Blue Orchid Massage Blog

Are there dangers for your pet lurking in your garden?

5/26/2017

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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Are there dangers for your pet lurking in your garden?

Best postures for gardening

Heather McNay

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