Pet Safety: Keep An Eye on Your Pet this Season When Gardening

March 29, 2011 - PRLog -- Robin Perdue, owner of VIP Pet Services, shares important information on how to keep your pets safe during spring gardening season.  As the weather gets nicer and you are working outdoors in your flowerbeds and gardens, please be watchful of your tools and chemicals around your pets.  Also, be aware of certain flowers that might be harmful or induce allergies as well as potential hazards in the yard.

Insecticides- During the spring months, insecticides are used to rid lawns and gardens of pests but your dog can accidentally chew on grass or lick his paws after stepping in toxic pesticide or insecticide and can ingest harmful chemicals that result in severe health problems. Symptoms include:

•   Fever
•   Signs of your dogs having trouble breathing
•   Depression
•   Trouble walking
•   Increased salivation
•   Weight loss

The Journal of the National Cancer Institute reports that researchers have found that dogs were two times more likely to develop lymphoma if their owners sprayed or sprinkled the 2,4-D herbicide on the lawn four or more times a year. Instead of using herbicides try corn gluten meal which is effective and safe for your pets.

Consult with your veterinarian immediately if you suspect that your pet is showing the aforementioned symptoms.

Fertilizers – When using fertilizer, consider all natural, safe alternatives. Exposing your pet to chemical fertilizer is dangerous and can cause a host of serious internal illnesses. Chemical fertilizer will result in fatal gastrointestinal failure and/or vomiting if ingested. Safe alternatives include products that are marked “EPA certified” or veterinarian approved. Always avoid fertilizers that list “inert” ingredients.

Some Flowers Can Induce Allergies - Always remember to be extremely vigilant when your pet is outdoors near flowery gardens during gardening season. Azaleas, daffodils and begonias are some of the most potent allergy inducing flowers and they are also very common garden and lawn plants. Begonias cause mouth irritation which induces the production of saliva at an increased rate.  Daffodils are known to cause tremors and can also increase or decrease your dog’s heart rate. The leaves of the azalea flower are highly toxic and can induce vomiting, diarrhea and paralysis of the legs. If you notice any of these symptoms, make an immediate visit to your local veterinarian. If your dog is left untreated, his symptoms could lead to death.

Other Toxic Plants – Spring time means basking in the presence of luscious blooms and beautiful greenery but some of these seemingly harmless plants are toxic to your dog and cat. Sago palms and other members of the Cycad family are the most popular toxic plants. If ingested in large amounts mushrooms can cause liver to breakdown and malfunction. The following flowers cause cardiac related problems: lily of the valley, oleander, rosebay, and foxglove all affect the heart. The ASPCA provides a complete list of toxic flowers that are harmful to your pet.

Cocoa Bean Mulch – When your dog or cat wanders off outdoors steer clear of cocoa bean mulch which is a type of mulch made of the shells of cocoa beans. It can lure your pet with its sweet aroma but if it is consumed by your dog or cat, he can end up with diarrhea, an irregular heartbeat and even severe seizures. To avoid such grave health problems, choose cedar or hemlock bark over cocoa bean mulch.

Puddles & Ponds:  Algae – During the warm, spring and summer seasons algae is known to reproduce and multiply at high rates. Algae contain an extremely dangerous toxin that is fatal if ingested by dogs. After a dog has inhaled or consumed algae from contaminated water or still-water that contains blue-green algae, you may notice the following symptoms: breathing difficulties, severe vomiting, and sudden collapse. After ingesting or inhaling spores, death can be very sudden and rapid, occurring within 24 hours after exposure or ingestion.

Burning Citronella Candles- If pets ingest citronella oil, they may suffer from stomach upset and irritation. There is also the dangerous possibility of suffering depression of the central nervous system.  Make sure to burn these types of candles away from pets. Inhalation may induce pneumonia.

Snail & Slug Baits - These cause serious tremors, seizures, and even death. What’s worse is that their taste is appealing to dogs. So avoid snail and slug baits that contain metaldehyde if you own dogs. Baits that contain ferric phosphate are a less toxic alternative.

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VIP Pet Services has more than 30 professional pet sitters and dog walkers in Dallas and Austin that live in their service areas and provide quality visits. VIP Pet Services include sitting including overnights, dog walking, training and poop scooping.