Spring is the time for cleaning the house, preparing the garden and starting home renovation projects and as we spend more time outside, so do our four-legged companions. Please be mindful of Dogsafe's spring safety tips:
1. Keep cleaning products out of your dog’s reach and do not allow your dog to walk on or lick surfaces that are still wet with cleaning products. If your dog does come in contact with these surfaces, they may experience skin irritation and gastrointestinal upset. Most traditional cleaning products are safe to use around pets if they are used as directed, including Swiffer Wet Jet and Febreeze, contrary to the urban myth that these products caused liver and kidney damage. If you suspect that your dog has ingested a quantity of a toxic cleaning product, contact your veterinarian immediately for treatment recommendations. Even better, choose non-toxic, natural cleaning products which are safer for your dog, you and the environment.
2. When cleaning out the bathroom cabinets, do not dispose of old medications in the garbage to prevent your dog from finding and ingesting them. Human cold, allergy and sinus medications, especially those containing pseudoephedrine, can be toxic to dogs. Prescription drugs and pain relievers, including acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil), can also be toxic. According to Health Canada, it is best to return expired or unused medicine to a pharmacy for proper disposal.
3. Keep poisonous plants out of your home and yard to prevent your dog from ingesting them. Common plants toxic to dogs include daffodils, rhododendron, azaleas, tulip bulbs, oleander, yucca plants and some vegetable garden plants such as tomato vines, grapes, onions and garlic. Symptoms will vary depending on the plant ingested and may include vomiting, diarrhea, heart and nervous system problems, coma and even death. (Look up specific plants on the Pet Poison Helpline)
4. Avoid slug and snail bait poisons that contain metaldehyde which is sweet to attract slugs and also attracts dogs. If ingested, the product will affect a dog’s nervous system causing twitching and tremors. Choose alternatives that are metaldehyde free and labeled safe for pets.
5. During home improvement projects, guard paints, building materials and electrical cords. Most water based paints are low in toxicity for dogs but may cause gastrointestinal problems if ingested, for example, they walk in paint and lick their paws. Do not use paint remover if paint gets on your dog’s fur, simply wash with a mild dog appropriate shampoo or cut the fur. Keep an eye on loose nails, screws, staples and other building supplies to prevent dogs from chewing and swallowing them which could result in cuts to the mouth or an airway obstruction. Watch electrical tools to prevent your dog from chewing the cords and getting electrocuted.
6. Check the backyard for hazards including pool and lawn chemicals or sharp gardening tools left out. Also check the condition of the fence including gate latches, holes under the fence, loose boards and exposed nails.
7. As the weather warms up, be mindful of open windows and doors including patio doors, front doors and vehicle windows. Use seatbelt harnesses or crates to keep your dog secure in the vehicle and inside containment such as leashes, crates or pens whenever you are not able to supervise your dog in the house and yard. And double-check that your dog has an updated identification tag on their collar in case they slip out the front door or gate.
Enjoy the changing of the seasons and hey, why not join us for a DOGSAFE canine first aid course? Check out all our courses, find your Dogsafe Authorized Instructor or register for the Dogsafe worldwide distance education program.
If you're not already subscribed, sign up here to receive future Dogsafe articles directly to your inbox or join the conversation on Facebook or Twitter.
© 2015 Michelle Sevigny. DOGSAFE Canine First Aid. www.dogsafe.ca. Reprint permission granted with full copyright intact.
Photo by Monika Thorpe
1. Keep cleaning products out of your dog’s reach and do not allow your dog to walk on or lick surfaces that are still wet with cleaning products. If your dog does come in contact with these surfaces, they may experience skin irritation and gastrointestinal upset. Most traditional cleaning products are safe to use around pets if they are used as directed, including Swiffer Wet Jet and Febreeze, contrary to the urban myth that these products caused liver and kidney damage. If you suspect that your dog has ingested a quantity of a toxic cleaning product, contact your veterinarian immediately for treatment recommendations. Even better, choose non-toxic, natural cleaning products which are safer for your dog, you and the environment.
2. When cleaning out the bathroom cabinets, do not dispose of old medications in the garbage to prevent your dog from finding and ingesting them. Human cold, allergy and sinus medications, especially those containing pseudoephedrine, can be toxic to dogs. Prescription drugs and pain relievers, including acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil), can also be toxic. According to Health Canada, it is best to return expired or unused medicine to a pharmacy for proper disposal.
3. Keep poisonous plants out of your home and yard to prevent your dog from ingesting them. Common plants toxic to dogs include daffodils, rhododendron, azaleas, tulip bulbs, oleander, yucca plants and some vegetable garden plants such as tomato vines, grapes, onions and garlic. Symptoms will vary depending on the plant ingested and may include vomiting, diarrhea, heart and nervous system problems, coma and even death. (Look up specific plants on the Pet Poison Helpline)
4. Avoid slug and snail bait poisons that contain metaldehyde which is sweet to attract slugs and also attracts dogs. If ingested, the product will affect a dog’s nervous system causing twitching and tremors. Choose alternatives that are metaldehyde free and labeled safe for pets.
5. During home improvement projects, guard paints, building materials and electrical cords. Most water based paints are low in toxicity for dogs but may cause gastrointestinal problems if ingested, for example, they walk in paint and lick their paws. Do not use paint remover if paint gets on your dog’s fur, simply wash with a mild dog appropriate shampoo or cut the fur. Keep an eye on loose nails, screws, staples and other building supplies to prevent dogs from chewing and swallowing them which could result in cuts to the mouth or an airway obstruction. Watch electrical tools to prevent your dog from chewing the cords and getting electrocuted.
6. Check the backyard for hazards including pool and lawn chemicals or sharp gardening tools left out. Also check the condition of the fence including gate latches, holes under the fence, loose boards and exposed nails.
7. As the weather warms up, be mindful of open windows and doors including patio doors, front doors and vehicle windows. Use seatbelt harnesses or crates to keep your dog secure in the vehicle and inside containment such as leashes, crates or pens whenever you are not able to supervise your dog in the house and yard. And double-check that your dog has an updated identification tag on their collar in case they slip out the front door or gate.
Enjoy the changing of the seasons and hey, why not join us for a DOGSAFE canine first aid course? Check out all our courses, find your Dogsafe Authorized Instructor or register for the Dogsafe worldwide distance education program.
If you're not already subscribed, sign up here to receive future Dogsafe articles directly to your inbox or join the conversation on Facebook or Twitter.
© 2015 Michelle Sevigny. DOGSAFE Canine First Aid. www.dogsafe.ca. Reprint permission granted with full copyright intact.
Photo by Monika Thorpe
