Backyard Dangers
Dogs and Cats:
Protecting your animal companion from the dangers she could face outdoors begins in your own backyard. Could your pet be facing enemy territory everytime she steps outside? By taking the following simple, but important, precautions, you can ensure that your backyard is always a safe haven.
The first line of defense is an escape-proof fence. It should be high and sturdy. If there are any gaps under your gates or hedges, you may need to use fine wire-mesh at ground level to keep your dog from crawling or digging his way out.
Letting your cat explore outdoors is recommended only if you are there to supervise her in a well-fenced-in area. A sudden loud noise, or simply seeing a dog walk by, may cause her to bolt-which could end in heartbreak, especially if you live near a busy road or highway. To keep your feline in the yard, you can purchase a cat-proof add-on for your fence.
You’ll also need to conduct a plant check. Many garden plants and trees can be harmful to pets if ingested. Some of these include holly, rhododendron, lily-of-the-valley, yew, clematis, ivy, columbine and hemlock. Some species may be more, or less, toxic to dogs than cats, so it’s a good idea to find out if a tree or flower is safe for your pet before you plant it. Also remember to keep flower bulbs out of reach of curious dogs and cats.
To prevent your pet from eating something she shouldn’t, make sure your garbage cans are secured with tamper-proof lids. It’s a good idea to keep them in a cupboard or shed. Insecticides and rodenticides should be kept in a locked shed or garage; this goes for paint, oil, gasoline, other dangerous chemicals and sharp tools as well. And remember to use common sense if you have just applied weed killer to your lawn or other toxic chemical or fertilizer to the plants in your garden. Your pet could be exposed to these potentially harmful substances simply by walking through an area where these products have been applied and then licking his paws.
And antifreeze, while essential to a car’s cooling system, may be very dangerous to your pets if they are exposed to it. Be sure to clean up any spills from your vehicle immediately, and consider switching to a propylene glycol-based antifreeze such as Prestone Low Tox, which provides an added margin of safety for pets and wildlife. Prestone Low Tox is significantly less toxic than conventional ethylene glycol antifreeze, but remember – no antifreeze is absolutely safe. As with any household chemical, safe use and disposal of antifreeze is essential.
If you suspect your dog or cat has ingested poisonous plant material, antifreeze, insecticide or other dangerous chemicals, call your veterinarian or The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center’s 24-hour emergency hotline at (888) 426-4435. There will be a charge to your credit card per case.
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Backyard Dangers
Dogs and Cats:
Protecting your animal companion from the dangers she could face outdoors begins in your own backyard. Could your pet be facing enemy territory everytime she steps outside? By taking the following simple, but important, precautions, you can ensure that your backyard is always a safe haven.
The first line of defense is an escape-proof fence. It should be high and sturdy. If there are any gaps under your gates or hedges, you may need to use fine wire-mesh at ground level to keep your dog from crawling or digging his way out.
Letting your cat explore outdoors is recommended only if you are there to supervise her in a well-fenced-in area. A sudden loud noise, or simply seeing a dog walk by, may cause her to bolt-which could end in heartbreak, especially if you live near a busy road or highway. To keep your feline in the yard, you can purchase a cat-proof add-on for your fence.
You’ll also need to conduct a plant check. Many garden plants and trees can be harmful to pets if ingested. Some of these include holly, rhododendron, lily-of-the-valley, yew, clematis, ivy, columbine and hemlock. Some species may be more, or less, toxic to dogs than cats, so it’s a good idea to find out if a tree or flower is safe for your pet before you plant it. Also remember to keep flower bulbs out of reach of curious dogs and cats.
To prevent your pet from eating something she shouldn’t, make sure your garbage cans are secured with tamper-proof lids. It’s a good idea to keep them in a cupboard or shed. Insecticides and rodenticides should be kept in a locked shed or garage; this goes for paint, oil, gasoline, other dangerous chemicals and sharp tools as well. And remember to use common sense if you have just applied weed killer to your lawn or other toxic chemical or fertilizer to the plants in your garden. Your pet could be exposed to these potentially harmful substances simply by walking through an area where these products have been applied and then licking his paws.
And antifreeze, while essential to a car’s cooling system, may be very dangerous to your pets if they are exposed to it. Be sure to clean up any spills from your vehicle immediately, and consider switching to a propylene glycol-based antifreeze such as Prestone Low Tox, which provides an added margin of safety for pets and wildlife. Prestone Low Tox is significantly less toxic than conventional ethylene glycol antifreeze, but remember – no antifreeze is absolutely safe. As with any household chemical, safe use and disposal of antifreeze is essential.
If you suspect your dog or cat has ingested poisonous plant material, antifreeze, insecticide or other dangerous chemicals, call your veterinarian or The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center’s 24-hour emergency hotline at (888) 426-4435. There will be a charge to your credit card per case.