Do you keep your pet safe from poisons? Most people know that antifreeze can be deadly when ingested, as can certain plants like Nightshade and Yew. But how about azaleas? Ferns? Oleander? Almost every species of Lily can be fatal. In fact, there is an extensive list of plants that can be mildly to fatally toxic when ingested.
Fertilizers, pesticides, and even certain mulch products, particularly those containing cocoa bean shell, can be toxic to pets' and unfortunately dogs love the flavor of that particular kind of mulch.
When you're planting your new flowerbeds or landscaping your yard this spring, take the time to research your plant selections for the safety of your canine and feline companions. Talk to your local nursery before buying your plants and supplies. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals provides a list of common toxic plants at www.aspca.org which you can print and take with you when selecting plants for your house and garden.
As the weather warms, don't forget to protect your pets against fleas and ticks. These nasty little parasites are more than a nuisance to your pet they can also carry disease, so it is best to prevent your pet from ever being exposed rather than waiting until you've started finding evidence of infestation.
There are many flea and tick products available to choose from. When choosing what is best for your pet, consider all of the following:
Make sure the product is safe for the animal you are purchasing it for never apply a dog-only product to a cat, and never apply an adult product to a puppy or kitten. Read all directions before applying.
Choose a product that you will be able to apply to your pet without a fight. Some animals are afraid of sprays, so a spot-on product may be less traumatic for both you and the pet.
Consider the parasites your pet needs protection against. If your dog spends time at the lake with you or if your cat travels into woods or fields, be sure the product is effective against ticks as well as fleas. If your pet is unlikely to travel in areas where ticks are present (such as tall grass or wooded areas), then tick protection may not be as important.
If you are applying a spray to your pet, always start with a ring around the neck and work your way towards the rear. That way, if there are any parasites on the skin they cannot run towards the head to escape the spray. Never spray the pet's head or face instead, spray a disposable cloth and gently wipe the product onto the face, carefully avoiding the eyes and mouth.
Spot-on products rely on the presence of natural skin oils to distribute the product on the skin surface. These oils are removed by bathing, so it is VERY important to wait at least 3 days after a bath before applying any spot-on product to your pet. Applying a spot-on to freshly bathed skin can result in irritation and infection at the area of application, as well as decreased product effectiveness.