Hidden dangers in the spring that could be fatal to your pets

Spring is here, and with it come some hidden risks in your yard that could prove fatal to your four-legged family members.

The persistent puppy-eye gaze pleading for more time outside signals the arrival of warmer weather. And, along with the joys of chasing squirrels and fending off the mailman, there's more danger lurking beneath their feet.

Every year, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' Animal Poison Control Center analyzes data from calls regarding pets exposed to toxins and publishes the top ten categories of probable poisons.

One-tenth of the calls were about ingestion of indoor and outdoor plants. Insecticides, rodenticides, and gardening goods were also common.

Plants that are hazardous should be avoided. Many common plants, such as azaleas, rhododendrons, yews, English Ivy, daffodils, and tulips, can be toxic to pets.

Tulips, daffodils, and hyacinth bulbs can create all kinds of difficulties for our dogs, from stomach trouble to cardiac problems, said Lindsey Wolko, founder of the Center for Pet Safety.

Keep bulbs out of the landscape if your dog enjoys digging. Lilies will soon begin to bloom, and they are extremely hazardous to cats.

Kidney failure can be caused by their leaves, blossoms, pollen, and stems, Wolko stated. For those who celebrate Easter, Easter flowers will be available in your local retailers. You won't want to carry lilies home if you have cats.

Mulches and invaders of the natural world. Some natural mushrooms are hazardous, but our dogs seem to be drawn to them, Wolko explained.

If you notice mushrooms growing in your yard, get rid of them right away. Thorny plants can irritate paw pads and cause eye problems.

Natural wood mulches should be used instead of cocoa mulches, according to horticulture agent Dennis Patton of the Johnson County K-State Research and Extension. Depending on the pet, dyes can potentially pose problems.

Compost, fertilizers, and insecticides. Fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides used in the spring to promote flower blossoming or lawn applications can be detrimental to pets.

The chemicals may irritate your pet's paws or nasal passages, or they may be poisonous if consumed.

If you're not sure, it's sometimes best to rinse and dry their paws at the end of the stroll. Material safety data sheets and guidelines for pet owners should be available from the company that makes or applies these chemicals to your lawn Wolko explained.

If at all feasible, you should avoid employing such substances or use alternate measures.

Make sure any compost bins around your yard have a sturdy top to keep pets out and potentially ingesting anything in the bin, Patton advised.

In addition, spring is the time of year when neighbors may put out rat poison.

If your pet eats a poisoned rodent, they will also ingest the poison. Keep an eye on your surroundings and walk road on a regular basis Wolko explained.

If you suspect your pet has consumed a poison or a hazardous plant, contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinarian right once.

Fleas, ticks, and misquotes. Keep the grass mowed in the spring and eliminate any weedy growth and leaf litter from the yard. Tick and flea populations may grow as a result of these conditions. Any standing water should also be avoided because it fosters misquotes.

Landscaping ideas. You must establish boundaries with pets and effectively train them to respect the landscape, in addition to the obvious of providing lots of fresh water and shade.

Patton recommends securing or safeguarding any valuable or hazardous plants from pets, as well as creating a safe environment for children to play and exercise. You must create walkways in the garden for pets, Patton remarked.

An outside potty area utilizing pea gravel as kitty litter for your dog is another area worth establishing. It drains efficiently and will not be washed away by rain or blown away by strong winds.

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