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Springtime
Safety Tips
spring has
sprung, and with the change of season, our thoughts inevitably turn
to Easter celebrations, spring cleaning and much-needed home
improvement projects. But the new balmy weather can prove
not-so-sunny for curious pets—or their unwitting parents. Before you
embark on seasonal chores or outdoor revelry, take inventory of
potential springtime hazards for your delicate, furry friend. To
help you out, our ASPCA experts have come up with a few seasonal
tips that will help prevent mishaps or misfortunes.
Easter Treats and Decorations
Keep Easter lilies and candy bunnies in check—chocolate goodies
are toxic to cats, dogs and ferrets, and lilies can be fatal if
ingested by our furry friends. And be mindful, kitties love to
nibble on colorful plastic grass, which can lead to an obstructed
digestive tract, severe vomiting and dehydration. Moreover, while
bunnies, chicks and other festive animals are adorable, resist the
urge to buy—these cute babies grow up fast and often require
specialized care!
Screen Yourself
Many pet parents welcome the breezy days of spring by opening their
windows. Unfortunately, they also unknowingly put their pets at
risk—especially cats, who are apt to jump or fall through unscreened
windows. Be sure to install snug and sturdy screens in all of your
windows. If you have adjustable screens, make sure they are tightly
wedged into window frames.
Buckle Up!
While every pet parent knows dogs love to feel the wind on their
furry faces, allowing them to ride in the bed of pick-up trucks or
stick their heads out of moving-car windows is dangerous. Flying
debris and insects can cause inner ear or eye injuries and lung
infections, and abrupt stops or turns can cause major injury, or
worse! Pets in cars should always be secured in a crate or wearing a
seatbelt harness designed especially for them.
Spring Cleaning
Spring cleaning is a time-honored tradition in many households, but
be sure to keep all cleaners and chemicals out of your pets’ way!
Almost all commercially sold cleaning products contain chemicals
that are harmful to pets. The key to using them safely is to read
and follow label directions for proper use and storage.
Home Improvement 101
Products such as paints, mineral spirits and solvents can be toxic
to your pets and cause severe irritation or chemical burns.
Carefully read all labels to see if the product is safe to use
around your furry friends. Also, be cautious of physical hazards,
including nails, staples, insulation, blades and power tools. It may
be wise to confine your dog or cat to a designated pet-friendly room
during home improvement projects.
Let Your Garden Grow—With Care
Pet parents, take care—fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides
keep our plants and lawns healthy and green, but their ingredients
aren't meant for four-legged consumption and can be fatal if your
pet ingests them. Always store these poisonous products in
out-of-the-way places and follow label instructions carefully.
Warnings on
using Cocoa Mulch
Cocoa Mulch is manufactured by Hershey's, and they claim that "It is
true that studies have shown that 50% of the dogs that eat Cocoa
Mulch can suffer physical harm to a variety of degrees (depending on
each individual dog). However, 98% of all dogs won't eat it." Obtain
additional information here:
http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/cocoamulch.asp
Cocoa Mulch, which is sold by Home Depot, Foreman's
Garden Supply and other Garden supply stores contains a lethal
ingredient called 'Theobromine'. It is lethal to dogs and cats. It
smells like chocolate and it really attracts dogs. Theobromine is in
all chocolate, especially dark or baker's chocolate which is toxic
to dogs. Cocoa bean shells contain potentially toxic quantities of
theobromine, a xanthine compound similar in effects to caffeine and
theophylline.
Poisonous Plants
Time to let your garden grow! But beware, many popular
springtime plants—including Easter lilies, rhododendron and
azaleas—are highly toxic to pets and can easily prove fatal if
eaten. Check out our full list—and pics!—of toxic and non-toxic
plants for your home and garden.
Ah-Ah-Achoo!
Like their sneezy human counterparts, pets can be allergic to
foods, dust, plants and pollens. Allergic reactions in dogs and cats
can cause minor sniffling and sneezing as well as life-threatening
anaphylactic shock. If you suspect your pet has a springtime
allergy, please visit your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Pesky Little Critters
April showers bring May flowers—and an onslaught of bugs! Make
sure your pet is on year-round heartworm preventive medication, as
well as a flea and tick control program. Ask your doctor to
recommend a plan designed specifically for your pet.
Out and About
Warmer weather means more trips to the park, longer walks and more
chances for your pet to wander off! Make sure your dog or cat has a
microchip for identification and wears a tag imprinted with your
home address, cell phone and any other relevant contact information.
Canines should wear flat (never choke!) collars, please.
If you suspect your pet may have come in contact with or ingested a
potentially poisonous substance, contact your local veterinarian or
the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. |