Be on your guard when pets explore gardens
Seems like everyone on our block has been out working on their yards, weeding, watering, mulching, planting and fertilizing.
Warm weather also brings out more people the with their dogs and a whole new set of outdoor dangers to pets.
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center reports they field tens of thousands of calls each year involving animal companions who had potentially hazardous contact with insecticides, pet-toxic plants and weedkillers.
The APCC recommends we watch out for the following potential hazards in our gardens and yards:
Poisonous Plants: There are many plants which are toxic to dogs and cats. These include outdoor plants such as sago palm and rhododendron and azalea. Sago palm and other members of the Cycad family as well as mushrooms can cause liver failure. Rhododendron, azalea, lily of the valley, oleander, rosebay foxglove and kalanchoe all effect the heart. The APCC has an extensive list, as well as pictures, of toxic and nontoxic garden plants.
Fertilizer: Ingesting large amounts of fertilizer can give pets a good stomach ache and may result in life-threatening gastrointestinal obstruction. The APCC recommends following instructions carefully and observing the appropriate waiting period before letting your animal run outside.
Cocoa Mulch: Cocoa bean shells a by-product of chocolate production attracts dogs with its sweet smell, and, like chocolate, can cause problems for them. The APCC notes "Depending on he amount involved, ingestion of cocoa mulch can cause a range of clinical signs, from vomiting, diarrhea and muscle tremors to elevated heart rate, hyperactivity and even seizures." They suggest using a less-toxic alternative such as shredded pine, cedar or hemlock bark.
Insecticides: The following are listed as the most dangerous forms of pesticides by the APCC: snail bait with metaldehyde, fly bait with methomyl, systemic insecticides with the ingredients disyston or disulfoton, mole or gopher bait with zinc phosphide and most forms or rat poison. Always store pesticides in inaccessible areas and read the manufacturer's label carefully for proper usage and storage.
Compost: Depending on what is going into the compost pile or bin, the garden waste or food may cause a problem for our pets. Coffee, moldy foods and certain types of fruits and vegetables are toxic to dogs and cats.
Fleas and Ticks: Keeping lawns mowed reduces fleas and ticks which can cause excessive scratching, hair loss, scabs, hot spots and tapeworms as well as anemia from blood loss. Ticks may lead to tick borne diseases such as Lyme disease.
Allergies: Some pets may have allergies to plants. The APCC cautions, "If you suspect your pet has an allergy, please don't give him any medication that isn't prescribed by a veterinarian." They also recommend keeping your pet out of other people's yards.
If you think your pet is ill or ate a poisonous substance, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center 24-hour emergency hotline at (888) 426-4435.
• The Buddy Foundation, 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights, is a nonprofit 501(c) 3 shelter. Call (847) 290-5806 or visit www.thebuddyfoundation.org.