As spring blossoms and we’re drawn outdoors to bask in the beauty of our gardens, it’s crucial to remember that our furry companions share this space with us. While gardens are a source of joy and relaxation for humans, they can also harbour various dangers for our beloved pets. Let’s explore a few potential hazards that may be lurking in your garden and how you can help to keep our furry friends safe.
Toxic plants
Some plants will cause an upset stomach if your pet eats the leaves or foliage. They may develop vomiting and diarrhoea, but they will usually respond to treatment quickly. However, if you have cats, take special care to keep them away from certain species of lilies. There are no current concerns with belladonna lilies, canna lilies or lily of the valley, but members of the lilium and Hemerocallis genera which include Easter lilies, Christmas lilies, tiger lilies and day lilies are toxic to cats. Should a cat chew on these plants they can develop acute kidney failure, which is often fatal. If you have lilies in your garden, try to reduce the risk of this happening by creating a natural barrier to the plants and/or supervising them outdoors.
Pesticides
Be mindful of a product’s ingredients when deciding what pesticides and fertilisers you choose to use in your garden, to control bugs and encourage plant growth. Check the label carefully so you know how long after use, your pets should be kept away from the garden. If you’re unsure, a phone call to the customer support line is usually very helpful. Alternatively, you may find a non-toxic product that keeps pests under control but still allows your pets to enjoy their backyard.
Snail and rat bait
Snail and slug bait can be lethal to your dog if ingested, because of the active ingredient metaldehyde. Some products claim to be pet safe because they contain a bittering agent that tastes bad, but that doesn’t deter all animals.
Dogs and cats can develop bleeding disorders and experience convulsions if they eat rat or mouse bait; or even if they eat a poisoned rodent. If you have a rodent problem in your garden, don’t rely on bait – place traps to catch the vermin instead.
If you’re concerned that your pet may have been exposed to a toxin in your garden, please don’t hesitate to call us. We can advise you on what steps to take next and if necessary, arrange to have your furry friend treated as soon as possible.