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07
F
irstly, there are some
natural sources that can
pose a danger to our
four-legged friends. If you are
a vegetable grower be aware
that onions, shallots, garlic and
chives can be poisonous to
dogs. Ingesting the raw form,
as well as cooked can cause the
destruction of red blood cells
resulting in a serious form of
anaemia. Signs of ingestion
are pale gums, rapid heart
rate, weakness, bloody urine,
jaundice, although earlier signs
can include vomiting and
diarrhoea. Care needs to be
taken to restrict your dog’s
access to your vegetable patch.
Flowers can also pose a danger;
in particular Lilies are very
dangerous to cats. All parts of
plants from the Lilium species;
the stem, flower
and leaves
can cause kidney
failure leading to
serious illness and
often death.
Decomposing food waste, for
example that found in your
compost bin, can contain
dangerous moulds which can
be toxic to your pets. Certain
moulds contain mycotoxins
which can result in vomiting,
tremors, hyperactivity, panting
and dilated pupils. Be careful
to ensure your dog is unable
to raid your compost bin, or if
it is not secure restrict their
access. Prognosis is favourable
if signs are mild and treatment
is prompt.
Other potential poisons found
in the garden include chemicals
which may have
been used
unknowing that
they can be
harmful to
your pet.
Slug pellets and rat poison are
of most concern, both are often
brightly coloured and so may be
attractive to inquisitive noses.
Slug pellets
contain
metaldehyde, which if ingested
can cause rapid effects often
within 30 minutes. Muscle
spasms, tremors and seizuring
are the commonest signs.
Prognosis depends on the
severity of convulsions, and
again the quicker the treatment
the better the outcome is likely
to be.
Rat poisons
work by causing
break down of the natural
clotting factors in an animal’s
body. This means that if
ingested it can lead to serious
bleeding issues, anaemia
and potential death if left
untreated. Although clinical
signs will often not become
apparent for 5-7 days after
ingestion it is vital that early
diagnosis and preventative
treatment are initiated. This
involves a 3 week course of
vitamin K. It is advised not to
place slug pellets or rat poison
anywhere in your garden that
your animal has access to, and
be aware to store them well out
of reach in your shed or garage.
Whilst it is great for their health and wellbeing to exercise outside
there can be some hidden dangers, even within your own garden,
that you should keep in mind.
Symptoms of toxicity
include;
vomiting,
inappetance, depression,
increased thirst and
urination. It is advisable
not to plant any lilies in
your garden if you are a
cat owner.
If you suspect your pet has ingested
a poisonous substance, or is showing
any signs of being unwell, seek advice
from your vet immediately.