Thursday, March 10, 2011

Keep the Grass Green and Your Pets Safe

One of the best parts about living in central Texas is the beautiful springs that we enjoy. While big portions of the country continue to dig out of the snow, we Austinites are already busting out the shorts and flip-flops. After a record breaking cold winter, the sunshine is out, the breezes are blowing and blooms are bursting into color in every direction. Guess it's time to start the old yard work....

My yard looks mighty tired this spring compared to other years. My mulch has blown away, my plants are brown and kinda crunchy and some of my oldest plants may have succumbed to age and the multiple nights of freezing temps.

What can I do to make my yard healthy and beautiful while still keeping my dogs safe?

Mulch

First, pass on the cocoa mulch. Cocoa mulch is a fine, sweet smelling mulch that contains both theobromine and caffeine. Both chemicals are harmful to your pet. Because of the sweet smell (some say it smells like a chocolate Poptart), dogs may be inclined to try a bite. Even a few ounces of the mulch can be dangerous to your pet.

Dogs that ingest and become ill from eating cocoa mulch will show much the same symptoms of those that overdose on chocolate. Vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain are early symptoms, but higher does can produce restlessness, excitability, increased heart rates, tremors, shaking and even seizures. There are several varieties of mulch that can be used in place of cocoa mulch. For example, cedar or pine mulch provides a good substitute.

Compost

This next caution comes from personal experience. We all dream of a velvety green lawn to play in with our dogs. To get the beautiful green lawn that we all seek, some choose to toss around some compost. One popular brand of compost in central Texas is the beloved Dillo Dirt. Probably most famous for "subbing in" for mud at the ACL (Woodstock Wannabe) Rain Fest in Zilker Park a few years back, Dillo Dirt is made right here in Austin. According to the City of Austin, Dillo Dirt consists of "yard trimmings collected curbside and treated sewage sludge" which is cured at 170 degree Fahrenheit temperatures to kill all the plant and human pathogens it may contain.

It's not so much that ingesting Dillo Dirt is toxic to your pet, although the thought is not exactly pleasant. The problem with Dillo Dirt and all types of compost is that dogs that eat large quantities could develop a serious gastric obstruction. Large amounts of compost can become "wadded up" in the intestines causing a blockage. Once a blockage has occurred, surgery is the only treatment.

My 13 year old Lab ate loads of Dillo Dirt last year and developed a serious obstruction in several places in his bowel. Although his veterinarian was brilliant, at his age, the four hour surgery nearly killed him. For five days and nights, we transported him to the Emergency Clinic and his regular veterinarian. The toxicity released into his body from the blockage caused him to develop a heart arrhythmia. Even though my vet assured me that the arrhythmia would resolve itself (and it did), you certainly never want to hear that your "sweet old man" has any type of heart problem. The surgery took its toll on us as well as Cayman. Not only the emotional exhaustion that comes with a life threatening event, but the financial toll as well was considerable ( and I work for the animal hospital that performed the surgery and received a significant discount).

Natural compost made from your "leftovers" can also be harmful to pets. Moldy food, and certain fruits and vegetables, bacteria and other pathogens could cause your pet to become very sick.

So, my advice, steer clear of the Dillo Dirt and reserve your compost for a fenced in garden....

Plants

Thinking about sprucing up your flower beds? We highlighted the dangers of the Sago Palm which is used in lots of central Texas yards. Other common plants to our area that are toxic to dogs include the caladium, Elephant Ears, oleander, Lantana, and mushrooms. Symptoms vary in presentation and degree of seriousness. For a complete list of toxic plants, check out the ASPCAs Poisonous Plant list.

Pesticides and Insecticides

Most pet owners are aware of the dangers of insecticides and pesticides. The key is keeping our pets from coming into contact with them. Rat poison is by far, one of the most toxic poisons to dogs. Dogs that ingest rat poison suffer several types of neurological effects - the severity of which depends upon the amount eaten. Muscle tremors, seizures, paralysis and brain swelling can occur. Successful treatment is largely dependent on how much poison was eaten and how quickly treatment begins. Treatment includes administration of activated charcoal and induced vomiting to clear the system of the poison and hopefully block absorption, as well as IV fluids to keep the animal hydrated. A mutli-day hospital stay is probably necessary as well.

