Salt Water Deadly to our Dogs

I am always trying to find information that will help us take better care of our precious animals. This news report was a real eye opener.

“Dog dies days after day at the beach”

Posted July 14, 2018

News Fox 29

TAMPA (FOX 13) - A Bay Area veterinarian is issuing a warning to pet owners after a dog accidentally died from saltwater poisoning.

Chris Taylor says he had no idea a swim at the beach with his dog would put his black lab in the hospital, but as the vet explains, dogs can easily get salt water confused for fresh water.

He had such a vibrant spirit," Taylor said. "If there was a tennis ball and a stick in a big body of water that's what he would love to do most."

Taylor is struggling to come to grips with the death of his 6-year-old black lab, O.G., who died accidentally after swallowing too much salt water at the beach.

"Towards the end of the evening, he was obviously tired and little wobbly after a long day at the beach," Taylor said. "We took him to the car. He had a little bit of diarrhea he didn't feel that well."

That was Monday. The next day, Taylor says O.G. seemed to be feeling better but by Wednesday he stopped eating and even stopped responding when Taylor would call his name.

He rushed him to the animal hospital but, shortly after arriving, O.G.'s brain started swelling. O.G.'s body stopped responding to the medicine.

Taylor says he was forced to put his loyal companion down.

"It still feels surreal," Taylor said. "It doesn't feel like reality. I [have] to get a grip on that and realize that it is real and he's gone."

It's a tragedy Taylor says no dog owner should ever have to go through.

Veterinarian Dr. Melissa Webster explained saltwater poisoning is tough to spot because every dog reacts differently.

"When I brought my puppy to the beach for the first time, I was literally there for only 10 minutes," Dr. Webster said. "He was drinking it like it was water in the pool. So for him, 10 minutes was more than enough."

"Even though we had fresh water and he was drinking that and we took breaks," Taylor said. "Accidents can still happen."

Dr. Webster says next time you take your dog to the beach, make sure you have plenty of fresh water. If your dog starts to experience diarrhea or vomiting, it could be a sign of saltwater poisoning.

If that happens, be sure to call your vet as soon as possible.

Essential Oils and our Dogs

Judea and her bed are on the floor where substances accumulate.

I love using fragrances in my home but must admit that I never gave much thought about the effects that these smells might be having on my precious dogs.

While surfing the internet, an article popped up and caused me great alarm. The candles, home fragrances, and essential oils that I have been using may be harming my beloved dogs who I want to take the very best care of and protect them. To think that I could be doing something that would hurt them was - is- completely unacceptable.

Because of this concern, I did some additional reading and came across some lists. In addition to the lists, I came to realize just how much more my pups are exposed to these scents and possible toxins more than we humans the caretakers.

Dogs have an amazing ability to smell things many times more than we do. They are also lower to the floor where the scents drop They are also on the floor where the residue of the sprays, diffusion, and burnings collect and then get on our pets coats. As our animals lick themselves, they actually ingest these possibly dangerous, even toxic, substances.

I found the following list on a link provided by iHeartDogs.com

“Some oils that are generally considered safe for dogs when used correctly are:

• Cardamom - Diuretic, anti-bacterial, normalizes appetite, colic, coughs, heartburn and nausea

• Cedarwood - helps to repel fleas, ticks, and dog lice

• Chamomille - promotes relaxation and calming

• Frankincense - has helped in some cases of cancer. Works on the immune system. Has reduced tumors and external ulcers. Increases blood supply to the brain (although it can worsen hypertension so use caution)

• Lavender - can help with relaxation and motion sickness

• Spearmint - helps to reduce weight. Good for colic, diarrhea, nausea. Helps balance metabolism, stimulates gallbladder.

Essential oils that can be safely used with cats in the correct dosage

Remember that cats are much more sensitive to essential oils than other animals. Oils used with cats must be highly diluted and some oils should be avoided altogether. Use therapeutic-grade oils. Do not use essential oils designed for aromatherapy. Do not use oils on cats daily. Use them sparingly and only on an as-needed basis. Always give a cat an escape if you're using a diffuser for yourself.

Some oils that are generally considered safe for cats when used correctly are:

• Cardamom

• Cedarwood

• Frankincense

• Geranium

• Helichrysum

• Lavender

• Myrrh

Essential oils that can be toxic to pets (especially undiluted)

For cats, avoid using:

• Citrus Oils

• Clove

• Basil

• Birch

• Cassia

• Cinnamon

• Clove

• Fennel

• Melaleuca (tea tree)

• Oregano

• Peppermint

• Thyme

• Wintergreen

For dogs, avoid using:

• Anise

• Clove

• Horseradish

• Juniper

• Thyme

• Wintergreen

• Yarrow”

I hope that this gives you a better awareness of something we might be doing that could potentially harm our wonderful pets.