You need to be aware of a few safety tips if your pet or companion animal has access to your backyard.
Toxic plants
Many plants can be toxic to pets indoors and outdoors. Some of these plants can even be deadly. Many plants can be harmful to animals of different types. We recommend consulting your vet before letting your pets have access to any plant.
Lily plants are of particular concern to cats (including the Easter, Day, Tiger, Japanese Show, and Rubrum lilies) as they are highly toxic. You should seek immediate veterinary care if your cat is suspected to have contacted a lily plant (even if it was not visible). Even minimal contact can be deadly (such as brushing by a flower and then licking the cat’s fur).
Fruit Stones
Not only do dogs eat the plants themselves, but they will also eat seeds or fruit stones that fall from trees. These can cause serious intestinal obstructions or blockages, which may be fatal. Some rocks, seeds, or berries may contain toxic compounds that are poisonous to animals. To protect your pets, remove any stones, seeds, or berries from your garden.
Fertiliser
Animals may be poisoned or even die if they eat some common fertilizers. Fertilizers usually contain a mixture of ingredients, some of which are toxic. They may also include added herbicides and insecticides. Animals can be affected by a variety of harmful effects. These effects may cause the following clinical symptoms in animals but are not limited to them: vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, lethargy, and abdominal pain.
Most often, if only a small amount is consumed, the symptoms will resolve in 24-48 hours. However, if you consume a larger quantity or the fertilizer contains toxic ingredients, such as disulfoton, large amounts of iron, or other potentially harmful ingredients, then the effects may be more severe. If you suspect that your pet may have eaten fertilizer, it is important to seek immediate veterinary attention.
Garden mulch
Cocoa mulch is a type of garden material that can be toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. The mulch is a by-product of the cocoa and chocolate industry. It contains “theobromine,” which has properties similar to caffeine but is toxic to animals. Cocoa Mulch is not readily available in Australia, but it is common overseas. It is still important to be aware of its presence because it is highly attractive to animals and can make them go to extreme lengths to obtain it.
Rat, mouse, and snail or slug and slug lures
Rat and mouse baits can cause pet poisoning. The baits are attractive to animals, so it isn’t easy to keep your pet away from them. The poisoning of companion animals by snails or slug lures is also quite common and can be fatal.
Avoid storing or using these products in areas where your pet could get to them. To protect your pets, you can use other methods to control pests around your home that are less harmful and more humane.
You can keep your cat safe by keeping it on your property. Ideally, they should have access to an outdoor area that is secure and safe.
