Pets and Holidays
In and around the Daly City area, the sun is shining, and the ground is warm, which for many people signals garden season has arrived. How fun it is to see your tomatoes grow red on the vine and watch your corn stalks begin to tower above. All of this is grand, except for one thing: your pet’s safety.
During garden season, it is vital to be careful with your furry pets by keeping these tips in mind to keep your pet safe:
Mulch – this important part of your garden can appear to be safe, but it can be quite the opposite, particularly when it comes to cocoa mulch. This chocolate-colored substance is very dangerous and toxic for your pet. The cocoa shells can make a pet extremely ill if eaten. Vomiting, diarrhea, a rapid heart rate, muscle tremors, seizures and even death can occur. Sadly enough, the aroma of this mulch is very appealing to pets, which why it should not be used by pet owners.
Fertilizer – even a garden’s best friend can turn out to be a pet’s worst enemy. Fertilizer contains many ingredients that are highly toxic to animals and the results can be as toxic as when mulch is ingested. Even organic fertilizers can also be unsafe because of the “meals,” or leftovers, they contain.
Pesticides – especially if they contain “organophosphates,” pesticides can be life-threatening if ingested.
Plants and flowers – the whole reason we grow a garden is to enjoy the process of watching our favorite plants and flowers grow, and then, reap the benefits of their beauty and fun of the harvest. It is important to know which plants and flowers and put your animal at risk, which is why we have provided the following list of garden dangers:
Pet Poison Hotline has created a list of some of the most toxic outdoor plants for a pet:
- Crocuses
- Azaleas
- Cyclamens
- Kalanchoes
- Lilies
- Oleanders
- Dieffenbachias
- Daffodils
- Lilies of the Valley
- Sago palms
- Tulips
A full list of toxic plants can also be found at petMD.com.
Slug and snail baits – this commonly used product contains metaldehyde, which is highly toxic to pets. The onset of a poisonous ingestion is quick and includes salivation, restlessness, vomiting, tremors, seizures and a dangerously high body temperature.
The Pet Poison Helpline app is vital for all pet owners as it contains an extensive database of all poisons, including pictures for easy identification.
Keep your pet safe during your garden season by knowing what garden products put them in danger. Should a situation occur that leaves you in question, take action immediately by contacting NorCal Vet at (415) 413-7363.
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