AskHenry@SugarHill AnimalHospital.com
Henry’s helper for this issue was Dr. Earick. She is a 2009 graduate of The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine and an active member of the GVMA. Dr. Earick spends her free time with her husband, her teenage son, and their numerous pets including Bruin, her Bernese Mountain dog she also enjoys time outdoors, watching hockey and traveling.
Q: My dog and/or cat is primarily indoors only. Is it really necessary for me to give them heartworm prevention?
A: YES! Heartworm disease is extremely common in the Southeast due to our climate being so mild. As a result, mosquitos, which spread heartworm disease, are in our environment year-round. They are pesky little critters that can very easily get into
our houses, so in order to make sure our furry family members are protected, year-round heartworm prevention is recommended.
Q: I love gardening as a hobby.
What are some flowers or plants that I need to be cautious of?
A: While there are a variety of garden and house plants that can cause a varying degree of toxicosis, these are some of the most lethal and the symptoms that they cause:
Foxgloves: Vomiting, diarrhea, cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac failure, death.
Sago Palm: Vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice, liver failure, black “tarry” stools, bruising, increased thirst, lethargy, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis.
Delphinium: Excessive drooling, stiffness, weakness, respiratory paralysis, cardiac failure, death.
Lilies: No appetite, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, kidney failure, death especially in cats. These varieties include, but are not limited to day, Stargazer, Tiger, Asiatic, Easter.
Caladium/Elephant Ears: Although not as deadly as the above, a very common garden plant in the South. Excessive drooling, oral irritation, vomiting, difficulty swallowing and/or breathing!
For a more comprehensive list of dangerous house and garden plants and the symptoms they cause, visit the ASPCA website at www.aspca.org.
