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We all look forward to springtime with its fresh air, beautiful flowers and sense of

renewal.But there are many dangers associated with this season of the year for our dogs.We

should always be on guard when it comes to our dogs and potential dangers.I will discuss

some of these dangers that many dog owners never realize could be harming their beloved

dogs.

Snail Bait

Many areas of the country have a problem with snails, people often put snail bait in their

garden and flower beds. The most common snail bait contains metaldehyde that is very toxic

to many animals. Most dogs will readily ingest it and will start to show symptoms in a few

minutes to a few hours.Tremors and twitches can progress to seizures.One company

manufactures Sluggo Slug and Snail Bait containing iron phosphate that is much safer for

pets.You may elect to try that or just not put snail bait out.

Landscaping Materials

Springtime brings many people into their yards and gardens.Some new landscaping materials

can also be dangerous.There is a popular new product,cocoa bean mulch, which is a byproduct

of chocolate production.It is attractive and has a great odor,unfortunately dogs also think

it tastes great!It contains theobromine and its ingestion causes methylxanthine toxicosis.

Symptoms are vomiting, tremors,increased heart rate, even seizures and death can occur.

Parasites

Warm weather also brings parasites, especially fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes.Fleas can carry

tapeworms, cause allergies and skin problems, and in some areas of the country carry

plague.Ticks can carry several diseases that can be transmitted to pets and people like:

Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Ehrlichia.Mosquitoes transmit heartworms to

dogs.All dogs should be on a monthly heartworm preventative and monthly flea and tick

control.Heartworm treatment can be very costly and unpleasant for your beloved dogs and you.

Insects

Springtime also brings out bees,wasps and other stinging insects which can cause mild to

severe reactions in dogs,mild swelling at the sting site,swelling all over the body,

hives,shock,difficulty breathing,swollen eyes,increased heart rate and even death have been

associated with allergic reactions in dogs.If you suspect your dog has been stung,take your

dog to your vet immediately.

Pollens

Pollens of all kinds can cause allergies in dogs and are usuaually very high in the

springtime.Some areas of the country have a problem with foxtails,a seedpod from a weed.

These seedpods have very sharp barbs that can penetrate skin or the foxtail can migrate up

nostrils, into ears, eyes, or any orifice. Once inside the body they can still migrate,

even into the chest, abdomen, or brain. Signs include sneezing, draining tracts in the

skin, shaking the head and ears,squinting of the eyes and eye discharge.

Plants

When landscaping your yard, take into consideration if the plants can be toxic to dogs or

cats.There are numerous plants that are poisonous, with a variety of toxins and symptoms.

Many just cause mild symptoms such as drooling or an episode of vomiting, but some plants

are very dangerous, for example oleander and sago palms and can easily cause death if

ingested.

Poisonous Plants That You Should Keep Your Dogs Away From:

Both indoor and outdoor plants can be toxic. This is a list of the more common plants that

cause problems but not a complete list:

1.Oleander.All parts of Nerium oleander are toxic.Ingestion causes heart arrythmias,

hypothermia and even death.

2.Sago palms.All parts of this palm are poisonous but the seeds are the most toxic.

Ingestion of Cycas revoluta causes liver failure.

3.Tulip and Narcissus bulbs. Ingestion can cause gastrointestinal symptoms,drooling,

depression,loss of appetite,seizures and heart abnormalities.

4.Amaryllis.This is a common spring flower that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, depression,

tremors, and poor appetite if ingested.

5.Azaleas and Rhododendron.Ingestion can cause vomiting,diarrhea,weakness,depression,coma

and death.

6.Castor Bean.The highly toxic ricin,potentially used in bioterrorism,comes from the castor

bean.Ingestion causes vomiting,diarrhea,weakness,tremors,seizures,coma and death.

7.Cyclamen.The highest concentration of the poison is in the root of the plant.Symptoms are

intense vomiting;death has been reported.

8.Pothos.This popular household plant can also cause oral irritation and gastrointestinal

symptoms.

9.Yew.Ingestion of Taxus species causes tremors,incoordination,vomiting,diarrhea,heart

failure and difficulty breathing.

To learn more about posionous plants, see this video

www.youtube.com/watch?v=WndJLJD8R9k&feature=player_embedded

Knowing these possible dangers and being wise to them can help you and your dog have a safer more pleasant time this Spring.

Angela Donald

Canine Behavior Consultant