Spring cleaning can be a perfect time to do things like change lights and smoke alarms. At that time, I was living in a building with very high ceilings–and I’m terrified of heights– so I had someone change the light for me, but he didn’t screw it on tightly enough. So eventually the light came crashing down, causing glass to shatter all over the floor. Luckily, my dog was in another room, but if he had been there he would have been very seriously hurt–or worse.
Here’s the point: We can just never be too careful. Even something as innocuous as a rake can fall down and injure a five-pound cat.
Raking is a big part of garden clean-up, but it can fall and injure a small cat.
Even the prettiest shrubs and flowers can be toxic to animals; in fact, all versions of the lily can cause kidney failure in cats, the Seattle Post was told in 2011. For more information, please visit: www.nolilliesforcats.com.
As for our canine friends, well, just a few poisonous plants are hyacinths, hydrangea, oleander and lily of the valley.
.Here are some other toxic items:
- Anti-freeze: Dogs love the sweet taste so they can be naturally drawn to it. Put that, and any automotive products out of reach
- Pesticides, extermination fluid, some types of glue
- Fertilizers, weed and snail killers, herbicides and chemicals
You can get a complete list of toxic items from your local ASPCA–and, of course, discuss all concerns and questions with your veterinarian.
About Irene:
Irene Ross, CHHC, AADP, is a certified integrative nutrition and holistic wellness coach. Also a writer, she has written numerous articles on pet nutrition and wellness and has now developed a program called, “The Wellness-Centered Family” that focuses on health for all children, whether they have two or four legs.
Author of the e-book, Sugar’s Sour Story, and of the forthcoming book, 25 Ways to Fire Up Your Day: Increase Energy, Get More Done in Less Time, Balance Your Life, her website is: www.irenefross.com
furryfriendshavefun 
Spring is the best season for health. But the leaf and flower shading in these seasons may be harmful for our pets!!! was completely un-aware of these facts. Anti-freeze and pesticides are harmful and they must be kept away from pets.
There are so many spring/summer dangers! Dogs, especially, are attracted to anti-freeze because of the sweet taste. The honeysuckle plant is another–they love the sweet, stickiness–but that plant is deadly to dogs.
Thanks for sharing such important stuff, I love spring and enjoy it fullest with my family and pets. From the next time I will be little cautious with my pets.