How to Have a Dog-Friendly Garden
There really is nothing better in the summer months than sitting back and enjoying the garden, and we have a very dog friendly garden.
Most people's reaction when they hear 'dog friendly garden' is 'huh?', but it's quite amazing the dangers there are for our pets lurking round every corner, and once they're identified they can be removed.
It sounds obvious but always read the labels carefully on any pellets, pesticides or other chemicals that you use on or around your garden, to ensure that they are safe for your pets.
Even better, don't use chemicals at all and pursue more organic, friendly methods of pest control.
Another potential hazard is the garden shed which should never be left open to allow your dog access.
If you are going to be going in and out frequently the simplest thing is to keep any potentially dangerous products out of reach of your dog.
Anti-freeze, for example, is one of those things that dogs are attracted to because of its sweet taste (apparently!) - but of course it is highly toxic, and if your dog has been poisoned by anti-freeze, proper veterinary care will be required within about 4hrs to avoid irreversible kidney damage.
The dangers of cocoa mulch to dogs is reasonably well documented.
Basically, if you have a dog or cat - don't use cocoa mulch in your garden.
The main culprit in this is a caffeine-like chemical called theobromine, which acts as a mild stimulant and diuretic in humans but is poisonous to animals who aren't as well equipped to metabolize it.
It smells like chocolate and dogs are attracted to it in a big way.
While most dogs won't eat it there have been cases where it has lead to diarrhea, vomiting, seizures, trembling and in severe cases, death, when it has been eaten.
The ASPCA recommends contacting your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your dog may have eaten cocoa mulch.
You can also call the Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435 for expert advice, although there is quite a hefty charge for this.
Some common garden plants and flowers can be toxic to your dog, causing sickness and diarrhea and in severe cases of poisoning leading to coma and death, if they eat or even only chew part of the plant, the leaves, flower or bulb.
flower, Flowers heavy in pollen can also drop pollen onto the pet's coat, which could then be licked off and ingested by your pet.
Some common plants poisonous to your dog include daffodil, lilies, tulip, rhododendron, tomato and rhubarb, and the Animal Poison Control Center has a comprehensive list of all plants which pose a danger to your dog.
Once you remove all potential dangers from your garden you'll be able to relax and enjoy it all the more knowing that you now have a 'dog friendly' garden.
Most people's reaction when they hear 'dog friendly garden' is 'huh?', but it's quite amazing the dangers there are for our pets lurking round every corner, and once they're identified they can be removed.
It sounds obvious but always read the labels carefully on any pellets, pesticides or other chemicals that you use on or around your garden, to ensure that they are safe for your pets.
Even better, don't use chemicals at all and pursue more organic, friendly methods of pest control.
Another potential hazard is the garden shed which should never be left open to allow your dog access.
If you are going to be going in and out frequently the simplest thing is to keep any potentially dangerous products out of reach of your dog.
Anti-freeze, for example, is one of those things that dogs are attracted to because of its sweet taste (apparently!) - but of course it is highly toxic, and if your dog has been poisoned by anti-freeze, proper veterinary care will be required within about 4hrs to avoid irreversible kidney damage.
The dangers of cocoa mulch to dogs is reasonably well documented.
Basically, if you have a dog or cat - don't use cocoa mulch in your garden.
The main culprit in this is a caffeine-like chemical called theobromine, which acts as a mild stimulant and diuretic in humans but is poisonous to animals who aren't as well equipped to metabolize it.
It smells like chocolate and dogs are attracted to it in a big way.
While most dogs won't eat it there have been cases where it has lead to diarrhea, vomiting, seizures, trembling and in severe cases, death, when it has been eaten.
The ASPCA recommends contacting your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your dog may have eaten cocoa mulch.
You can also call the Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435 for expert advice, although there is quite a hefty charge for this.
Some common garden plants and flowers can be toxic to your dog, causing sickness and diarrhea and in severe cases of poisoning leading to coma and death, if they eat or even only chew part of the plant, the leaves, flower or bulb.
flower, Flowers heavy in pollen can also drop pollen onto the pet's coat, which could then be licked off and ingested by your pet.
Some common plants poisonous to your dog include daffodil, lilies, tulip, rhododendron, tomato and rhubarb, and the Animal Poison Control Center has a comprehensive list of all plants which pose a danger to your dog.
Once you remove all potential dangers from your garden you'll be able to relax and enjoy it all the more knowing that you now have a 'dog friendly' garden.
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