If you must use poisonous substances in your yard to control pests, be sure to read the cautionary statements on all packaging and supervise your pet when he/she is in the yard.

For more information on keeping your garden and yard safe for your pets, check out the ASPCA's article Pet-Safe Gardening.

64 comments:

  1. Details about Testabol Depot Inject BDhp 21
    For more information on keeping your garden and yard safe for your pets, check out the ASPCA's article Pet-Safe Gardening.

    ReplyDelete
  2. If you must use poisonous substances in your yard to control pests, be sure to read the cautionary statements on all packaging and supervise your pet when he/she is in the yard.

    fashion jewelry wholesaleinfertility supplements

    ReplyDelete
  3. bunion San Antoniocoronary heart disease treatment
    Anh Tuan said...

    If you must use poisonous substances in your yard to control pests, be sure to read the cautionary statements on all packaging and supervise your pet when he/she is in the yard.

    ReplyDelete
  4. العاب سبونج بوبfloor buffer
    If you must use poisonous substances in your yard to control pests, be sure to read the cautionary statements on all packaging and supervise your pet when he/she is in the yard.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Seagrove Beach Real EstateHow To Make Money
    If you must use poisonous substances in your yard to control pests, be sure to read the cautionary statements on all packaging and supervise your pet when he/she is in the yard.

    ReplyDelete
  6. If you must use poisonous substances in your yard to control pests, be sure to read the cautionary statements on all packaging and supervise your pet when he/she is in the yard.
    Akubra HatsAnti-Aging - Kosmetik - Wimpernwachstum - Hautanalyse - Antiaging creme

    ReplyDelete
  7. Therefore, it's important to massage these overused muscles to prevent her from causing injury to other body parts. Malibu could could not have been more relaxed as Sandra manipulated the muscles of her back releasing tension and tightness.
    loose leaf teacadillac parts

    ReplyDelete
  8. If you must use poisonous substances in your yard to control pests, be sure to read the cautionary statements on all packaging and supervise your pet when he/she is in the yard.
    Car Accident Attorneysgrow bulbs

    ReplyDelete
  9. Most pet owners are aware of the dangers of insecticides and pesticides. The key is keeping our pets from coming into contact with them. Rat poison is by far, one of the most toxic poisons to dogs
    Car Accident Attorneysgrow bulbs

    ReplyDelete
  10. Most pet owners are aware of the dangers of insecticides and pesticides. The key is keeping our pets from coming into contact with them. Rat poison is by far, one of the most toxic poisons to dogs
    overnightprints coupondublin hotels

    ReplyDelete
  11. Relief for pain with Therasagedingle hotel
    Most pet owners are aware of the dangers of insecticides and pesticides. The key is keeping our pets from coming into contact with them. Rat poison is by far, one of the most toxic poisons to dogs

    ReplyDelete
  12. peacock bass fishinghow to paint car

    Most pet owners are aware of the dangers of insecticides and pesticides. The key is keeping our pets from coming into contact with them. Rat poison is by far, one of the most toxic poisons to dogs

    ReplyDelete
  13. silver bullion roundsweighted hula hoop
    Most pet owners are aware of the dangers of insecticides and pesticides. The key is keeping our pets from coming into contact with them. Rat poison is by far, one of the most toxic poisons to dogs

    ReplyDelete
  14. studio drummerget more YouTube hits
    Most pet owners are aware of the dangers of insecticides and pesticides. The key is keeping our pets from coming into contact with them. Rat poison is by far, one of the most toxic poisons to dogs

    ReplyDelete
  15. Monarch 1115ultralight backpacking gear
    for the good info you’ve posted on your web page. I will definitelycome back to check it out once more and have subscribedto your RSS feed. Have an excellent day.

    ReplyDelete
  16. charm braceletdermalogica

    for the good info you’ve posted on your web page. I will definitelycome back to check it out once more and have subscribedto your RSS feed. Have an excellent day.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Credit Counselingcorn stoves

    for the good info you’ve posted on your web page. I will definitelycome back to check it out once more and have subscribedto your RSS feed. Have an excellent day.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Uebersetzungsbuero Deutsch Englischmanaged forex trading

    for the good info you’ve posted on your web page. I will definitelycome back to check it out once more and have subscribedto your RSS feed. Have an excellent day.

