Irish Wolfhound Vacation Tips

During holidays stay as close as possible to your dogs normal routine. (feeding, walking, playing)

Remember, chocolate, sweets, cookies are not healthy for your dog. Chocolate contains theo-bromine which can be fatal, baking chocolate is especially high in this chemical.

No dog should have access to alcohol. While we enjoy a holiday party, be aware your dog is sniffing around our cocktail snacks and drinks.

Onions, often found in stuffing and holiday vegetables, destroy a dog�s red blood cells and can lead to anemia.

Pets are attracted to the sweet taste of anti-freeze (ethylene glycol), which is LETHAL to them, even in small doses. Check driveways and wipe up leaks IMMEDIATELY!

Avoid using tinsel and glass ornaments, if swallowed they can lead to upset stomach, or intestinal blockage.

Poinsettias, holly and mistletoe may make your dog sick, keep these plants out of reach.

Change outside water bowls to ceramic or plastic. No metal bowls, pet�s tongues can freeze to these. Check outdoor bowls often, and break out the ice.

And finally, nothing tugs harder at heartstrings than a cute puppy. Never buy a puppy as a Christmas Gift. Every adorable bundle of fur is a lifetime responsibility.

At the Loews chain of hotels, for instance, special Hanukkah and Christmas menus are offered.

Holiday Health Tips For Your Pet: With Easter Fast Approaching, North Bay Emergency Animal Hospital Warns of Chocolate Toxicity in Dogs and Cats
Monday March 31, 2003 4:56 pm ET

LOS ANGELES, March 31, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Dr. Agnes Van Volkenburgh of North Bay Emergency Animal Hospital warns of the danger of giving pets scraps of chocolate treats and cookies during the upcoming holiday.

Easter is a time of Easter egg hunts and big chocolate rabbits. While this is great fun for children and their parents, this is also a time to keep an eye on pets and to keep them away from chocolate treats. As a leading cause of pet illness and death during the Easter and Halloween holidays, Chocolate Toxicity can be avoided through common sense and a watchful eye. ``I have treated numerous cases of Chocolate Toxicity that were caused because a child wanted to share their chocolate treat with a favorite pet,'' said North Bay's owner, Dr. Agnes Van Volkenburgh. ``This is a good time of year to re-educate families on their pet's well-being. What seems like a harmless treat can be a deadly lesson in pet health maintenance.''

Chocolate Toxicity is caused by the ingestion of methylxanthine alkaloids and theobromine found commonly in chocolate, coffee,and tea. These alkaloids can cause increased heart rates, constrict blood vessels and increase stimulation of the nervous system to dangerous levels in dogs and cats. Common signs of ingestion are hyperactivity, diarrhea, increased urination and vomiting.

``If you notice any combination of these symptoms, there is a good chance that the toxicity was caught in the first 2 - 4 hours,'' said Dr. Van Volkenburgh. ``At that point it is wise to take your pet to an animal hospital to have it diagnosed. Possible treatments include gastric lavage, administration of activated charcoal, or IV fluids. Anti-seizure and cardiac medications may be necessary for advanced cases of Chocolate Toxicity.''

Not all chocolates are the same. There are varying levels of theobromine in the different types of chocolate. Baking chocolate contains the highest level of theobromine per ounce at 450 mg, semi-sweet chocolate contains 260 mg/oz., milk chocolate contains 60 mg/oz. and white chocolate contains the least at 1 mg/oz. The rule of thumb is that 680-720 mgs of theobromine are toxic.

Located in Santa Monica, CA, North Bay Emergency Animal Hospital specializes in emergency pet care and exotic species care. Dr. Agnes Van Volkenburgh was educated at University of Illinois in Champagne, IL, and is considered a leading specialist in critical care and emergency medicine.