Summertime, and the living’s easy—well, for the most part. For pet owners, the warmer weather and great outdoors can bring about some unexpected dangers. While you’re enjoying the season with your four-legged friend, keep in mind these safety tips from Dr. Lisa Bazzle, a board-certified emergency and critical care specialist at New York City’s Animal Medical Center.
Mosquitoes
Nobody likes mosquitoes—but the notorious summertime pests are particularly dangerous to dogs and cats, who can contract heartworm from the bite of an infected insect. What’s more, mosquito-related diseases are on the rise in the United States, with some scientists blaming a warming climate for an increase in the bloodsuckers. “Heartworm can be fatal in both dogs and cats,” says Bazzle. “Mosquitoes can survive in temperatures above 50 degrees—it’s one of the reasons I recommend using preventatives year-round.”
To keep your pets safe, use a preventative that protects against, fleas, ticks, and heartworm, and consult with your veterinarian to make sure the dosage is correct.
Fertilizers & Pesticides
The chemicals that make your garden look great can make your pets sick. “Many weed killers, fertilizers, and pest-control products can be toxic,” cautions Bazzle. “And unfortunately, the more toxic the chemical, the more palatable it seems to be to our pets.”
If you suspect your pet has ingested a fertilizer or pesticide, Bazzle recommends calling the Pet Poison Helpline or the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center—each has up-to-date information on common gardening products, which tend to change formulations frequently. A follow-up call and appointment with your veterinarian is also in order.
Plants
If your pets spend time in your garden, do an audit to ensure that you’re not growing any potentially dangerous plants, especially if you have a known nibbler on your hands. Plants such as azaleas, rhododendrons, and tulips can cause gastrointestinal distress, says Bazzle, while lilies, sago palm, and foxglove can be acutely poisonous. If you’re concerned about your flowerbed, the ASPCA provides a list of poisonous plants.
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