Dangers of gardens to your pets

THE clocks have gone forward and one could almost be convinced that we can wave goodbye to the Beast from the East, the Beast from the East mark II and all the other unpleasantness that this winter has thrown at us.

Weather permitting, you may be spending more time out in the garden. After all, spring has sprung and it is the perfect time to clear up your garden in preparation for summer!

But be aware that some bulbs can be poisonous if your dog eats them.

Be especially cautious if they like to dig! Daffodils and tulip bulbs can be poisonous so make sure they are kept out of harm’s way and ensure they are buried deeply enough so your dog won’t find them.

For any keen gardeners out there it is also worth noting that fertilizers can also be harmful to your dog. Avoid fertilisers containing blood meal which contains nitrogen which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and even inflammation of your pet’s pancreas.

Bone meal can also be dangerous. It is very attractive to many dogs but is harmful if ingested. Rose and plant fertilizers can contain “disulfoton” or another type of organophosphate which can be fatal for dogs.

And it is not only dogs that can be at risk. Lilies are also in season at this time of year and cats have a tendency to chew on them.

Although they are very pretty, these flowers are toxic to cats and can cause vomiting and lethargy.

If your cat jumps on every surface in the house, then you’ll need to find a safe spot for these flowers or avoid having them in the house altogether.

Keep in mind that you might not see your cat ingest the lily. If you think there is even a slight chance that your cat has got to the lilies, seek the advice of a vet and tell them of your suspicions.

So enjoy the lighter evenings but remember ... don’t leave your dog unattended in your garden. If your dog has access to your back garden – make sure you’re enjoying the garden too.