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Are there dangers for your pet lurking in your garden?

5/26/2017

 
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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.


​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.​
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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

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

Best postures for gardening

4/21/2017

 
I do love spring time in the Rockies. Time to start prepping and planning for the garden!
Here are some tips to help avoid back pain while gardening.
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1.  While weeding, keep your back straight from the base of your neck all the way down to the end of your spine. If this is difficult, you can wear a back brace for extra help maintaining this posture.
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2.  Take breaks and do light stretches. Here’s a link to basic stretches from the Mayo Clinic or next time you’re in for a massage, ask for a free stretching sheet.

3.  Don’t twist. Turn your entire body towards what you are working on. This includes when you are picking things up.
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4.  If you’ll be spending a lot of time working close to the ground, I suggest picking up a lightweight garden stool to protect your knees and joints. There are many designs out there, so you have plenty of options! Amazon Gardening Stools

5.  I know you hear it all the time, but it’s important to BEND FROM YOUR KNEES. When picking anything up, bend at your knees and straighten your back before lifting.
6.  Alternate using your right and lefts hands. This balances the workout and helps to prevent repetitive motion injuries. BONUS: Using your 'wrong' hand for simple tasks helps train your self-control.
8.  Just as athletes need to cool down after a race, it’s important for you to cool down once you have finished gardening. Stretch and if you’re feeling sore, use heat or ice to relax the muscles.
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​​7. Don’t forget sunscreen. In Colorado there's 25 percent less protection from the sun, sunscreen is a must.


​​Good luck and may your plants grow healthy and fast!
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    Heather McNay

    I've been a Licensed Massage Therapist since 2006. In my free time I enjoy hiking with my husband and dog. I also have a passion for cooking, baking and gardening.

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  • Home
  • Pricing and Services
    • Massage Services >
      • Aromatherapy Massage
      • Bamboo Massage
      • Deep Tissue massage
      • Hot Stone massage
      • Swedish massage
      • Trigger Point Therapy
    • Pricing
    • Massage Wellness Plans
    • Scheduling
  • Gift Certificates
  • About
    • About the Practitioner
    • Contact Information
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Our Clients Love Us
    • Why we don't accept tips
    • Privacy Policy
  • Resources
    • Benefits of Massage