HK Animal Hospital Newsletter
Spring Pet Hazards
April 19, 2013
Early spring brings blooming flowers and also pet hazards. We want to share some tips with our neighbors.
Hazard High Points: Fertilizers/Herbicides/Insecticides/Lilies/foxtail/Animal Bite/Rattlesnake bite
- 1. Household chemicals (fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides): Believe it or not, dogs are attracted to the taste of fertilizer. Always carefully follow instructions when applying fertilizer and be careful when using fertilizer in areas where your dog can access [and dogs are good at accessing just about anywhere] and always follow the label instructions. Some hints that your pet may have ingested fertilizer or chemicals: [excessive salivation, mild depression, vomiting or diarrhea]
- 2. Lilies: Members of the true lily family are very poisonous to cats. Ingesting the flowers can cause vomiting, kidney failure and death. Be aware of lilies and be on the lookout for signs of ingestion.
- 3. Animal Bites: Many accidents occur when pets are permitted to roam unsupervised. Confining the pet in the house or yard, and accompanying the pet on a leash dramatically reduces risks associated with animal bites. Because animal bite wounds are usually small, you may have difficulty locating the bites. Therefore, you should closely examine your pet’s skin (including clipping of hair when necessary) if you see a cutaneous wound or if your pet is ill or shows signs of distress [particularly after it has roamed unsupervised].
- 4. Foxtail: Iron Horse Trail passes through San Ramon, Danville, Alamo, Dublin, and Pleasanton and is a nice trail to take a stroll with our furry friends. Foxtail is a plant that grows along the trail and often causes skin lesions (abscess) in dogs and cats. Watch for any signs of skin/ ear scratching or head shaking.
- 5. Rattlesnake bites: Snake encounters with pets are most likely to occur between late April and October. Is your dog protected from snake bite? Rattlesnake vaccines in dogs are available at HK Animal Hospital.
If your pet has encountered any of the situations above, please contact HK Animal Hospital immediately.
Referred by ASPCA educational brochure, Cote Clinical Veterinary Advisor
