05/14/2024
The arrival of warmer weather means more time outside for you and your pets! But even in your own back yard, there are some potential hazards that could get in the way of the fun. Don't let that happen with these tips to keep your pets safe from outdoor hazards:
* Store all fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, rodenticides and insecticides in their original packaging and away from pets. Use rodenticides only in locations pets can't access.
* Cover or remove outdoor food bowls, water dishes, pet toys and bird baths before any applications of chemicals.
* Do not let your pets in the yard while applying chemicals. Wait until chemicals have dried and even up to four days after application before allowing a pet into the area. Pets who lick their paws after walking on treated areas can be poisoned.
* Dogs can be attracted to slug bait that contains metaldehyde. Signs of poisoning include tremors, seizures, shaking, vomiting, hyper-salivation, rapid heart rate, and abdominal pain. If your pet ingests slug bait, contact your veterinarian immediately.
* Never use flea medications intended for a dog on a cat instead. It is important to use only flea and tick products specifically designed for cats, and to administer the proper dosage.
***Never*** apply 45-65% permethrin "spot-on" products to cats, even in small amounts. Highly concentrated permethrin can be extremely toxic to cats. If you have both dogs and cats in your household, you should be aware that using a permethrin "spot-on" product on a dog may cause illness or death in a household cat.
* Compost can contain bacteria that, if ingested by pets, can cause vomiting and diarrhea, as well as possibly tremors and seizures. Keep your pets away from compost piles.
* Ingestion of even small amounts of certain plants (for example, rhododendron, azalea, oleander, lily, or yew) can be harmful or fatal to a pet. You may want to review our list of poisonous plants at: https://www.oregonvma.org/care-health/companion-animals/health-safety/poisonous-plants
