Recent from the Bugle
Every fall the same handful of things show up in Tulsa emergency vet waiting rooms. None of them are exotic. Most of them are in your yard right now.
Acorns
Tulsa's oaks drop acorns from September through November, and dogs who gulp are the ones at risk. Acorns are a choking and blockage hazard, and the tannins inside can cause vomiting and stomach upset. Fix: sweep the patio and walkways every couple of days, and keep an eye on the leaf-pile divers.
Mushrooms
After a wet week, mushrooms pop up in mulch beds and shaded lawns overnight. A few Oklahoma species are seriously toxic, and it's nearly impossible to tell by looking. Fix: do a quick walk-through before letting the dog out in the morning, and pull anything you find. If your dog eats one, take a photo of it and call the vet.
Cocoa mulch
It smells like chocolate because it's made from cocoa shells, and it contains the same theobromine that makes chocolate toxic. Fix: check the bag before you buy. Cedar or pine mulch is safe.
Leaf piles
Fun for the dog, but damp leaf piles grow mold that's a top fall allergy trigger, and they hide sticks, acorns, and the occasional snake looking for warmth. Fix: let them play, then wipe paws and belly when they come in.
Antifreeze
Winterizing season means antifreeze spills on driveways, and dogs find the sweet taste irresistible. A tablespoon can be fatal. Fix: clean spills immediately and store it up high.
The general rule
If your dog ate something and you're not sure, call. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) is open around the clock, and your vet would always rather hear from you early.
