of a veterinarian.

» You will be administering hydrogen peroxide (3%, available over the counter at any drug store -- NOT hair bleaching strength) by mouth, using a dose syringe. For larger dogs, a turkey baster is convenient. Give a small amount of food first (approximately double in volume to the amount of peroxide that you use, so there is something to bring up along with the peroxide and stomach contents.

» Administer the recommended dose (see below) and if the animal has not vomited in 15 minutes, repeat the dose of peroxide (not the food). If, in another 15 minutes, vomiting still has not occured, repeat the dose only one more time. Make sure you inform your veterinarian if vomiting does not occur.