Spring sure has arrived early for many of us in the U.S. Here in Michigan our normal highs should be in the 40s and we have experienced temperatures in the 70s and low 80s for about a week now!
I took a walk this morning and the buds on the trees are fat and plump, which doesn’t usually happen until late April or early May!
With the early arrival of Spring, Spring cleaning will more than likely be occurring earlier as well. Whether it be indoor cleaning or outdoor gardening/fixing-up, there are things we should watch out for that could put our pets at risk.
Vetstreet.com has you covered with important tips in their blog post below!
Pet Poisons: Common Household Hazards That Can Harm Your Pet
Cleaning:
- Detergents and fabric softener sheets can cause ulcers in the mouth, esophagus and stomach in dogs and cats. Toxicity Ranking: mild to moderate
- Household cleaners, such as bleach, drain cleaners, ammonia and toilet bowl cleaners can cause gastrointestinal ulcers in dogs and cats. Toxicity Ranking: varies
- Insecticides in flea and tick products can cause problems if not used according to labels. Insecticides that are meant for dogs can cause severe toxicity in cats, leading to vomiting, seizures and difficulty breathing. Toxicity Ranking: mild to severe
- Mothballs, especially if they contain naphthalene, can be toxic to dogs and cats, resulting in vomiting, diarrhea, increased drinking and urination and seizures. Toxicity Ranking: moderate to severe
- Yard Care/Garden:
- Yard products, including snail and slug bait, herbicides and fertilizers, are never good for pets. Signs will vary by the ingredient. Toxicity Ranking: varies
- Fertilizers can contain poisonous amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron, zinc, herbicides and pesticides. Keep dogs and cats away from treated lawns until they are dry. Toxicity Ranking: mild to moderate
- Lilies — Easter, day, tiger, Japanese and Asiatic varieties — can cause kidney failure in cats. Lilies of the valley can cause heart rhythm problems and death in dogs and cats. Toxicity Ranking: moderate to severe
- Tulip bulbs can lead to mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting and diarrhea. Toxicity Ranking: mild to moderate (potentially life threatening)
- For more information on household hazards and many other pet topics, please visit Vetstreet.com
