POISONOUS PLANTS

Our homes and yards are filled with beautiful and aromatic vegetation, but to a curious, bored or hungry pet, these plants could be fatal.  The best way to protect your animal is to use a little common sense when planning your outdoor landscaping or decorating your home with plants.

The Sonoran Desert contains a wide variety of plant life which could present a danger to your pets.  Some of these plants may be dangerous if eaten or swallowed, but even more present a physical danger due to the presence of spines or barbs.  Cactus, foxtails and other spiny vegetation all present a danger to pets.

Remember that a dog or cat´s fur can hide a multitude of problems, and a pet owner may not notice that the animal is injured until serious side-effects begin to manifest.

To help eliminate these type of concerns, be certain to groom and examine your pet´s body on a regular basis, especially if the animal lives outside.

·        KNOW AND LABEL THE DIFFERENT PLANT VARIETIES IN AND AROUND YOUR HOUSE.  This will aid your veterinarian should exposure occur.

·        NEVER ASSUME THAT A PLANT IS SAFE because your pet or wild animals have ingested it before with no perceivable side-effects.  The quantity ingested will often determine its toxicity.

·        BEWARE OF RECURRING HAZARDS such as mushrooms.  Since it is very difficult to tell a poisonous mushroom from an edible one, dispose of any which may appear.

·        PROVIDE YOUR PETS WITH SAFE VEGETABLE ALTERNATIVES.  Cats will often eat grass to help with their digestion and relieve the symptoms caused by hairballs.  The best alternative is to buy a commercial "cat grass", a safe, healthy combination of herbs which can be grown in you home.

·        AS WITH ALL POISONING CASES, DO NOT WAIT UNTIL SYMPTOMS APPEAR.  GET HELP IMMEDIATELY!