Summer Cool Drinks With Saffron

Summer Plants and Substances Poisonous to Dogs and Cats

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (July 11, 2011) -- Many would say that summer is the best time of year – it’s when we spend the most time in the great outdoors with our families, friends and pets. Unbeknownst to many pet owners, summer also brings with it certain flowers, substances and plants that are dangerous to dogs and cats.

“Most pets use their sense of smell and taste to investigate things that are new to them,” said Ahna Brutlag, DVM, MS, assistant director at Pet Poison Helpline. “When they come across interesting plants or other items, their first reaction is to smell it, which often leads to tasting it. Pet owners who are aware of poisonous plants and substances can avoid potential dangers that can result in emergency trips to the veterinarian.”

Some of the most dangerous summertime plants for pet owners to be aware of are listed below.

Sago Palm Very popular in warmer climates, this household and outdoor plant can be extremely harmful to pets. All parts of the plant, including the fronds/leaves, nuts and seeds are especially poisonous to dogs. Ingesting just a small amount can cause severe vomiting, bloody stools, damage to the stomach lining, severe liver failure and, in some cases, death. This plant is considered one of the most deadly in dogs and long-term survival is poor when ingested. Without treatment, sago palm poisoning can result in severe, irreversible liver failure. Prompt treatment is always needed for the best prognosis.

Lily of the Valley
When ingested by pets, the Convallaria majalis plant, also known as Lily of the Valley, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, a drop in heart rate, severe cardiac arrhythmias, and possibly seizures. This plant contains cardiac glycosides, which are also used in many human heart medications. Any pet with a known exposure should be examined and evaluated by a veterinarian and treated symptomatically. Treatment may include blood pressure monitoring, heart monitoring, and, in severe cases, an expensive antidote to bind the toxin (e.g. Digibind).

Lilies Cat owners should be aware of lilies and the dangers they pose. While Peace, Peruvian and Calla lilies cause only minor symptoms when eaten, other more deadly types like the Lilium and Hemerocallis species (Tiger, Asiatic, Easter, Japanese Show and Day lilies), are highly toxic to cats.

Middle Eastern Flavored Beverages | Suite101.com

Coffee, tea and milk are beverages that many people consume each day either hot or cold as part of a daily ritual. These drinks can be comforting, soothing or invigorating and can be drunk to begin or end the day.

If you feel as though your favorite beverage has lost its appeal, or you want to add some new flavors to your day, consider changing the flavor of these everyday beverages by giving them a Middle Eastern flair.

Milk and Saffron

Milk and saffron is a Middle Eastern staple, given to children and adults a like. Saffron has long been thought to have healing properties, and while this may or may not be true, the flavor of this unique, orange colored drink has helped with its longevity.

Ingredients 8 cups whole milk 1/4 cup of white sugar 2 tablespoons saffron Instructions Stir the sugar and saffron into the milk in a large saucepan. Heat to a boil, stirring constantly to keep the saffron from sticking. Boil for approximately five minutes, until the saffron has dissolved. Let cool slightly and serve warm, or chill and pour over ice for a refreshing cold drink. Ginger Coffee

Flavored coffees have been popular for years, but many of them are weak with only secondary or tertiary flavors that are stronger in scent than they are in taste. Ginger coffee is both spicy and sweet with a complex and rich flavor. It can be made in an ibrik like Turkish coffee , or simply in a saucepan on the stove.

Ingredients 1 cup of water 6 teaspoons finely ground coffee 4 teaspoons sugar 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom Instructions Combine the ingredients in a small pan on the stove. Bring to a boil and immediately remove from heat. Watch until the water stills, then return it to the stove and bring it to a boil again. Remove from the stove and when the water stills, return it to the stove to boil one last time. Serve in small cups with or without milk and let stand for a few minutes to allow the coffee grounds to settle to the bottom of the cup. Pomegranate Tea

Pomegranates are used in many Middle Eastern recipes and are prized for their strong flavors and antioxidant packed juice. Adding pomegranate juice to plain, black tea immediately infuses the tea with additional depth and flavor.

Ingredients 4 bags of black tea 2 cups of pomegranate juice 2 tablespoons sugar 4 cups water Instructions Bring the water to a boil in a tea kettle or pan.

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