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 Protect Your Pet from Spring Dangers
Planting a garden, spring cleaning, fertilizing the lawn -- we all have lots of work to do with the coming of spring.
But pets also have health and safety needs this time of year that their owners should know about.
“I see it all the time in my clinic in the springtime. Animals get into
fertilizers and pesticides, those used on a home or on a farm, and it
makes the animals sick,” says Dr. James Cook, president of the American
Veterinary Medical Association. “People need to be aware of these
potential hazards. Along with better weather, the spring brings with it
the use of a number of common lawn chemicals and the blooming of plants
that can be hazardous to pets.”
Here are the AVMA’s top 10 spring hints for pet owners:
- Fleas and ticks
They can be tiny, little more than a pinhead in some instances, but
they grow and spread quickly once they find a host. The preventative
treatments that you may have discontinued in the winter should start
early in the spring to keep your pet’s coat, and your home, free of
pests.
- Lawn fertilizers
Lawn fertilizers are very toxic to pets. Store fertilizers in a place
far from where your dog or cat -- and children-- can get at it. After
applying it to your lawn, follow manufacturer instructions on how long
you should wait before allowing your pet into the area. If you see a
sign posted on a lawn that tells you to keep your pets off, abide by
it.
- Pesticides and herbicides
It’s probably not surprising that these chemicals can be toxic to your
pets, but, even when they’re not lethal, there are some long-term
health concerns. Studies indicate the use of pesticides and herbicides
may be tied to increased rates of specific forms of cancer in dogs. If
your pet is exposed, wash them with soap and water immediately and call
your veterinarian.
- Cocoa bean mulch
It’s becoming common to mulch a garden with the fragrant spent shells
of cocoa beans. But just like chocolate, dogs like to eat them and they
are toxic.
- Lilies
Lilies are a flower common in the spring, and they are very, very toxic
to cats. Cats will often chew them, and even small amounts can lead to
kidney failure and death.
- Rhubarb leaves
Rhubarb makes a fine pie and it’s a staple in many vegetable gardens,
but the leaves are poisonous and can cause kidney failure. For a
complete list of plants and plantings that can be dangerous to pets,
visit www.avma.org.
- Rat and mouse poisons
Controlling vermin becomes an issue again in the spring. Be aware that
the same properties of common rat and mouse poisons that make them
irresistible to pests will also attract your pet. If consumed, these
can be fatal to your animal.
- Cleaning products
Spring cleaning is an annual tradition in many households, but make
sure the cleaning products don’t hurt your animals. If the label states
“keep pets and children away from area until dry” follow those
instructions carefully, and store all chemicals out of reach of
children and pets.
- Paint and paint thinners
If you’re putting a fresh coat of paint on the house, keep the pets
away. Paint thinners, mineral spirits and other solvents can cause
severe irritation or chemical burns if swallowed or even if they come
in contact with your pet's skin. Latex house paints typically produce a
minor stomach upset, but some specialty paints may contain heavy metals
or volatile substances that could be harmful if ingested.
- Preventative medications
Consult with your veterinarian about seasonal medications to keep your
pet healthy. For example, in many parts of the country, heartworm
medications for dogs are often discontinued in the winter. Springtime
is the season to restart this medication to keep your dog free of this
parasite. But keep in mind that manufacturer’s instructions warn that
heartworm medications should not be given without first visiting your
veterinarian to ensure that your pet has not developed the heartworm
parasite. A simple blood test will give you that peace of mind.
For more information, visit www.avma.org. For a full-length video on
common household poisons and hazards, visit AVMATV.
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Source:
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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