Go to http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control for pet poison information. Below is a list of the top 17 poisonous plants. With Spring approaching keep in mind the toxins in the lawn fertilizers and bug sprays that you might be using. 17 Poisonous Plants Lilies Members of the Lilium spp. are considered to be highly toxic to cats. While the poisonous component has not yet been identified, it is clear that with even ingestions of very small amounts of the plant, severe kidney damage could result. Marijuana Ingestion of Cannabis sativa by companion animals can result in depression of the central nervous system and incoordination, as well as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, increased heart rate, and even seizures and coma. Sago Palm All parts of Cycas Revoluta are poisonous, but the seeds or “nuts” contain the largest amount of toxin. The ingestion of just one or two seeds can result in very serious effects, which include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, seizures and liver failure. Tulip/Narcissus bulbs The bulb portions of Tulipa/Narcissus spp. contain toxins that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation, drooling, loss of appetite, depression of the central nervous system, convulsions and cardiac abnormalities. Azalea/Rhododendron Members of the Rhododenron spp. contain substances known as grayantoxins, which can produce vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, weakness and depression of the central nervous system in animals. Severe azalea poisoning could ultimately lead to coma and death from cardiovascular collapse. Oleander All parts of Nerium oleander are considered to be toxic, as they contain cardiac glycosides that have the potential to cause serious effects—including gastrointestinal tract irritation, abnormal heart function, hypothermia and even death. Castor Bean The poisonous principle in Ricinus communis is ricin, a highly toxic protein that can produce severe abdominal pain, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, weakness and loss of appetite. Severe cases of poisoning can result in dehydration, muscle twitching, tremors, seizures, coma and death. Cyclamen Cylamen species contain cyclamine, but the highest concentration of this toxic component is typically located in the root portion of the plant. If consumed, Cylamen can produce significant gastrointestinal irritation, including intense vomiting. Fatalities have also been reported in some cases. Kalanchoe This plant contains components that can produce gastrointestinal irritation, as well as those that are toxic to the heart, and can seriously affect cardiac rhythm and rate. Yew Taxus spp. contains a toxic component known as taxine, which causes central nervous system effects such as trembling, incoordination, and difficulty breathing. It can also cause significant gastrointestinal irritation and cardiac failure, which can result in death. Amaryllis Common garden plants popular around Easter, Amaryllis species contain toxins that can cause vomiting, depression, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, anorexia and tremors. Autumn Crocus Ingestion of Colchicum autumnale by pets can result in oral irritation, bloody vomiting, diarrhea, shock, multi-organ damage and bone marrow suppression. Chrysanthemum These popular blooms are part of the Compositae family, which contain pyrethrins that may produce gastrointestinal upset, including drooling, vomiting and diarrhea, if eaten. In certain cases depression and loss of coordination may also develop if enough of any part of the plant is consumed. English Ivy Also called branching ivy, glacier ivy, needlepoint ivy, sweetheart ivy and California ivy, Hedera helix contains triterpenoid saponins that, should pets ingest, can result in vomiting, abdominal pain, hypersalivation and diarrhea. Peace Lily (AKA Mauna Loa Peace Lily) Spathiphyllum contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing and intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue in pets who ingest.… read more »

Most of us associate a visit to the dentist with being told that you’re just not brushing enough, even if you think you are. Can you imagine a trip to the dentist if you never brushed your teeth in between visits? That’s the state of many pets’ oral health. Your pets can’t do much to care for their own teeth, but with a little help from you, they can live healthier. There are three great ways you can help your pet maintain good dental health. The first method is chews. Chews are easy because they require a minimum amount of effort on your part. All you have to do is give your pet a tasty treat. Pets love them, and they’re inexpensive. Chews work by using the mechanical action of chewing to physically strip plaque off of the teeth. This can be augmented through the use of an antiseptic called Chlorhexidine. Chlorhexidine inhibits the growth of bacteria, so even if some tiny bits stay in your dog’s mouth, it will help eliminate bacteria and prevent plaque. All of the C.E.T. HEXtra chews we offer at our hospital have Chlorhexidine in them, and are available for both dogs and cats. They are easier to digest than rawhide chews. Just one a day will help clean up your pet’s dirty mouth. No matter what! The second method to improving your pet’s oral health is with rinses. C.E.T. Oral Hygiene Rinse is available at our clinic, and is a great product for keeping mouths clean. As often as once a day to once a week, just squirt the rinse in your pet’s mouth, between the cheek and gum. The rinse contains a chlorhexidine additive that is fortified with zinc, which has been positively linked to oral hygiene. This will eliminate the bacteria in your pet’s mouth and boost their defenses against new bacteria forming. The last and best method is good old fashioned brushing. We have many different types of brushes and toothpastes, to ensure you find what works best for your pet. These specially designed toothpastes are safe to swallow, and come in flavors your pet will like, such as beef and seafood. It can take a little time for your pet to get used to the idea of you brushing their teeth, but it is by far the best way to keep their mouths healthy. We also carry some supplemental dental health products. One of these is AquaDent water additive. All you need to do is add it to you pet’s drinking water everyday and it helps reduce plaque and sweeten breath. Also available is OraVet plaque prevention gel. OraVet is a sealant that you apply to your pet’s teeth once a week. This protects the teeth from new bacterial buildup. Keep in mind that all of these products are designed to prevent dental disease, not treat it. If your pet is already experiencing periodontal disease, they will likely need a dental cleaning to get them back on the right track. If you would like to discuss the condition of your pet’s teeth, we would be glad to set up a complimentary dental exam and estimate for cleaning. September and February are our dental special months, and all dental cleanings are discounted. Check with your veterinarian to find out which of these products or services would be best for your pet.… read more »

