References
Spring poisoning hazards for pets
Abstract
Warmer weather in the spring may encourage owners and their animals to spend more time outdoors where pets may be exposed to garden products and spring plants. Ingestion of common spring flowering plants, such as tulips, primrose, hyacinth, snowdrops, grape hyacinth, spring crocus, bluebells and daffodil, often cause gastrointestinal signs in pets. Severe poisoning is uncommon but there is a risk of more pronounced clinical signs in some cases and ingestion of plant bulbs may cause gastrointestinal obstruction. Similarly, ingestion of fertiliser may cause gastrointestinal signs and ingestion of bone meal is a potential obstruction risk. Plants containing grayanotoxins, such as Rhododendron and Pieris species cause gastrointestinal and potentially cardiac effects. Patio cleaners and disinfectants containing cationic detergents such as benzalkonium chloride or didecyldimethylammonium chloride, are a particular risk to pets, especially cats. They are usually exposed after walking over a treated surface and then grooming, presenting hours later with salivation, hyperthermia and oral injury. Treatment of pets with clinical signs after exposure to a spring poisoning hazard is supportive.
As spring nears, the weather warms and days become longer — we and our pets spend more time out of doors. This is the time of the traditional spring clean, which may include the house, garden and patio. There is also an abundance of spring flowers which may be attractive to pets. Pets may be exposed to fertilisers used to get the garden ready for spring planting and the summer ahead. This article discusses some of the seasonal spring poisoning hazards for pets.
Both indoor and outdoor domestic fertilisers tend to be ‘NPK-based’, containing nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Various products are available (Figure 1). Houseplant fertilisers are usually liquid preparations, diluted before use, although tablets and sticks are also available. Outdoor fertilisers may be powder, granules or liquid, again usually diluted or dissolved in water for use.
Phosphorus in fertilisers may be in the form of animal bone (bone meal) or phosphorus pentoxide. Bone meal is used as an organic, slow-release fertiliser. It comprises ground animal bones and slaughter-house waste products, and is high in calcium, nitrogen and phosphorus. The addition of fish, blood or bone meal may make fertilisers more attractive and palatable to cats and dogs.
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