What we have to remember is that if we are putting down poisons in our homes whether it is to control fleas, ticks, ants, rats, moles, snails, slugs, mosquitos or flies that it can potentially harm our pets as well.
Herbicides, insecticide baits, sprays and granules are often used in gardens without consideration of the effects these chemicals may have on pets. Slug and snail baits containing metaldehyde are toxic, and can be lethal, to dogs if ingested. Metaldehyde toxicity causes rapid onset of neurological symptoms that can be fatal if untreated.
Signs of poisoning begin within one to four hours of exposure. Repeated seizures due to metaldehyde poisoning can elevate body temperature, which can lead to complications similar to those observed in pets suffering from heatstroke. Affected pets usually require hospitalization for 24 to 72 hours after metaldehyde ingestion.
Fly bait and garden insecticides often contain methomyl or carbofuran, which can cause seizures and respiratory arrest in dogs and cats. Organophosphate toxicity from garden insecticides may lead to chronic anorexia, muscle weakness and muscle twitching which may last for days or weeks. Some organophosphate insecticides commonly used include coumaphos, cyothioate, diazinon, fampfhur, fention, phosmet, and tetrachlorvinphos. These insecticides inhibit cholinesterases and acetylcholinesterase, essential enzymes which break down acetylcholine, causing seizures and shaking due to continuous nervous transmission to nervous tissue, organs and muscles.
Some Pet-safe Alternatives:
- There are safe fly traps which you can buy at your local store which uses nontoxic sterilized food materials as bait, and is very effective for outdoor fly control.
- If pesticides are used, always store them in inaccessible areas—and read the manufacturer’s label carefully for proper usage and storage.
- You can use things like lemon juice, cinnamon, vinegar or peppermint oil and mix them with water and spray them over surfaces to deter ants from spreading.
For more information please contact your local vet.
Please also remember to get your dog or cats vaccinations up to date.
We will be having our end of the month clinic here at the SPCA on Friday the 31st October between 9:30am – 11:30am just outside the SPCA grounds. Dogs need their annual 5 in 1 & rabies and cats will receive their 3 in 1 & rabies at a cost of R200 per animal. Please bring your dogs on leashes and your cats in baskets or pillow cases.
For more information please phone us on 031 904 2424/5 or email us on info@spcatoti.co.za .
We also have boarding facilities for cats and dogs on the property and we also sell calmeeze for cats and dogs.
