March 24, 2010

Creature care:  Pet hazards to avoid

By Tina Meyer

“All creatures of our God and King, Lift up your voices, let us sing, Alleluia!  Alleluia!”—St. Francis of Assisi

Praise of God is the theme surrounding this lovely hymn and it echoes St. Francis’ love for the world God created.  All earth’s creatures get life from God and all depend on him for their existence.  St. Francis of Assisi had a deep abiding love of nature and saw God’s hand in everything.   

Christ was born amongst the animals.  He referred to himself as the “Lamb of God” and the “Good Shepherd.” One of the most common symbols of the Holy Spirit is a dove.  In Psalm 36 we read: “Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep.  O Lord, you preserve both man and beast” (6).

Guardian to God’s creatures
Being a responsible pet owner is much more than just providing adequate water, food and shelter for your pet. Domestic pets are completely dependent on their owners for their welfare.  Listed below is information on pet hazards inside and outside of your home.

Beware of some blooming buds
Seek out pet-friendly plants and flowers.
Lilies (plants and fresh cut flowers): Members of the lily family are considered to be highly toxic to cats. While the poisonous component has not yet been identified, it is clear that with even ingestions of very small amounts of the plant, severe kidney damage could result. Even a tiny nibble of any part of the lily flower can be deadly to felines.  If you have cats in your home, ensure that mixed arrangements of flowers do not contain lilies. 
Consider purchasing a silk arrangement of the lily plant to celebrate Easter.  Even if your pet does not climb counters, dropped dried flower petals and leaves can be toxic. 
Tulip: The toxic portion of this plant is the actual bulb, which can cause drooling, central nervous system depression, gastrointestinal irritation, cardiac issues and convulsions.

Sago Palm: While the seeds and nuts of this plant are most poisonous, the entire plant is toxic.  Animals ingesting parts of this plant may suffer from diarrhea, vomiting, depression, seizures and liver failure.
Miscellaneous:  Sugar free gum and candy containing Xylitol sweetener are toxic to pets, especially dogs.  
For a complete listing of toxic and non-toxic plants, along with foods and medicine to avoid giving to your pets, refer to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty Towards Animals
Web site at www.aspca.org/ pet-care/poison-control/or contact them at 888-426-4435.
For pet friendly flower arrangements visit: http://www.aspca. flowerclub.com/. Beware of “natural” care; instead, seek a certified veterinarian.
Tina Meyer is a parishioner of Immaculate Conception Church in Lafayette.