A Little About Us
Lakewood Veterinary Hospital has been in the Lakewood community for 55+ years, and is an accredited member of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). 
Toxic plants for pets, Toxic food for pets, Holidays and pets
Happy Holidays, but no chocolate for the pets!!
Halloween was just here and now  with Thanksgiving and Christmas around the corner, this means even more dangers lurking for family pets.
Tis the season to be Jolly!!!! But not for your pets!!!
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   Many pets tend to get less exercise during the winter months. This lack of activity and stimulation leads to mischief. Holiday foods and plants, Christmas tree hazards, liquid potpourris, antifreeze, rodenticides, ice melts, and medications are all on the high list of winter perils for pets.
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Holiday Plants
The toxic potential of the poinsettia plant has become highly exaggerated. This plant is relatively harmless, causing only minor stomach upset. However, Mistletoe, Holly, Christmas cactus, And Christmas trees can be toxic to pets if ingested.
Mistletoe and Christmas cactus- most often causes depression and vomiting in cats and dogs, but has the potential to cause more serious signs, such as low blood pressure and cardiac collapse resulting from the host plants toxic characteristics: the Christmas cactus (host plant).
American Holly- contains methylanthines caffeine and theobromine, a bitter tasting toxalbumin called ilicin, and detergent-like substances called saponins. A dog or cat would likely need to ingest a large amount of this plant to have serious signs. Most commonly, dogs and cats experience Gastrointestinal (GI) signs and depression. 
Christmas trees- tree food or preservatives added to the water can cause Gastrointestinal (GI) upset if ingested. Foreign body risks include tinsel, ribbons, and glass or plastic ornaments. 
Liquid Potpourris and candles- potpourri contains very irritating cationic detergents and essential oils, which can cause oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal ulcers if ingested. Dermal exposure may also cause irritation. Burning candles may cause severe burns and also house fires.
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Holiday Food
Chocolate- contains two types of methylxanthine, theobromine, and caffeine, with varying amounts depends on the type of chocolate.
Milk Chocolate is the least toxic- contains 60mg/oz. methylxanthine
Dark Chocolate contains 150mg/oz. methylxanthine
Baking Chocolate contains 450mg/oz. methylxanthine
Clinical signs of chocolate toxicity range from Gastrointestinal (GI) upset to cardiovascular effects (e.g. tachycardia, hypertension or hypotension, and arrhythmias) to Central Nervous System (CNS) signs ( e.g. agitation, pacing, hyperactivity, tremors, and seizures, death), depending on type of chocolate, amount ingested and size of animal.
Xylitol- an artificial sweetener found in gums, candy, toothpastes, and some baked goods. It can cause hypoglycemia, seizures, and liver failure in dogs, ataxia, and collapse.
Alcohol- can cause drunkenness, vomiting, low blood pressure, coma, and death.
Macadamia Nuts, Avocado, Grapes/Raisins, Onions/Garlic, most people foods- Most commonly seen is Gastrointestinal (GI) upset. Severe cases range from ataxia, acute kidney/liver failure, red blood cell damage, paralysis, tremors, and bloat.

Other Toxicities
Batteries- if punctured can cause oral and digestive tract burns 
Ice Melts- can be corrosive to paws and tongue.
Antifreeze- Ethylene glycol the ingredient that puts the “anti” in freeze is very poisonous to pets. It causes drunkenness, vomiting, kidney failure, seizures, and death. As little as 15mls of diluted antifreeze can be lethal to a 10lb cat. Any suspicion of ingestion warrants immediate care.