You’re eager to turn your yard from a sparse patch of grass into a lush setting where Whiskers and Fido can play fetch. Learn how your decisions could endanger your pets before you start a compost pile or buy flower flats.
18,000 calls were received in 2013 by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center regarding potential poisonings from toxic plants, compost, and yard and garden chemicals.
Avoid poisonous plants. Several popular plants are toxic to dogs and cats. Clematis, azaleas, and begonias can cause anything from vomiting and diarrhea to death in dogs. For cats, eating lilies can be fatal, according to.
veterinarian Tina Wismer, DVM, a master gardener and the head of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
According to Wismer, “Your new puppy is not like your old dog and may chew on the plants in your backyard.”
Check the ASPCA website’s list of poisonous plants before you visit a garden center and stay away from any species that might be harmful to your health. Consider removing any plants that are already in your garden if they are on the list.
Cover the compost pile. Your dog might be tempted to turn the compost pile into a canine buffet by the smell of rotting produce. Fresh fruits and vegetables are safe to feed your dog, but once they reach the compost pile, mold and fungus can turn an unapproved snack into a trip to the veterinarian.
According to Wismer, some molds can result in tremors and seizures if consumed. Additionally, even before mold forms, some compostable foods, such as grapes and onions, are poisonous to dogs.
For a fence around the compost pile to prevent your pets from accessing it, look for compost bins with secure latches. Wismer advises picking any toxic mushrooms from your yard as well as any fruit and nuts that fall from trees because they will mold if left unattended. Before your pet discovers them, add them to the compost pile.
Read labels. Many common fertilizers and insecticides pose risks. According to Wismer, “in general, most fertilizers are only going to cause vomiting and diarrhea if ingested.” “Insecticides can cause tremors and seizures and are much more lethal.” â.
Before applying chemicals, read the labels and follow the recommendations. For 24 to 48 hours following use, some manufacturers advise against allowing pets in the garden or on the grass.
Even organic options can pose a risk. Chicken-based manure and fertilizers, for example, may carry salmonella. Ammonia is present in other types of manure, such as sheep and cattle manure. Both are toxic to pets.
Minimize flea and tick risks. Your garden could be a haven for these pests. Eliminate the leaf litter, tall grass, and brush that serve as breeding grounds for fleas and ticks (in addition, these are excellent habitats for poisonous snakes like copperheads that can bite careless pets wandering around the yard). Spilled bird seed should also be cleaned up because it attracts mice and squirrels, which are carriers of the bloodsucking insects.
To prevent fleas and ticks from making your yard their home, keep the grass mowed and don’t overwater your lawn. According to Wismer, a dry, sunny environment can aid in lowering the tick population.
Additionally, eliminate any standing water to help control mosquitoes (such as in birdbaths). Heartworm disease, which can be fatal to dogs and cats, is spread by these insects.
Rethink mulch, too. Your pets could be in danger if you use cocoa mulch in the garden. The canine-toxic stimulants in chocolate are present in the fragrant mulch, which is made from the cocoa bean hulls. Wismer suggests rubber, gravel, wood chips, or pine needles as substitutes for mulch that won’t harm pets.
Get smart. Download the ASPCA mobile app from aspca. org. It provides immediate access for pet owners to poison control information, such as descriptions and images of poisonous plants, side effects, and what to do if your pet consumes something poisonous. The app also provides contact information for the 24/7 emergency poison control hotline staffed by veterinarians and toxicologists.
Read the most recent issue of “WebMD Magazine,” look through previous issues, and find more articles. “.
Are chicken pellets poisonous to dogs?
The most harmful and frequent forms of canine poisoning that we observe are caused by pellets that contain a substance called metaldehyde. Even a small number of pellets can result in serious poisoning, and symptoms will likely appear within an hour of consumption.
When to take a vomiting puppy to the vet?
Don’t put off visiting the veterinarian with a puking puppy. Many cases of dog vomiting are caused by gastric irritation brought on by eating inedible objects, spoiled or rich food (rifling through the trash, eating table scraps), or simply eating too much too quickly.
How does a dog regurgitate food after vomiting?
Dogs typically regurgitate shortly after eating, and it’s a largely passive process. Instead of active abdominal contractions like in vomiting, the dog simply lowers their head and food comes up. The food that is regurgitated is typically undigested and bile-free.
Why is my dog throwing up after eating Hill’s pet?
If you’ve just started making the switch to a Hill’s® brand food, be sure to start small and increase the amount gradually until it becomes the only food you’re providing. Although the majority of pet owners presume that a dog’s post-meal vomiting may indicate a sensitivity to the food, this isn’t always the case.
What if my dog eats mulch?
It’s best to keep an eye on your dog and discourage it from consuming any amount of mulch, regardless of the kind. Dial 855-764-7661 to contact the Animal Poison Control Center if you believe your dog has consumed mulch.
FAQ
What happens if my dog eats chicken pellets?
Unless they consume a significant amount, your dog won’t likely suffer any negative effects from the unmedicated food that you feed your chickens.
Is chicken manure fertilizer toxic to dogs?
Chicken-based manure and fertilizers, for example, may carry salmonella. Ammonia is present in other types of manure, such as sheep and cattle manure. Both are toxic to pets. Minimize flea and tick risks.
Is chicken feed OK for dogs?
As long as it’s cooked, the answer is yes. High-quality dog foods frequently use chicken as their primary source of protein because it is a secure, wholesome, and simple to digest source of protein. Avoid eating raw chicken to reduce your risk of getting salmonella, and make sure the meat is bone-free.
What happens if a dog licks fertilizer?
Fertilizers can result in burns on the skin, ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract, and vomiting in addition to breathing issues. Take your dog to the vet right away if you think they may have eaten fertilizer or if they seem sick after you’ve just used it in your garden.