| Poisoning Info |
| You know family pets (and all animals) risk all kinds of poisoning . . . from all kinds of places. Snakes can poison some plants can poison and hundreds of poisonous materials are used around the home by people every day; things like pesticides, weed killers, lawn sprays, acids, fertilizers, paints . . . the list is endless. Here's what you can do if your pet is poisoned: Keep the animals warm and quiet Try to determine what the poison was . . . when it was ingested and the amount swallowed Immediately call your veterinarian or your nearest poison control center. If you decide to take the pet to your veterinarian, bring the container (or the label) with you. Most of the time poisoning is accidental. Keep poisonous materials out of reach know what your pet is doing at all times . . . and keep emergency telephone numbers handy. Anti-freeze is essential for your car -- but it's dangerous for your dog and cat. So dangerous that only one teaspoonful can kill an average cat and five tablespoonsful can kill a 30-pound dog. Anti-freeze smells good and tastes good. Don't risk the life and health of your pet. Don't leave pans of anti-freeze in the garage or let it flow into the street where pets can get to it. Check your radiator, hoses, and clamps periodically for leaks. Remember, animals can't read the warning labels on anti-freeze containers. You know spring and fall are times for seeding and fertilizing and accidental "animal poisoning." Cats and dogs often lick their paws especially after walking outdoors, perhaps over newly fertilized lawns. Confine your pet for a while after you fertilize. |
| Pet owners, you might want to keep your puppy/Dog away from the rhododendron. Like many other common ornamental plants, it' s toxic. According to the Canadian Animal Hospital Association, plants that beautify our homes both inside and out such as azaleas, daffodils and larkspur are harmful to most animals and children. Azaleas and the entire Rhododendron family pose cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and neurological threats. Even plants that provide us with essential vitamins and minerals like tomatoes and avocados are toxic. If ingested, the leaves and stems of tomato plants can have negative effects on the stomach, intestines and nervous system. If you happen to grow one or more of these plants, don't panic. There is no need to tear up the garden or throw away your beloved house plants. Simply keep pets (and children) away from your plants. The actual incidence of pet poisoning by plants is minimal. Nibbling on plants is normal behavior Dogs are grass nibblers, and that's okay as long as the grass hasn't been treated with chemicals. Dogs are also dirt diggers, which could lead owners to believe they have eaten a plant if it has been shredded in the process. Rarely, though, do dogs actually eat the plant. However, if your dog does eat a plant, take them to the veterinarian, especially if the plants are Philodendrons or dumb canes (Dieffenbachia). These are probably the two most common houseplants in Canada. Ingestion of both types of plants could cause intense pain and burning sensations in the mouth and throat areas. Dumb cane toxins could also cause kidney problems resulting in death. Other plants that could be fatal include hydrangea, kalanchoe, lily-of-the-valley, castor bean and foxglove. Symptoms of plant poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, mouth swelling and salivation. When going to the veterinarian, bring a leaf. Otherwise identification of the plant could be a problem, and treatment varies depending on the type of plant and the amount eaten. Of course, there are other garden hazards besides plants. In the summer more bee stings than plant poisoning cases. "Dogs like to bite at them while they are flying." Again, getting to a veterinarian is very important. Some dogs, like humans, are allergic to bee stings, and drug injections might be needed. Compost piles are another hazard. Although many animals are attracted to them, it's best to steer pets away because the bacteria that break down garbage produce toxins. Insecticides are a third garden hazard if they contain pyrethrin. Pyrethrin is a neurological toxin that has natural and synthetic forms. Check product labels for these names: Pyrethrin I and II, allethrin, resmethrin, and permethrin. In spite of your garden's hazards, you can enjoy summer with your pet by following these tips � Keep your pets out of vegetable and flower gardens. � Encase compost piles or use commercially-made containers. � Keep pets off lawns sprayed with chemicals. Read the product label or ask the lawn care company for proper drying time and compounds used. Wash pet's feet with mild soap and water if exposed. � Properly dispose of and store all pesticide containers up and out of sight of your pets. Make sure the lids are tight and the containers undamaged. � Use slug bait in an enclosed bait trap. For more information on poisonous plants and chemical poisoning, contact the local poison control center or a veterinarian. |
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