Summer is here, get prepared!
Poisonous Plants*
The San Joaquin Valley has one of the most diverse plant popula- tions in the nation. While this is no surprise to anyone living here, it may cause concern to learn that many of these plants pose a hazard to our pets. The con- sumption of some plants can cause great harm to animals, even death. Keep in mind, house plants can be poisonous too. If you suspect your pet has eaten any part of a plant, however small the amount, contact your regular day time vet- erinarian immediately. If your veterinarian is not available, seek emergency veterinary care. Fresno Pet Emergency and Referral Center wants your pets to be healthy and safe. We are dedicated to assisting you and your pets in every way possible and are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week “because concern never sleeps”.
| Aloe Amaryllis Asparagus Fern Holly Bird of Paradise Buckeye Bulbs Caladium Castor Bean Daffodil Elephant Ear Flamingo Plant Fox Glove Gladiolas Hyacinth Hydrangea Holly Iris Ivy |
Kalanchoe Lace Fern Lilly Macadamia Nut Marijuana Mistletoe Morning Glory Narcissus Nightshade Oleander Onion Philodendron Rhododendron Sago Palm Tomato Plant Tulip Yew Yucca |
*This is only a partial list. For more information, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA ANIMAL POISON CONTROL CENTER (888) 426-4435 or on the internet at www.ASPCA.org.
Home & Garden Hazards
Listed below are a few of the more common household-related dangers we see on an emergency basis. Should any of these affect your pet in the future, please seek veterinary care immediately. Your pet’s life might just depend on it!
Insect Bites and Stings peak during the warmer months. Your pet can be bitten or stung in a matter of seconds. Symptoms to watch for are: facial swelling, hives, vomiting, lethargy, bloody diarrhea, weakness, collapse, drooling, and abdominal pain excessive drooling or belly pain.
Foxtails, Stickers and Burrs can become embedded in your pet’s skin causing pain, swelling, discomfort and infection. Foxtails can also migrate through the skin into other regions of the body where they may cause even greater damage.
Pets are attracted to and often ingest deadly household toxins. Drinking Anti- freeze leads to acute kidney failure. Eating Anti-coagulant Rodenticides (such as rat bait) can lead to serious internal bleeding. While Metaldehyde (snail bait) ingestion can result in severe muscle tremors, convulsions, and hyperthermia.
As the weather warms up in the San Joaquin Valley we must all take steps to pre-vent our pets (and ourselves) from developing life threatening Heat Stroke. Make sure shade and water are available at all times and never leave a pet in a vehicle! Heat stroke is highly preventable- so plan ahead and protect your pet!
Warm weather brings many animals out of hibernation, including Rattlesnakes. Rattlesnake bites are as poisonous and deadly to pets as they are to people.
The nicer the weather, the more interaction occurs between neighboring animals. As the old saying goes, “Good fences make good neighbors.” Even the most friendly pet can fall victim to a Dog fight and become seriously injured. Keep pets on leashes when out of your yard to help prevent a tragedy.
Pets are curious by nature, and Swimming Pools can be an enticing distraction. It is best to have your swimming pool surrounded by a fence to prevent pets from accidentally falling in. However, teaching pets how to swim and find their way out of the pool (via the steps) is the best way to prevent a drowning.
