Sago Palm - a Deadly Decoration

If you are a Lab lover than you know that one of a Labrador's favorite past times is eating. That's why we owners are forever removing things from their mouths. Whether you currently own a Lab or are considering adding one to the family, it is important to be familiar with plants, medications and human food that may put your dog in peril.

One example of a toxic plant is the Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta). The Sago Palm is a popular ornamental plant in the central Texas area found in many homeowners yards (as well as indoors in cooler climates). All parts of the Sago Palm are poisonous and can make your Labrador very sick. For younger dogs or dogs that spend a great deal of time outdoors, sometimes a favorite activity is to dig (much to the disappointment of many owners). Puppies are known to pull plants from the ground, run around the yard with them in their mouths, and after tiring, continue the fun by chewing on them. Sago Palms can also drop seeds. These seeds are the most poisonous part of the plant. Older dogs while having learned not to dig, still may find the seeds enticing.

Symptoms of Sago Palm toxicity include vomiting (with or without blood), diarrhea (with or without blood), shaking, depression, anorexia, and seizures. The most serious concern associated with Sago Palm poisoning is liver failure. According to the ASPCA, Sago Palm poisoining has increased 200% since 2003, and in 50-75% of cases, Sago Palm poisoning is lethal. Treatment includes administration of activated charcoal to block the absorption of the toxins, IV fluid therapy and medications aimed at protecting the GI tract, controlling seizures and supporting the liver. Blood transfusions may be needed if loss of blood is severe.

To avoid the possibility of this happening to your Lab, consider removing the plants from the areas that your dog frequents or leave your dog indoors when you are unable to watch him outside. Crate training is a great option for your pet when you cannot be with him. Look for an upcoming article for this blog on the benefits of crate training. For more information on Sago Palm toxicity or plant toxicity in general, visit the ASPCAs website: http://www.aspca.org/

HOTLR Recommends Article To Keep Your Hot Dog Cool

After 50 plus days of triple digit temperatures, are you running out creative ways to stay cool? Well, so are we. That's why we'd like to take the time to give four paws up to Bilinda Marshall, board member of Responsible Pet Owners Alliance located in San Antonio, Texas for reminding us that we need to take special care of our pets as well, during this time of record breaking heat.

Check out the link to this informative article entitled "Baby, Its HOT Outside" from Ms. Marshall: http://d.yimg.com/kq/groups/3080957/641723660/name/BABY%20ITs%20hot%20outside.doc to get some good tips on how to care for your Lab throughout all of the remaining "dog days of summer".

HOTLR Labs Attend Kids Camp

Each summer Hearts and Paws Kennel located in North Austin holds a three week summer camp. Kids attending camp bring their dogs and learn how to care for and train dogs. Sometimes kids don't have dogs or a family with multiple children doesn't have enough family dogs to go around. That's where Heart of Texas Lab comes in. Heart of Texas is proud to provide dogs from our adoption program to children who may not have a dog for camp.

This year's canine "campers" were two lucky girls. Saba came to us in February as a puppy from Brownwood, Texas. Miss Madison has been with HOTLR since May and was rescued from Town Lake Animal Shelter. Both girls were in need of some basic training, but more importantly were looking for someone to teach them and lead the way. Madison was assigned to Ryan and Saba spent two weeks at camp and worked with Olivia and Anna. The kids teach the dogs the basics - like sit, stay, down and heel and also get to work them on an agility course. This helps the dogs learn confidence which is just as important as good manners. At the end of the week, the kids and their dogs put on a show demonstrating all they have learned during the week. There is also a skit and costume party to round out the end of week festivites.

Heart of Texas Lab would like to thank Ryan, Olivia and Anna for doing such a good job with our dogs. We'd also like to thank Diana Smith of Hearts and Paws for inviting our dogs to attend Kids Camp. Madison and Saba say, "4 Paws Up for a great time!!!"

HOTLR's Raven Goes Bananas

HOT Lab Rescue's Raven made a cameo appearance at the grand opening of BANANARCHY a frozen Banana stand located at 706 N Lamar. Just up the street and north from Waterloo Records. While at the grand opening, Raven spread the message of Peace, Love and Labradors while handing out brochures to those attending and posing for photos. After sampling several of the delights, she gave 4 paws up to the After Noon Delight. A frozen Banana on a stick dipped in 3 wonderful toppings. If you would like to have a spokes Lab from HOT Lab Rescue appear at your event contact Ray at hotlabrescue@gmail.com