Pet Poison Awareness: Spring Toxins Can Harm Your

Spring is on the way, and for many homeowners that means gardening time. It's always fun to spend time outside with the furry members of your family, but spring can be a dangerous time for pets left unsupervised in active gardening spaces. A surprising number of gardening supplies can be dangerous for pets if eaten. At Forsyth Veterinary Hospital we offer care for your dog or cat as well as Winston-Salem exotic pet care. We're experienced in dealing with pet poisoning, and want to help you to keep your pet safe this spring.

Winston-Salem Veterinary Hospital on Spring Toxins

One of the most common dangerous gardening substances for your pet is fertilizer in any form. Blood meal and bone meal are especially tempting for dogs, but they can cause gastro intestinal problems ranging from vomiting to surgery. Other fertilizers and insecticides can be dangerous, as well. Keep your pets inside when you first apply soil amendments of any type. Dig fertilizers in well to prevent dogs from digging them up, and allow liquid applications to dry before letting your pets back outside.

Your garden itself can be a dangerous place for your pets, especially spring flower bulbs. These bright plants are a cheerful sight heralding the beginning of spring, but if your pet digs up the bulbs and eats them you may need to make an emergency trip to our Winston-Salem veterinary hospital. Among the most dangerous bulbs are:

• Tulips  Tulip bulbs can cause drooling and vomiting and, in the worst cases, trouble with heart rate and respiration
• Daffodils Any part of a daffodil can be dangerous to your pet. Eating them can bring on vomiting, stomach pains, and heart and respiratory problems
• Lilies Some lilies are merely irritants to pets, causing them swelling in the mouth. Other, more dangerous lilies include tiger, day, Easter, and Japanese show lilies. Eating even two or three leaves can cause severe kidney failure in cats. If you see your cat eating a lily, bring it to our hospital immediately

For any other questions about spring toxins for pets call Forsyth Animal Hospital at 336-750-6300.