Outdoor Hazards To Pets

As pet parents, it’s important that we keep our pets safe but unfortunately hazards can present in unusual situations. We’ve listed some common outdoor hazards for you to keep an eye out for.

Toxic Plants

Many common weeds and plants are toxic for pets, prevention by removing from your backyard and avoiding where possible is best, however if your pet has ingested a plant from the below list or you suspect that they have, bring them into your nearest veterinary clinic as soon as possible. Always try to bring a sample of the plant for easier identification and treatment.

 

Toxic Plants Include:

Aloe Vera Azalea/Rhododendron Baby’s Breath/Gypsophila Barley Grass Seeds Bird of Paradise Plant Black Nightshade Carnations Chrysanthemum Daffodils (especially the bulbs)

Foxgloves Ivy – the foliage is more toxic than the fruit Lilies Morning Glory/Ipomoea New Zealand Tree Nettle (Onga Onga) Rhubarb Tomato Plants Tulips Wandering Jew

Karaka Tree Berries
You should especially watch out for Karaka tree berries whilst walking your dog during summer. Throughout the warmer months (January – April) the berries ripen, turn orange and fall off the trees – these berries can be fatal if eaten by dogs. The kernels in the fruit contain the alkaloid karakin, which is very toxic if ingested by your dog. Signs of Karaka berry poisoning include weakness, vomiting, confusions and convulsions. These symptoms can be delayed by a day or two, so even if they are not displaying symptoms yet, if you have any concerns that your pet may have eaten any please seek veterinary treatment immediately.

It is also important to note that the berry kernels remain toxic for a long time, so dogs can be poisoned by eating even a previous year’s fruit.

The trees themselves are quite distinct and easy to spot; they have thick dark leaves and can grow up to 15 metres with the berries turning a bright orange colour during fruiting season. These are native trees and are a vital food source for Kereru so we advise that if you have spotted any in your local area, to keep your dog on the lead or take them to an alternative location for a walk.

 

Mushrooms
Mushrooms grow everywhere and become more abundant in wet seasons. They seem to spring out of nowhere in patches in your yard. Depending on the type of mushroom gastrointestinal, hallucinogenic, liver, central nervous system (such as seizures) and other symptoms are possible. Small amounts can cause poisoning and any mushroom exposure (other than culinary kitchen mushrooms) is considered potentially toxic.

You can reduce your pet’s exposure risk to mushrooms by checking your yard every morning for mushrooms before letting your pets out. You can remove mushrooms from the yard by pulling them (wear gloves!) and discarding them where your pets cannot access them.

Certain plants can also be toxic to cats and dogs, but often will simply cause discomfort and mild indigestion, in other cases, the toxicity can lead to more severe health problems. It is recommended to check what plants are suitable and safe for your home before bringing them inside, or if they should be kept high out of pets reach. Cats especially need to be considered, since they can jump to high shelves. If your cat is a known plant chewer, you will probably be better off choosing imitation plants.

Garden Hazards

Compost, Fertilisers and Pesticides
Pets, in particular dogs, love investigating interesting smells in the garden, particularly when there are blood and bone fertilisers (ground animal products) or food smells in compost bins. Most fertilisers and pesticides contain chemicals which are poisonous to your pets. Mouldy food in compost bins can also contain harmful toxins.

Symptoms

Lethargy Vomiting Diarrhoea Increased breathing and heart rate

Salivation Inco-ordination Muscle tremors or convulsions Loss of consciousness

If your pet is showing these symptoms or you suspect they have been exposed to toxins it is vital that you take your pet to your local veterinarian immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to develop

Rodent Bait
Rat poisoning occurs when a dog becomes exposed to Bromethalin or zinc phosphide, toxins which are commonly in rodent poison. Pets can get bait poisoning by ingesting directly or by eating a rodent that has ingested the poison.

Symptoms

Foul breath Pale gums Rapid or difficulty breathing Vomiting with blood Nose bleeds or continued bleeding

Bruising Weakness Seizures or convulsions Lethargy

If your pet is showing these symptoms or you suspect they have been exposed to toxins it is vital that you take them to your local veterinarian immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to develop and if you have the product that your pet has gotten into, this can help your veterinarian identify a treatment for your pet.

Slug Bait
Metaldehyde is a common ingredient in slug bait which is extremely toxic to animals if ingested. Unfortunately many pets are attracted to these baits due to the palatable ingredients. Poisoning is particularly common in cats, dogs and chickens.

Symptoms

Lethargy Vomiting Diarrhoea Increased breathing and heart rate

Salivation Inco-ordination Muscle tremors or convulsions Loss of consciousness

If your pet is showing these symptoms or you suspect they have been exposed to slug bait it is vital that you take them to your local veterinarian immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to develop. If you have the packaged bait take this with you or if possible find out the name and ingredients of the bait.

Insects and Spiders
Venomous insects/spiders cause harm by injecting their toxic venom via a bite or sting (vs poisonous animals which cause harm after their poison has been ingested, inhaled, or touched). Spiders, bees, wasps and others live in most yards and gardens. The katipo and the redback spiders are found in NZ.

Most venomous insects/spiders are reclusive, not aggressive, but will protect themselves with their venom when they feel threatened. Depending on the type of venom and the area of the bite, the potential for toxicity can range from mild to severe. Bites and stings are not always witnessed but behaviour such as sudden vocalization, pawing at the face, limping, or the presence of redness, swelling, hives, or puncture wounds on your pet may indicate they have encountered a venomous insect/spider. While some of these encounters may have mild and transient affects, others can be more serious and encounters such as these are best avoided.

If you are aware of a hive or other abode of a venomous insects/spiders on your property, it is best to have them removed by a professional or restrict access to the part of your yard where your pet is at risk of encountering venomous insects/spiders.

As with humans, a bite from a mosquito can result in everything from an annoying itch to more serious parasitic diseases. Although your dog’s fur or hair offers some protection against mosquito bites, he is still vulnerable in places where his skin is exposed, for example, his ears and nose.

Garage Hazards

Ethylene glycol (antifreeze) products are extremely toxic and, unfortunately, have a sweet taste that is appealing to pets. Choose propylene glycol-based antifreeze as a safer alternative. If antifreeze is spilled, clean it up immediately or dilute it with several gallons of water. Keep all automotive products, such as windshield cleaner fluid or brake fluid, away from pets as they may contain methanol, a toxic alcohol similar to ethylene glycol antifreeze.

Even with the best planning and intentions our pets will occasionally be exposed to toxic substances. If you suspect your pet has been exposed to something harmful call your veterinarian immediately as time is of the essence. It is not always safe to induce vomiting or administer other home remedies. Seek counsel before taking action.