"Hey, whatcha' doin' in there?" Nosey asked, scratching on the closed bathroom door. "Cleaning," I replied. "Can I come in?" she asked, scratching harder and whining. "It is 'may I come in,' and no, you can't." "Why?" she howled. "Because I'm using harsh chemicals and you're not allowed to be around them." "Why?" she whimpered. "Because you are a puppy and you get into everything and I'm keeping you safe." Spring is here and it is time for cleaning the house, getting the garden planted and celebrating Easter and Passover. So, I'd like to take this opportunity to remind pet owners to be mindful of their animal companion's safety this season. While you are spring cleaning keep cleaning supplies out of the reach of your pets. Store them in secure cabinets, far away from your pets food and treats. While you are cleaning, put your pets in a separate room so that they can't inadvertently drink out of a bucket of soapy water or get squirted with window cleaner. This goes for dogs and cats as well as caged birds and pocket pets such as hamsters and gerbils. Caustic fumes can cause these tiny creatures harm. When you are getting ready to clean, take up your pet's food and water bowls. If you can't move fish tanks, take special precautions not to use aerosols in the same room. A great trick is to put plastic wrap over top of the aquarium for the short time it takes for you to clean in that room. Don't leave it there for long, but it will keep the water from becoming contaminated. When you are washing windows or installing screens for the season, be especially careful to contain your pets. Dogs, cats and ferrets are curious and can escape in the few moments that a window is open and your back is turned. A fall can cause serious injury. If you have birds, make sure that they are securely in their cages. I can't tell you how many times I have heard of pet birds taking the opportunity to fly out the window never to be seen again. Pet birds are very vulnerable outdoors to predators. They also don't have the skills to fend for themselves and many who are lost starve or die of thirst. This is the time of year when pets like to be outdoors, so make certain that dogs and cats have good fitting collars with your up-to-date contact information on the tags. You might also invest in getting them micro-chipped. It is the start of flea, tick and mosquito season, so check with your veterinarian to start up a preventative regimens. Gardening is fraught with hazards for pets. Try to be as organic in your gardening activities as possible, avoiding the use of pesticides and herbicides. There are many alternatives to harsh poisons, so check with your lawn and garden center for pet-friendly products. Many bulbs are poisonous, so keep them out of paw's reach or avoid them altogether when planning your garden. Some examples of toxic bulbs are daffodils, Easter lilies, morning glories and rhododendrons. Eye injuries can be caused by thorny plants such as roses. The popular cocoa mulch should be avoided as it can be ingested and is harmful to pets. You'll also want to be careful when planting spinach, rhubarb, onions and garlic. These can cause severe gastrointestinal problems and even death if eaten by pets. During Easter and Passover celebrations, keep pets away from chocolate and especially the artificial grass used in Easter baskets. Spring is a wonderful time of year. Make it safe for your whole family by doing just a little planning ahead. For more pet care tips, visit www.marsiesmenagerie.com. If you have any ideas for future stories please contact Marsie Hall Newbold at marsolete@insightbb.com.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Spring Pet Care Tips!
"Hey, whatcha' doin' in there?" Nosey asked, scratching on the closed bathroom door. "Cleaning," I replied. "Can I come in?" she asked, scratching harder and whining. "It is 'may I come in,' and no, you can't." "Why?" she howled. "Because I'm using harsh chemicals and you're not allowed to be around them." "Why?" she whimpered. "Because you are a puppy and you get into everything and I'm keeping you safe." Spring is here and it is time for cleaning the house, getting the garden planted and celebrating Easter and Passover. So, I'd like to take this opportunity to remind pet owners to be mindful of their animal companion's safety this season. While you are spring cleaning keep cleaning supplies out of the reach of your pets. Store them in secure cabinets, far away from your pets food and treats. While you are cleaning, put your pets in a separate room so that they can't inadvertently drink out of a bucket of soapy water or get squirted with window cleaner. This goes for dogs and cats as well as caged birds and pocket pets such as hamsters and gerbils. Caustic fumes can cause these tiny creatures harm. When you are getting ready to clean, take up your pet's food and water bowls. If you can't move fish tanks, take special precautions not to use aerosols in the same room. A great trick is to put plastic wrap over top of the aquarium for the short time it takes for you to clean in that room. Don't leave it there for long, but it will keep the water from becoming contaminated. When you are washing windows or installing screens for the season, be especially careful to contain your pets. Dogs, cats and ferrets are curious and can escape in the few moments that a window is open and your back is turned. A fall can cause serious injury. If you have birds, make sure that they are securely in their cages. I can't tell you how many times I have heard of pet birds taking the opportunity to fly out the window never to be seen again. Pet birds are very vulnerable outdoors to predators. They also don't have the skills to fend for themselves and many who are lost starve or die of thirst. This is the time of year when pets like to be outdoors, so make certain that dogs and cats have good fitting collars with your up-to-date contact information on the tags. You might also invest in getting them micro-chipped. It is the start of flea, tick and mosquito season, so check with your veterinarian to start up a preventative regimens. Gardening is fraught with hazards for pets. Try to be as organic in your gardening activities as possible, avoiding the use of pesticides and herbicides. There are many alternatives to harsh poisons, so check with your lawn and garden center for pet-friendly products. Many bulbs are poisonous, so keep them out of paw's reach or avoid them altogether when planning your garden. Some examples of toxic bulbs are daffodils, Easter lilies, morning glories and rhododendrons. Eye injuries can be caused by thorny plants such as roses. The popular cocoa mulch should be avoided as it can be ingested and is harmful to pets. You'll also want to be careful when planting spinach, rhubarb, onions and garlic. These can cause severe gastrointestinal problems and even death if eaten by pets. During Easter and Passover celebrations, keep pets away from chocolate and especially the artificial grass used in Easter baskets. Spring is a wonderful time of year. Make it safe for your whole family by doing just a little planning ahead. For more pet care tips, visit www.marsiesmenagerie.com. If you have any ideas for future stories please contact Marsie Hall Newbold at marsolete@insightbb.com.
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