As we start a brand new year we would like to take a moment to remind you the importance of keeping up on your pets health.  When you were a child you received a series of vaccinations at certain points in your life. This is important for your pets as well. Pets need to have vaccinations to guard against disease. Your pets need a series of vaccines when they are young, from 8 to 16 weeks of age. They will also need these vaccines boostered at 1 year of age.  These vaccines protect your pet and other pets from diseases as well as other problems that could arise. We recommend that your pet is visiting the veterinarian on a yearly basis.  Other care besides vaccinations can be proper bathing, toenail clipping, and proper feeding.  Call us with any questions you have about providing your pets with the love and care that they deserve and have a safe and happy 2010! … read more »

The staff at Idaho Veterinary Hospital would like to take a moment to wish each and every one of you a very happy and safe holiday season! This Thanksgiving we are all taking a little extra time with our friends and family. We will be closed on Thursday 11/26/, Friday 11/27 and Saturday 11/28.  Idaho Veterinary Hospital will not have a Dr available on call this weekend. If you have an animal emergency, please try Indian Creek Veterinary Hospital at 459-6355 between the hours of 9:00am and 5:00pm on Friday, and 9:00am and 1:00pm on Saturday. Please contact West Vet after hours at 375-1600.… read more »

You may not know it, but Idaho Vet Hospital is a member of AAHA, The American Animal Hospital Association. This means that we are members of the only exclusive small animal hospital association in the world. They set the standards for companion animal care, and offer unique guidelines and educational materials that our hospital can use to make sure you are getting the best care possible for your pet. AAHA offers a specific set of standards that must be met in order for a hospital to be AAHA Accredited. Accreditation is the Gold Standard of animal health care. Only the most well-kept, well-organized, and capable animal hospitals receive accreditation. There are currently four hospitals in the valley with that distinction. Idaho Vet Hospital is currently hard at work making sure every aspect of our business meets or exceeds the standards set forth by AHAA. From our standards of patient care to diagnostics and workplace safety, all elements are rising to a new level.… read more »

We now offer home delivery service for prescription medications and diets. Read more to find out all about it!… read more »

Since last fall, the Nampa department of Parks and Recreation has been hard at work putting together a brand new off-leash dog park for Nampa. We are happy to announce that the park will be soon opening! The grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at the park on Monday, July 20th, 10:30am.… read more »

If you call ten different vets and ask what they charge for a spay or neuter, you’ll get ten different prices. If they are all doing the same thing, the price should be the same, right? The truth is every hospital has their own set procedure and standard of care for their patients. You get what you pay for. That $65 low-cost clinic down the street is not doing the same thing as the place that charges $250. What’s the difference? Each hospital has its own standard of care. There are a few things you should know so you can fully understand the value behind the service that is offered to you.… read more »

The Nampa Department of Parks and Recreation is in the process of planning and building a new Nampa Dog Park. The park will be fully fenced to allow dogs to enjoy the park off-leash. The new six-acre park will be complete with walking trails, drinking fountains, shade shelters, and a pond. The park will be located along the King’s road overpass, between 2nd avenue and East Amity road. Completion has been delayed due to lack of funding, and a completion date is forthcoming.… read more »

Our local newspaper, the Idaho Press-Tribune, wrote this article about our own intrepid Dr. Calhoun and his frigid adventures on the Iditarod trail. The original may be found here along with pictures!… read more »