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Safe & sound: Protect your pet from summer dangers

Summer is a great time for get-togethers, vacation travel and outdoor
activities, and pets often are included in these activities.

Here is some advice from the New Jersey Veterinary Medical
Association to help keep your pet safe this summer and away from
often overlooked sources of summer poisons.

Coolants, antifreeze, radiator fluid. These substances are poisonous
and often lethal. Pets love the sweet taste of antifreeze, but the
consequences can be deadly. If you keep antifreeze in the garage,
consider purchasing a pet friendly brand in case it spills and your
pet comes into contact with it.

Since neighbors may not be as careful, do not allow your pet to lick
anything from driveways or roadways. Ingesting even a teaspoon of
some of these substances can lead to a serious emergency. Contact
your veterinarian immediately.

Mulch. A new mulch has hit the stands, cocoa mulch. This is mulch
that is made from the hulls of the cocoa bean. It is a by-product of
the chocolate industry. Unfortunately, like chocolate, cocoa mulch
contains theobromine and caffeine, substances that are toxic to dogs.
Actually, the mulch has a higher content of these poisons than
chocolate itself, and even a small amount can cause gastrointestinal
problems, neuromuscular problems and death.

Fertilizer. Pets come in contact with anything that you spray or
spread on your property. Most fertilizers will cause severe stomach
upset if your pet licks or eats the grass or plants, or even while
cleaning themselves after walking on the property. Make sure you
read the label on whatever you put down, and check how long you must
wait before allowing pets come into contact with treated areas.

Insecticides. Trying to get rid of ticks and fleas on your pet? Be
careful not to mix products together. Don't use a topical flea
killer and then shampoo with a flea and tick shampoo. It is easy to
overdose pets, especially cats, with even the mildest insecticides.
Never use human or household bug sprays on your pets. Be extra
careful about pets coming into contact with insecticides that you
have sprayed in the yard or around the house. Consult your
veterinarian about the best products for your pet's lifestyle. You
must take extra precautions when treating ticks and fleas on puppies
and kittens.

Mouse/Rodent Poison. Mouse and rodent poisons should not be used in
areas that are accessible to pets. Pets can ingest the poison itself,
or eat the rodent that has consumed the poison. These poisons cause
bleeding, paralysis and other often fatal effects. Signs of a problem
may not occur for days, so if you think your pet has eaten the
poison, contact our veterinarian immediately. It is better to use
nontoxic traps.

Chlorine/Pool Chemicals. The chlorine used in pools can cause severe
lung damage if inhaled and will burn if it comes in contact with the
pet. Pool chlorine is significantly stronger than that used for
laundry. Keep it closed in a tight container in a safe place.

Barbecue lighter fluid and kerosene. These liquids can cause damage
to the lungs if inhaled (dogs or cats may sniff an open container),
as well as irritate the eyes and skin.

Fireworks. These are great fun but can cause severe stomach
problems, bleeding and blood cell abnormalities if your curious pet
finds one laying around. Remember, pets will eat almost anything.

Suntan lotion. If left out and open and your pet decides to play with
the tube, your cat or dog can suffer irritation of the mouth and eyes
as well as stomach upset.

It is as important to pet-proof your home as it is to make your home
safe for a child. Do not expect that since your pet has never gotten
into these things before, that he will not now.

Always contact your veterinarian if you suspect that your pet has had
access to any poisons or if you have any questions about keeping your
pet safe.

Source: New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association.
Reprinted for educational purposes only.
http://www.njvma.org/new/articles/protect.asp

Posted on SHARE Yahoo group - Jul 4, 2005