[Dailydrool] "Springtime toxins" (Plants and fertilizer ingredients to avoid)

[Val Brewer]

VPI (Veterinary Pet Insurance) sent subscribers a pretty good article on plants and fertilizer ingredients to watch out for. The reference address is http://www.petinsurance.com/Newsletter/Spring-Garden-Safety.aspx?ec=RET-002 

I'll try to summarize, but for more detail read the article in full. Bulbs to keep away from dogs--tulips and hyacinths. The alkaloids in both can result in tissue irritation to the mouth and esophagus (symptoms: drooling, vomiting). The bulb, plant, or flower of the daffodil can also cause these symptoms and may in addition cause cardiac arrhythmias. Lilies (especially Easter, tiger, day, Asiatic, and Japanese) are toxic to cats. Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis variety??) can cause vomiting, diarrhea, drop in heart rate, and seizures.

With respect to fertilizers, don't let the dogs near any stuff with blood meal in it as the ingredients can cause pancreatitis in dogs. Bone meal consumed in large quantities can "form a large cement-like bowling ball foreign body in the stomach"--yikes--which can cause an obstruction. Don't go near anything with "disulfoton" in it, as this can be fatal to dogs. Organophosphates are also bad. The type of iron added to fertilizers can also be toxic. (Generally, keep pets and fertilizers away from one another, but these things are particular red flags).

There is a "Pet Poison Helpline" . The phone number is 1-800-213-6680. There is a web address listed as www.petpoisonhelpline.com   

Are you paying attention, Brudder Elwood?


      
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