By Family Features | Contributor
For pet owners with animals that love the outdoors, ensuring your yard is a secure environment is vital.
Keep in mind some hazards that may pose risks to your pets’ health.
Toxic Plants – Many common plants can be harmful to pets, leading to issues ranging from mild digestive discomfort to severe health complications or even fatality. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has listed several plants that are particularly hazardous to cats and dogs:
- Aloe – can lead to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, loss of appetite, and depression
- Azalea – may cause vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, weakness, coma, cardiovascular failure, or death
- Burning bush – ingestion can result in vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, weakness, and heart rhythm issues in larger amounts
- Caladium – can irritate the mouth, tongue, and lips, resulting in excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing
- Daylilies – known to cause kidney failure in felines
- Hibiscus – can result in symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and loss of appetite
Mulch and Compost – The ingredients that make compost effective can actually be harmful to pets, as noted by the National Garden Society. It’s best to keep compost in a secure container or enclosed area to prevent access by pets. Cocoa mulch, a byproduct of chocolate, can be particularly dangerous for dogs, potentially leading to digestive issues and seizures. Safer alternatives include shredded pine or cedar mulch.
Fertilizers and Insecticides – Chemicals used for pest control or to enhance your lawn’s greenery can be toxic to pets. High-risk pesticides include snail bait containing metaldehyde, fly bait with methomyl, systemic insecticides like disyston or disulfoton, gopher bait containing zinc phosphide, and most types of rat poison, according to the ASPCA. Always follow usage instructions closely and keep these substances stored securely, away from animals.
Fleas and Ticks – Besides employing suitable flea and tick prevention methods, such as collars and sprays, ensure your yard is not inviting for these pests. Regularly trim the lawn and clear away brush and debris where fleas and ticks can thrive. Fleas can lead to hair loss, scabs, intense scratching, tapeworm infections, and anemia. Ticks pose similar threats and may also expose you and your family to illnesses like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
For additional suggestions on keeping your pets safe in the yard, visit eLivingtoday.com
