Pets and Planting

Spring is here and if you haven’t already mapped out your gardening and landscaping, you’re considering it.

If you have pets, be especially careful which flowers you choose. The following flowers can be dangerous to their health. (Click on image to enlarge).

If you believe your pet has ingested any part of these plants or bulbs, call your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline at 800-213-6680. Even if you don’t see any adverse signs at first, that doesn’t mean your pet hasn’t been affected. Keep a sample of whatever it is may have been chewed or eaten.

The ASPCA recommends you keep hydrogen peroxide and a bulb syringe on hand for poisoning emergencies.

Also be especially careful with pest baits, insecticides, and fertilizers. Most of them are poisonous to humans and animals. If you believe your pet has gotten into these items, keep the container for your call to the vet.

Best wishes for a beautiful yard and healthy pets!

Halloween tips from Maizie the dog

Even if you or your kids like dressing crazy, going to parties, or begging for candy, Halloween is not so much fun. We dogs don’t like strangers to begin with, and there are some really strange characters wandering the streets during trick or treat. Here are some ideas to keep us pets safe on Halloween.

• Keep us inside. There are a bunch of crazies out there who like to pull mean pranks on Halloween. We’d rather be with you.

• Keep us in another room. I want to greet everyone who comes to the door and protect you from all those strange characters. Let me stay somewhere more quiet and peaceful.

• Keep the treats out of reach. I’ll eat anything that smells good, and I don’t have hands to unwrap it. I know that chocolate is bad for me, but I can’t help but be curious. Remove the temptation!

• Keep candles and jack-o-lanterns out of the way. I can’t control my tail, and half the time I’m too excited to watch where I’m going. I don’t want to get hurt or start a fire.

• Don't dress me up! I know you think we look cute, but costumes are sometimes dangerous, uncomfortable and our friends make fun of us.

• Take me for a walk or a run before dark. It's so much nicer to have had some exercise before the festivities begin so if I have to be in another room by myself, at least I can take a much needed nap.

Enjoy the holiday, and stay safe!