Toxic Foods - Part Three

Hi <<First Name>>,
This month we continue our look at foods that can harm you pet.  I've been guilty of letting my dog eat apple cores but won't be doing that any longer. 

Apple Pips
Apples?!? Really??? While the fleshy parts of apples are just fine for your dog the seeds are not. The kernels of plums, peaches, pears, apricots and apple core pips (seeds) all contain cyanogenic glycosides which can result in cyanide poisoning.  Chewing the raw plant material releases the cyanogenic glycosides and allows them to combine with enzymes releasing hydrogen cyanide.  Symptoms include vomiting, listlessness and excessive drooling.

Macdamia Nuts
Both raw and roasted macadamia nuts can cause temporary paralysis in a dog’s hind leg.   It is not known what toxic compound is in the nuts at this time.  Your dog may develop muscle tremors and weakness in their back legs. They may be unable to get up and show signs of distress such as panting. Their limbs may also swell and show pain when the limb is manipulated. Only one ounce of nuts can cause this condition in a 20 pound dog. Fortunately most recover in a few days. 

Leesburg Saturday Morning Market
We have been approved to be a vendor at the Leesburg Saturday Morning Market.   These outdoor markets are held every Saturday morning from October through April in Historic Downtown Leesburg.  Look for us in Town Square between 5th and 6th Streets.  Market hours are 8:00 am to 1:00 pm.  Our debut will be on April 3, 2010.