    ReplyDelete
  19. guest house siem reaptechnical analysis

    for the good info you’ve posted on your web page. I will definitelycome back to check it out once more and have subscribedto your RSS feed. Have an excellent day.

    ReplyDelete
  20. AX Paris Discount Codeservanter

    for the good info you’ve posted on your web page. I will definitelycome back to check it out once more and have subscribedto your RSS feed. Have an excellent day.

    ReplyDelete
  21. royalty free musicHolidays Voucher Codes

    for the good info you’ve posted on your web page. I will definitelycome back to check it out once more and have subscribedto your RSS feed. Have an excellent day.

    ReplyDelete
  22. sports nutritioncalciomercato


    for the good info you’ve posted on your web page. I will definitelycome back to check it out once more and have subscribedto your RSS feed. Have an excellent day.

    ReplyDelete
  23. whiite udsalgpitbull stud service


    for the good info you’ve posted on your web page. I will definitelycome back to check it out once more and have subscribedto your RSS feed. Have an excellent day.

    ReplyDelete
  24. fashion jewelry necklacesBaby Forum

    for the good info you’ve posted on your web page. I will definitelycome back to check it out once more and have subscribedto your RSS feed. Have an excellent day.

    ReplyDelete
  25. steak house londonvintage baseball cards

    for the good info you’ve posted on your web page. I will definitelycome back to check it out once more and have subscribedto your RSS feed. Have an excellent day.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Keratin hair treatment sydneystag night t shirt printing

    for the good info you’ve posted on your web page. I will definitelycome back to check it out once more and have subscribedto your RSS feed. Have an excellent day.

    ReplyDelete
  27. homes for sale over 55 communitieskratom
    for the good info you’ve posted on your web page. I will definitelycome back to check it out once more and have subscribedto your RSS feed. Have an excellent day.

    ReplyDelete
  28. start a home based businessAutographs for sale
    for the good info you’ve posted on your web page. I will definitelycome back to check it out once more and have subscribedto your RSS feed. Have an excellent day.

    ReplyDelete
  29. for the good info you’ve posted on your web page. I will definitelycome back to check it out once more and have subscribedto your RSS feed. Have an excellent day.
    gold charms for charm braceletsnapoleon wood burning fireplace

    ReplyDelete
  30. everglades bass fishingRingding
    for the good info you’ve posted on your web page. I will definitelycome back to check it out once more and have subscribedto your RSS feed. Have an excellent day.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Interior design decoratorspriori idebenone

    for the good info you’ve posted on your web page. I will definitelycome back to check it out once more and have subscribedto your RSS feed. Have an excellent day.

    ReplyDelete
  32. cheap phone cardsalarm system brantford

    for the good info you’ve posted on your web page. I will definitelycome back to check it out once more and have subscribedto your RSS feed. Have an excellent day.

    ReplyDelete
  33. ניקיוןfree music download programs

    for the good info you’ve posted on your web page. I will definitelycome back to check it out once more and have subscribedto your RSS feed. Have an excellent day.

    ReplyDelete
  34. business for saleBoracay Packages

    for the good info you’ve posted on your web page. I will definitelycome back to check it out once more and have subscribedto your RSS feed. Have an excellent day.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Rescue Relationshipvestidos de fiesta cortos

    for the good info you’ve posted on your web page. I will definitelycome back to check it out once more and have subscribedto your RSS feed. Have an excellent day.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Dell Coupon NumberMortgage CRM

    for the good info you’ve posted on your web page. I will definitelycome back to check it out once more and have subscribedto your RSS feed. Have an excellent day.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Vodafone Promotional Codetips on how to drive the ball better in golf

    for the good info you’ve posted on your web page. I will definitelycome back to check it out once more and have subscribedto your RSS feed. Have an excellent day.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Panerai Luminor Marina replicaReinigungsroboter


    for the good info you’ve posted on your web page. I will definitelycome back to check it out once more and have subscribedto your RSS feed. Have an excellent day.

