Animal Safety

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.

Hazards for your Pets

As pet parents, it’s important that we keep our pets safe but unfortunately hazards can present in unusual situations. We’ve listed some common hazards for you to keep an eye out for.

Toxic Plants

Many common weeds and plants are toxic for pets, prevention by removing from your backyard and avoiding where possible is best, however if your pet has ingested a plant from the below list or you suspect that they have, bring them into your nearest veterinary clinic as soon as possible. Always try to bring a sample of the plant for easier identification and treatment.

Toxic plants include:

Aloe Vera
Azalea/Rhododendron
Gypsophila/Baby’s Breath
Carnations
Chrysanthemum
Daffodils
Ivy – the foliage is more toxic than the fruit
Lilies
Ipomoea/Morning Glory
Tomato Plants
Tulips

If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic bring the plant fertilizer sample, packaged bait etc. with you to the vetCertain plants can also be toxic to cats and dogs, but often will simply cause discomfort and mild indigestion, in other cases, the toxicity can lead to more severe health problems. It is recommended to check what plants are suitable and safe for your home before bringing them inside, or if they should be kept high out of pets reach. Cats especially need to be considered, since they can jump to high shelves. If your cat is a known plant chewer, you will probably be better off choosing imitation plants.

 

Outside or Garden Hazards

Compost, Fertilisers and Pesticides
Pets, in particular dogs, love investigating interesting smells in the garden, particularly when there are blood and bone fertilisers (ground animal products) or food smells in compost bins. Most fertilisers and pesticides contain chemicals which are poisonous to your pets. Mouldy food in compost bins can also contain harmful toxins.

Symptoms
Lethargy
Vomiting or diarrhoea
Increased breathing and heart rate
Salivation
Inco-ordination
Muscle tremors or convulsions
Loss of consciousness

If your pet is showing these symptoms or you suspect they have been exposed to toxins it is vital that you take your pet to your local veterinarian immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to develop

Rodent Bait
Rat poisoning occurs when a dog becomes exposed to Bromethalin or zinc phosphide, toxins which are commonly in rodent poison. Pets can get bait poisoning by ingesting directly or by eating a rodent that has ingested the poison.

Symptoms
Foul breath
Pale gums
Rapid or difficulty breathing
Vomiting with blood
Nose bleeds or continued bleeding from small wounds
Bruising
Weakness
Seizures or convulsions
Lethargy

If your pet is showing these symptoms or you suspect they have been exposed to toxins it is vital that you take them to your local veterinarian immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to develop and if you have the product that your pet has gotten into, this can help your veterinarian identify a treatment for your pet.

Slug Bait
Metaldehyde is a common ingredient in slug bait which is extremely toxic to animals if ingested. Unfortunately many pets are attracted to these baits due to the palatable ingredients. Poisoning is particularly common in cats, dogs and chickens.

Symptoms
Lethargy
Vomiting or diarrhoea
Increased breathing and heart rate
Salivation
Inco-ordination
Muscle tremors or convulsions
Loss of consciousness

If your pet is showing these symptoms or you suspect they have been exposed to slug bait it is vital that you take them to your local veterinarian immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to develop. If you have the packaged bait take this with you or if possible find out the name and ingredients of the bait.

Pet Safety

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.

A Day Out with the Careless Family

Follow the Careless family on their nature walk and see the dangers to animals!

X