Page 12 - Palm City Spotlight - February '24

Page 12, Palm City Spotlight

tip of tHE tAil

Chocolate Toxicity baking chocolates, are the most dangerous. For example, the effects of theobromine and caffeine. The goal of this is

a medium sized dog weighing 50 pounds would only need to mitigate the continued resorption and recirculation of
to eat one ounce of baker’s chocolate to potentially show the chemicals. It may be necessary to provide additional
signs of toxicity. Despite milk and white chocolate not supportive treatments such as intravenous fluid therapy
having as much theobromine per ounce, dogs can still to stabilize your pet and promote excretion of the
become ill from the fat and the sugar content in each. chemicals as well as medications to treat tremors or
Dogs that have sensitive stomachs are more susceptible seizures. All dogs ingesting a toxic amount of chocolate
to those ill effects. In severe cases, ingestion of enough should be closely monitored for any signs of vomiting,
milk or white chocolate can even cause pancreatitis. diarrhea, tachycardia (or high heart rate) or agitation/
Symptoms of chocolate toxicity vary depending on the restlessness. Most dogs with chocolate toxicity carry a
amount and type ingested. As mentioned above, many dogs good prognosis if treated appropriately. If your dog has
will develop vomiting or diarrhea. However, it is common ingested a potentially toxic amount of chocolate, contact
to have an increased heart rate or increased thirst and your veterinarian immediately.
urination as well. In severe cases, symptoms can include Established in 1981, Palm City Animal Medical Center
While delicious for us, those yummy chocolate treats muscle tremors and seizures. These symptoms can take is dedicated to providing the best possible care for your
can cause serious illness in our canine companions. up to several hours to develop but oftentimes they can be pets. With focuses on compassionate care in surgery,
Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine, as well lessened by immediate care by a veterinarian, therefore it is physical therapy and rehabilitation, preventative medicine,
as caffeine. Both chemicals can act as a heart stimulant important to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible extensive diagnostics, and emergency service, Palm City
and blood vessel dilator, but dogs aren’t able to metabolize if your dog has ingested a potentially poisonous amount Animal Medical Center combines exceptional medical
them as well as people do. Although rarely fatal, dogs are of chocolate. care with a caring philosophy for pets and their owners.
more sensitive to the chemical’s effects and ingestion can Treatment will vary on the amount and type ingested, as For more information, call (772) 283-0920, visit www.
cause illness. The toxic amount varies with the type of well as current symptoms. Your veterinarian may induce palmcityanimalmedicalcenter.com or find us on Facebook
chocolate. The darker or more bitter chocolates, including vomiting or implement other treatments to decontaminate at www.facebook.com/PalmCityAnimalClinic.

rEAl EstAtE

Treasure Coast would someone else charge to replace your circuit breaker window! The clerks just smiled when we talked about going
Real Estate Report box? Do you even need a new one? over our budget. If I practice what I preach, I would tell you
to have some self-control.
You will find that “upselling” and “cross-selling” are
common whenever you purchase a product or service. When However, when it comes to having work done in your house,
Doing Remodeling Or Home Repairs? I order business cards online, the company tries to sell me like replacing a couple of outlets, use caution when being told
Beware Of “Upselling” And “Cross-Selling” everything from a fake gold business card holder, postcards, that you also should replace this or that. Asking your home
and even an Internet web page. insurance agent might be a good start.
By Jim Weix Quite often we are also guilty of “upselling” and “cross- Feel free to call me if you would like to discuss your options.
You contact an electrician selling” ourselves. My wife and I recently completely I can be reached at (772) 341-2941 or jimweix@jimweix.com.
to replace several ground remodeled our kitchen and bathroom. The contractor gave Jim Weix is a broker associate with The Keyes Company.
fault circuit interrupters, us a detailed price quote and a list of products that we could Jim has 25 years of experience selling real estate full-time.
called a GFCI or GFI, in choose from. If you have questions or want the services of an experienced
your bathrooms and kitchen. Once we went to various stores to pick out the tile, expert, you can reach Jim at (772) 341-2941 or jimweix@
This is an inexpensive cabinets, sink, and backsplash, that budget went out the jimweix.com.
electrical device that protects
you from severe electrical
shocks. You even have ones
you already purchased at the
local hardware store that are
certified to operate correctly by the Underwriters Laboratory.
The electrician then explains that he has better ones, which
are slightly more, so you can return the ones that you already
bought. This is called “upselling.”
The electrician then goes to turn off the circuit breakers for
those outlets. He tells you that you should also have him replace
your circuit breaker box. He just happens to have one in the truck
and can do the job for only $1,700. This is called “cross-selling.”
Is the electrician being dishonest? Not necessarily, as you
may need the circuit breaker box replaced.
The problem with “upselling” and “cross-selling” is that
you are pushed into making a decision that may or may not be
correct. Do you need those upgraded outlets and how much

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