    ReplyDelete
  39. China tourHID bulbs

    for the good info you’ve posted on your web page. I will definitelycome back to check it out once more and have subscribedto your RSS feed. Have an excellent day.

    ReplyDelete
  40. G-Unit mixtapesorgano gold healthy coffee


    for the good info you’ve posted on your web page. I will definitelycome back to check it out once more and have subscribedto your RSS feed. Have an excellent day.

    ReplyDelete
  41. tableaux designroofing toronto
    for the good info you’ve posted on your web page. I will definitelycome back to check it out once more and have subscribedto your RSS feed. Have an excellent day.

    ReplyDelete
  42. easiest membership programHalfords Promotion Code
    for the good info you’ve posted on your web page. I will definitelycome back to check it out once more and have subscribedto your RSS feed. Have an excellent day.

    ReplyDelete
  43. chandelier lamp shadesbedrijfsuitje regio Amsterdam
    for the good info you’ve posted on your web page. I will definitelycome back to check it out once more and have subscribedto your RSS feed. Have an excellent day.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Properties for Sale
    puerto vallarta rentals

    for the good info you’ve posted on your web page. I will definitelycome back to check it out once more and have subscribedto your RSS feed. Have an excellent day.

    ReplyDelete
  45. for the good info you’ve posted on your web page. I will definitelycome back to check it out once more and have subscribedto your RSS feed. Have an excellent day.
    IT support in Londonwireless printer

    ReplyDelete
  46. Pigeon Control Serviceshome interior design
    for the good info you’ve posted on your web page. I will definitelycome back to check it out once more and have subscribedto your RSS feed. Have an excellent day.

    ReplyDelete
  47. health informationhow to find the best wedding gown

    for the good info you’ve posted on your web page. I will definitelycome back to check it out once more and have subscribedto your RSS feed. Have an excellent day.

    ReplyDelete
  48. health insurance connecticutthe best health and beauty products

    for the good info you’ve posted on your web page. I will definitelycome back to check it out once more and have subscribedto your RSS feed. Have an excellent day.

    ReplyDelete
  49. vietnam golfPrivate Security Services

    for the good info you’ve posted on your web page. I will definitelycome back to check it out once more and have subscribedto your RSS feed. Have an excellent day.

    ReplyDelete
  50. for the good info you’ve posted on your web page. I will definitelycome back to check it out once more and have subscribedto your RSS feed. Have an excellent day.
    Cartier Ballon Bleu replicaeasy opener

    ReplyDelete
  51. generate monthly bonus income with our income entourage reviewcoffee franchises for sale
    for the good info you’ve posted on your web page. I will definitelycome back to check it out once more and have subscribedto your RSS feed. Have an excellent day.

    ReplyDelete
  52. sewer backup cleanuphawaii car rental
    for the good info you’ve posted on your web page. I will definitelycome back to check it out once more and have subscribedto your RSS feed. Have an excellent day.

    ReplyDelete
  53. silver charms for charm braceletsproposal manager

    for the good info you’ve posted on your web page. I will definitelycome back to check it out once more and have subscribedto your RSS feed. Have an excellent day.

    ReplyDelete
  54. embassyvideo production company
    for the good info you’ve posted on your web page. I will definitelycome back to check it out once more and have subscribedto your RSS feed. Have an excellent day

    ReplyDelete
  55. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  56. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  57. for the good info you’ve posted on your web page. I will definitelycome back to check it out once more and have subscribedto your RSS feed. Have an excellent day

    eye doctors
    vi har billiga cialis

    ReplyDelete
  58. I will definitelycome back to check it out once more and have subscribedto your RSS feed. Have an excellent day

    ReplyDelete
  59. organic acaiholiday lattice dress
    for the good info you’ve posted on your web page. I will definitelycome back to check it out once more and have subscribedto your RSS feed. Have an excellent day.

    ReplyDelete
  60. for the good info you’ve posted on your web page. I will definitelycome back to check it out once more and have subscribedto your RSS feed. Have an excellent day.
    sterling silver charmshotel in bukit bintang

    ReplyDelete