lv.petgardening
Portland, OREGON--May 2, 2012-- Some chemicals used in lawn care may harm or kill a pet. DescriptionDrake the chocolate lab has nothing to worry about. Ross William Hamilton/The Oregonian
(Ross William Hamilton)
If you're planning to spend some time fixing up your yard or garden this holiday weekend, remember to adopt pet-safe practices.
Some of the products we use to help our gardens look nice have the potential to seriously sicken or kill our pets.
Among commonly used yard products, slug and snail bait seem to be the most harmful to dogs, says Dr. Megan Seekins, a board-certified emergency and critical care veterinarian at Columbia River Veterinary Specialists in Vancouver.
"Whatever is in the slug and snail bait must be very appetizing for dogs, because it seems like if they have any potential access to it, they will definitely eat it," she says.
Metaldehyde, an active in ingredient found in many slug and snail poisons, affects neurotransmitters in the brain.
Symptoms of ingestion often include tremor, which can progress to seizures. Dogs can also have a fever, vomiting, drooling, and fast heart rate.
"If they're showing signs, they absolutely have to be seen," Seekins says. "As long as people seek veterinary attention as soon as they know it's happened and realize the dog is acting abnormal, usually these patients do well."
Treatment typically involves a muscle relaxes and intravenous fluids.
"Another thing we see quite frequently is ingestion of rat baits," Seekins says.
There are lots of different brands out there, and they use different types of toxins. The majority contain an ingredient that causes life-threatening bleeding, known as an anticoagulant.
Others contain neurotoxins, such as bromethalin.
That's why it's so important to bring in the packaging of the product you think your pet ingested. Treatment for neurotoxin poisoning is very different for the treatment for anticoagulant ingestion, Seekins says.
"Bring the product with you," she advises, "because it really helps facilitate getting the right treatment for the pet."
Organophosphates, commonly found in rose food, is another common toxin.
Symptoms of ingestion include "what we call SLUD: salivation, lacrimation (tearing), urination and defecation."
Dogs can also experience muscle twitching, weak limbs and respiratory problems.
The bottom line: If there's even a chance your pet may have ingested something, you should take him to a veterinarian or at least consult with the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4235 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 800-213-6680. Keep in mind there is a $39 fee for calling the Pet Poison Helpline.
They'll give you a case number that you can give to the veterinarian, so they can consult with the poison control experts if they need to.
--Monique Balas; msbalaspets@gmail.com