| 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 spring
and summer time. 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 and summer 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 12 spring/summer 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. We recommend that you use Frontline Plus once monthly in our area
as we never get a cold enough winter to kill off the fleas.
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.
Heat Stress/Stroke:
Soaring temperatures in our region pose a risk
to all pets, but especially older pets, dark coated pets and obese pets
and snub nosed breeds. When the temperature goes over 80 degrees, these
pets should be left indooors, or at a minimum, in a shady area with
plenty of fresh cool water.
*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 even in very tiny
amounts.
Snail Bait:
Snail Bait most often contains a poison called
Metaldehyde which is extremely toxic to both dogs and cats. It causes
tremors, seizures and death if left untreated. Do not use this
product in areas where your pets have access to.
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
Heartworm disease is borne by mosquitoes which
are active in spring and summer. We recommend that all dogs be placed on
Iverhart Plus, once a month heartworm preventive. This drug is chewable,
safe and will also protect your pets from Roundworms and Hookworms.
For more information, visit www.avma.org. For a
full-length video on common household poisons and hazards,
visit www.avmatv.org. |
