As spring approaches, many of us are preparing to get back into the garden.
Warmer weather brings new growth, flowering plants and more time outdoors with our pets. However, from a veterinary perspective, spring gardening also brings a number of preventable risks that every pet owner should be aware of.
One of the most serious is snail and slug bait poisoning. Dogs are particularly attracted to some snail baits, which can resemble food. Ingestion can cause rapid and potentially life-threatening toxicity, with signs including agitation, tremors, seizures, increased body temperature and, in severe cases, death. If you suspect your pet has ingested snail bait, seek veterinary advice immediately rather than waiting for symptoms to develop.
Spring is also the time when many gardens are filled with new plants.
Unfortunately, some of the most attractive plants can be highly toxic. Lilies are particularly dangerous to cats, with exposure to even small amounts of the plant or pollen potentially resulting in acute kidney failure. Sago palms and Yesterday-Today-Tomorrow plants can also cause significant poisoning. Before purchasing or planting anything new, check whether it is considered safe for dogs and cats.
Garden fruit can present another hidden hazard. Pets may be attracted to fallen fruit, seeds and stones, particularly as they become more active outdoors. Stones from fruits such as peaches, plums and mangoes can cause gastrointestinal obstruction if swallowed. Regularly clearing fallen fruit from the garden can help reduce these risks.
Mulch and compost deserve consideration too. Dogs may dig through freshly prepared garden beds or eat mulch, particularly if they are prone to scavenging. Some organic materials can contain moulds or other substances that cause gastrointestinal illness or neurological signs. Avoid allowing pets to eat mulch or compost and take care when selecting products for your garden. Untreated natural wood or bark products are generally preferable to materials containing additives or potentially toxic substances.
Fertilisers, herbicides and insecticides should also be treated as potential poisons. Store all garden chemicals securely and follow application instructions carefully. Keep pets away from treated areas for the recommended period and prevent them from licking plants, soil or surfaces that have recently been treated. Fertiliser ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal discomfort, while some products can cause more serious toxicity.
Finally, don’t overlook garden machinery. Lawnmowers and whipper snippers can cause severe injuries to pets that suddenly run into their path, while stones and other debris can be projected at considerable speed. Pets should be safely confined indoors while machinery is being used, and gardening equipment should be stored securely when finished.
If your pet does ingest a plant, chemical, bait or unknown substance, don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Contact your veterinarian promptly. Early assessment and treatment can make a significant difference when dealing with poisoning.
A pet-safe garden doesn’t require giving up your gardening plans – it simply means planning with your four-legged family members in mind.
For more information, contact the friendly team at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital on 4736 2027.