| It is a well known fact to many, that a substance called | | | | attention. Instructions have been published on how to |
| oxalate is quite prevalent in the leaves of the rhubarb | | | | give an animal ipecac to induce vomiting. I don't believe |
| plant. It is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream if | | | | this is the best thing to do, simply because we are not |
| ingested and can cause severe problems. | | | | qualified to determine if that is the solution. I would not |
| Rhubarb lovers and gardeners alike know that only the | | | | use the hydrogen-peroxide and water mixture either |
| stems are eaten, and the leaves are cut off at | | | | for the same reason. Vomiting can even enhance the |
| harvest time. Some of us faithfully wear gloves at all | | | | problem on the way back up as well. |
| times. Some do not. Some people compost the leaves. | | | | I also don't believe this is a good idea, as it means |
| Others make a quick trip to the garbage dump. There | | | | physically forcing your pet to do this while they are |
| is some debate on the severity of the dangers. | | | | distressed. I speak from experience that the worst |
| Yet, with all we know, and all we have read, how | | | | thing you can do, is put your hands around the face of |
| many of us put our pets outside on a daily basis? | | | | a pet who is severely agitated. If you think there is |
| We consistently send our pets outdoors to wander | | | | poison in a rhubarb leaf, consider the bacteria |
| the property to enjoy the sun, get some fresh air and | | | | contained in the front long fangs of a cat. While trying |
| exercise or simply to do their business. We don't give | | | | to comfort a distressed pet, I was immediately bitten |
| this daily routine any second thought. | | | | on the knuckle. My hand became horribly red and |
| I bet that a huge chunk of the population never really | | | | inflamed overnight. It swelled to an incredible size much |
| considers the danger a simple garden plant can pose | | | | to the worry of my doctor. That is a dangerous |
| to a curious animal. It isn't due to a lack of caring or | | | | situation, and took two weeks to begin to heal. |
| concern for our beloved pets. I think it is simply a case | | | | Get some assistance, wear heavy gloves and muzzle |
| of wishful thinking and crossed fingers that our pet will | | | | your pet if you can. Transport them in a carrier to your |
| return in the same state as when he left. | | | | vet and keep them warm with a familiar blanket. Take |
| Animals are so instinctively curious and notorious for | | | | vomit samples with you. Have a sample of the leaf if |
| getting into things they should avoid. | | | | possible. |
| Humans know better, or at least we should. Animals | | | | If you are not sure to begin with how serious the |
| do not, and so we should be aware that the | | | | situation is, call your local SPCA, or Animal Poison |
| symptoms displayed by rhubarb poisoning in pets are | | | | Control Center at 1-888-426-4435. Be as ready for |
| very similar to those displayed in humans. | | | | them with information as you would with your own |
| A pet in trouble will typically display the signs in the | | | | child. |
| form of excessive drooling or vomiting or both. | | | | We need to discipline ourselves as responsible pet |
| They will obviously be not too steady on their feet and | | | | lovers to improve our efforts to keep them safe in |
| appear to be staggering. Your pet may show signs of | | | | their own surroundings. We should be faithfully |
| obvious abdominal pain when touched. Eventually he | | | | accompanying them when we put them outside to |
| may even go into convulsions. Would you know how | | | | roam freely. We should be there to guide them away |
| to handle this, seeing that your pet is in distress? | | | | from any garden dangers. We need to put barriers |
| The most obvious thing to do I believe, would be to | | | | around the dangerous parts of our gardens. Better yet, |
| immediately call your veterinarian for his opinion. | | | | we should have specific places for them to roam |
| You are sure to be advised to get your pet medical | | | | where they are restricted to that one safe area only. |