Published in the March 2-15, 2016 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Dr. Jeanne Haggerty-Arcay
Dr. Jeanne Haggerty-Arcay
As spring approaches, many of us will be spending more time outside with our pets. Although the backyard provides a great place to get a little sunshine and exercise, it is also a common place where our pets get into trouble. Here are some common backyard hazards to be aware of this spring:
Landscape bark: Many dogs like to play with and eat bark of all kinds. Newer barks made of cocoa shells are very dangerous as the smell makes them very appealing to dogs. Synthetic types can become lodged in the gastrointestinal tract.
Gravel/rocks: Gravel and rocks of all sizes are simply play toys for many dogs. It is common for dogs to eat pea gravel as a matter of habit. They can also swallow large river rocks accidentally during play. Smaller rocks may pass through without a problem but larger rocks may have to be removed surgically.
Fertilizers/insecticides: Many fertilizers and insecticides are toxic to pets. Cats tend to be particularly sensitive to insecticides. Check the label before using any of these products to ensure that they will be safe for your pet. Water lawns and allow to dry prior to letting pets out on freshly fertilized lawns.
Plants/flowers: Many common backyard plants are toxic; some are specifically toxic to dogs or cats. Most, even if not actually toxic, will cause diarrhea and vomiting if consumed in sufficient quantities. The ASPCA has a very comprehensive website outlining all of the common toxic plants with pictures. If you think your pet has eaten a toxic plant, bring your pet and the plant in question to your veterinarian.
Rodenticides: Make sure that your pet has no access to rat/rodent bait nor containers. The same ingredients that lure rodents into eating these products will also be convincing to your pet. Although dogs more commonly eat the bait itself, cats often eat the poisoned rodent, which can be equally deadly. Rodenticides can cause massive internal bleeding, kidney failure, seizures and death. If you think your pet may have ingested rodenticides, seek immediate veterinary attention and make sure to bring the package with you as different types of bait require different treatment.
Snail bait: The traditional snail bait causes unrelenting muscle tremors and seizures. The severity is dose-dependent and can often be fatal. Snail bait ingestion should be treated as an emergency, even if your pet has not yet started to show symptoms. There are non-toxic snail baits available.
Allergies: We also see many pollen allergies arise in our pets. Although sneezing and watery eyes can be present, it is more common for our pets to show allergies in the form of itching. If you suspect allergies, talk to your veterinarian as there are many effective allergy treatments available.
Insect bites: Bee stings are the most common. We typically see dogs who have been outside nosing in the grass, yelp and come back in with a swollen nose. Most stings can be easily treated. However, the facial swelling or an anaphylactic reaction can be fatal. Remove the stinger (if you can see it) and seek veterinary attention.
Dr. Jeanne Haggerty-Arcay received her undergraduate degrees in biology, biochemistry and Spanish from the College of Notre Dame, Belmont. She graduated from U.C. Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. She enjoys spending time with her husband and three young children.
