Like I have said before in this column, at the Adams County Extension office we receive a multitude of calls on a wide variety of topics from; livestock, plants, ponds, food safety, pruning plants, diseases, and pet safety. Whether you have a house pet such as goldfish, dog, cat, or bird, farm animals from horses, cattle, to chickens, or exotic pets from snakes, turtles, or rodents they all have things around the house that can potentially harm them. We have received calls recently and in the past about pets coming up sick or even dying for unknown reasons. These are questions you asked so we’ll answer. Here are some things to consider when pets may seem under the weather.

Q. Are there any plants toxic to animals?

Although this is rare, yes there are some plants that are toxic to animals. Plants that may be in your backyard that can be toxic to dogs Christmas rose, holly leaves and berries, and mistletoe leaves and berries. Poinsettias are rarely life threatening but will cause vomiting and diarrhea. However, as you know dogs do not regularly attempt to eat foliage so I would not begin removing any of these plants from your landscape just notice them in case your pets becomes ill. With farm animals mainly ruminants like sheep, goats, and cattle azaleas can be toxic when eaten in abundance.

Q. What should I watch for in my house that could harm my pets?

Like children many times pets play with things just for fun, one of these things may include potpourri dispensers for cats. While this smell brings freshness to your home it also can bring severe trouble to your cats. The liquids are usually made of essential oils and cationic detergents, and both of these are toxic to cats. Not all potpourri include these ingredients but because many potpourri products do not have ingredient list, the poison control center advises consumers to assume any liquid potpourri includes both of these. Like toxic plants the chances of a cat eating one of these is slim but if ingested they often need extensive treatment and several days of hospitalization.

Chocolate is a common in most households year-round, a small piece of chocolate would not likely be fatal or cause harm, but large amounts of chocolate, especially baker’s chocolate, could cause serious health problems including seizures and heart problems.

Q. Can fleas cause major harm to my dog?

If you have a bad case of fleas it is best to take a three-phase approach. Treat indoors, outdoors and on the animal. Most of the newer products today are so effective they will eventually take care of the indoor and outdoor problems, but usually you should treat all three if you have a big flea problem. A bad flea infestation on young or small dogs can lead to life-threatening anemia. For pets allergic to fleas a bite will set off an allergic reaction in the animal that usually displays itself in extreme itchiness. To prevent problems, treat animals at the first sign of fleas and eliminate flea habitats when possible.

For more information on flea control, toxic plants, or pet safety contact your local veterinarian, visit the MSU webpage at www.msucares.com, or call the Adams County Extension Office at 601-445-8201.

David Carter is director of the Adams County Extension Service. He can be reached at dcarter@ext.msstate.edu.