Poinsettias are not Dangerous -From Just Labs Magazine

December 2013

Poinsettias are not Dangerous
by Jill LaCross

The dashing plant so commonly found in homes this time of year is not, as was published in our email blast earlier this week, "one of the most dangerous plants found around the holidays."

The mistake was caught by one of our subscribers, who raises Labs and is a horticulturist expert who grows these plants in her greenhouse. I've commonly heard about poinsettias being particularly poisionous for our pets, but there has been plenty of research showing that this is not the case. I thought I'd share what I found with you as it was quite an education for me.

The Pet Poison Helpline categorizes poinsettias as a "minimal" threat and explains: "While poinsettias are commonly 'hyped' as poisonous plants, they rarely are, and the poisoning is greatly exaggerated." Penn State Extension agrees, as noted in a newsletter for master gardeners, "While they are not meant to be eaten by humans, pets or livestock, ingesting poinsettias would probably cause some stomach upset, as would eating most any houseplant. However, poinsettias have undergone extensive testing and there is no evidence that they are toxic or unsafe to have in the house."

That's not to say that poinsettias are the friendliest plant. After all, they are not meant to be eaten. If a Lab were to ingest the leaves and bracts, it could possibly lead to a stomach ache, drooling, or vomiting, but nothing life threatening. The potential harm would occur only if the bracts or other parts were consumed in very large amounts - a quantity that greatly exceeds what would be available at home during the holidays. A study by Ohio State University in 1971 showed how rats did not suffer any adverse effects after consuming high doses of the plant, as noted in this fact sheet fromColorado State University.

We apologize for perpetuating the myth that these beautiful plants are extremely dangerous for our Labs. We can also say, what a relief it is to know that they aren't! And a special thanks to our subsciber who brought it to our attention.

So true!!

2013 Most Popular Puppy Names

Sergeant Stubby

Sergeant Stubby (1916 or 1917 – April 4, 1926), was the most decorated war dog of World War I

and the only dog to be promoted to sergeant through combat. America's first war dog,

Stubby served for 18 months and Sergeant Stubby participated in seventeen battles on the Western Front.

He was just another stray dog before he found his way into an area near Yale University

where the 102nd infantry, Yankee Division was training for World War I. Private J. Robert Conroy found the puppy there in 1917 and named him. He was smart and boosted morale.

He learned the bugle calls, the drills and even a modified salute where he put his right paw on his right eyebrow.

Stubby became a lifetime member of the American Legion and later became Georgetown University's mascot.

Much thanks to Nitro Foundation HB 70 Law in Ohio for this posting

Veterans Day November 11, 2013

Cleo’s Pumpkin Dog Biscuits

I found this recipe for pumpkin dog biscuts on facebook. It looks delicious and easy to make. I am going to give it a try and thought I'd share it with you -

Stop giving your dogs crap from China that is killing our dogs!! Here is a Pumpkin Recipe that is healthy for them, Cleo’s Pumpkin Dog Biscuits:

2 eggs

1/2 cup canned pumpkin

2 tablespoons dry milk

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

2 1/2 cups brown rice flour *

1 teaspoon dried parsley      

                                                 (optional)

Preheat oven to 350.

In large bowl, whisk together eggs and pumpkin to smooth. Stir in dry milk, sea salt, and dried parsley (if using, optional). Add brown rice flour gradually, combining with spatula or hands to form a stiff, dry dough. Turn out onto lightly floured surface (can use the brown rice flour) and if dough is still rough, briefly knead and press to combine.

Roll dough between 1/4 – 1/2″ – depending on your dog’s chew preferences, – and use biscuit or other shape cutter to punch shapes, gathering and re-rolling scraps as you go. Place shapes on cookie sheet, no greasing or paper necessary. If desired, press fork pattern on biscuits before baking, a quick up-and-down movement with fork, lightly pressing down halfway through dough. Bake 20 minutes. Remove from oven and carefully turn biscuits over, then bake additional 20 minutes. Allow to cool completely on rack before feeding to dog.

* Brown rice flour gives the biscuits crunch and promotes better dog digestion. Many dogs have touchy stomachs or allergies, and do not, like many people I know, tolerate wheat.

Makes up to 75 small (1″) biscuits or 50 medium biscuits

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