Are there dangers for your pet lurking in your garden?

Spring has sprung and the gardens are calling!
But let's not forget about our pet friends and the dangers that can be lurking in your garden.

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​While most of these things are obvious (fertilizer, insecticides) others might surprise you (Easter lilies!)

Fertilizer, insecticides, weed spray
The most dangerous forms of pesticides include: 

• Snail bait with metaldehyde 
• Fly bait with methomyl 
• Systemic insecticides with the ingredients disyston or disulfoton
• Most forms of rat poisons. Read the manufacturer's label carefully for proper usage and storage. 
• Most herbicides made for residential use are generally considered to be safe for use in environments where animals frequent, as long as the label instructions are followed exactly. For example, if a weed killer spray label states, "Keep animals away from treated areas until dry," it is important to adhere to these instructions in order to avoid problems. If these instructions are not followed, affected animals might exhibit such symptoms as mild skin or gastrointestinal irritation, or the desirable vegetation could be damaged from unintentional spread of the herbicide.​

Cocoa Mulch
Found in most home garden centers, cocoa mulch is known for its sweet chocolate smell and fine texture. Cocoa mulch contains theobromine and caffeine, 2 key ingredients in chocolate. 
From the ASPCA:
What happens if a 50 pound dog eats cocoa mulch?

• 2 ounces will cause gastrointestinal upset
• 4.5 ounces will cause increased heart rate
•  5.3 ounces may induce seizures
• 9+ ounces can be lethal

In contrast
A 50 pound dog who eats milk chocolate:

• 7.5 ounces may cause gastrointestinal upset
• And more than 1 pound is needed to increase heart rate

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Top Poisonous Plants

• Autumn Crocus - Autumn Crocus is highly toxic
• Azalea
• Cyclamen
• Kalanchoe
• Lillies - Tiger, Day, Asiatic, Easter and Jamanese Show
• Oleander
• Dieffenbachia
• Daffodils
• Lily of the Valley
• Sago Palm
• Tulips 
• Hyacinths

Complete List of Poisonous Plants for Pets