Spring Pet Care Tips

Slug and Snail Bait: 

Our Pacific Northwest climate is perfect for all types of outdoor activities.  Gardening is one of those that most people can enjoy almost all year long.  The spring rains not only awaken the flowers, they also bring out slugs and snails!  Before you reach for the slug and snail bait, stop and read the label!

The ingredient most commonly used is Metaldehyde.  it is extremely toxic to pets.  Once the product is ingested by your pet, the body begins to process the poison.  Seizures and death can occur within hours of ingesting.  It its important that you call and bring your pet in immediately for treatment if you see them eating slug or snail bait, and bring the package of bait with you.  All forms of the slug and snail bait that contain Metaldehyde are poisonous to pets (ie. pellets, flakes, pour on).

There are some alternative, non-toxic forms of slug and snail bait, that work as well as the Metaldehyde.  Baits that are made with iron phosphate can be used safely around pets.  This slug and snail bait causes the snails and slugs to stop eating and die.  The bait will also break down into the soil and provide nutrients for your garden.  If your pet eats the iron phosphate, diarrhea and vomiting may occur.

Beer bait traps are another alternative.  The yeast in the beer is attractive to slugs and snails.  Make sure the traps you choose to use have a sturdy top on them, so that your pet can not help himself!

The last alternative is to hand pick the slugs and snails and dispose of them in the trash.  This is truly the most non-toxic way of dealing with these pests.  The best time to hand pick is after a rain, in the evening.  Also, eliminating hiding places such as empty pots, wooden boards, etc., will also help keep their numbers under control.

If you have any questions about slug and snail bait, please feel free to call us at 503-640-0472.

House Plants: 

Brightening up the dull winter months with colorful houseplants can really lift our spirits.  However, some of these plants can be toxic to our pets.

Many common household plants are toxic to dogs and cats.  If you suspect that your pet has eaten part of a plant and your pet is ill, please contact our office at 503-640-0472.  When you come in with your pet, please bring in the entire plant if possible.  This way, we can hopefully identify the plant and check to see if it is toxic.

Not only should plants be considered toxic, so should fertilizer, pesticides and soil amendments.  Pets should not be allowed to drink from plant trays, especially after the plants have been fertilized.

Silk plants can also be dangerous.  Pets have been known to ingest the fake foliage, requiring surgery and hospitalization.

There are some indoor plants that are safe for your pets.  Many pet supply stores offer packets of pet safe plants.  These are usually sold in kits that you water and sprout yourself.  Just remember, no fertilizer or other amendments.

Here is a partial list of some household plants that are poisonous:  Aloe, Arum, Croton, Dumbcane, Pothos, English Ivy, Mistletoe, ALL of the Lily family (any ingestion of the lily family is an emergency and should be seen right away), Philodendron, Holly, Azalea, Peace Lily.....

Not all of the plants listed above are fatal (again, ingestion of any of the lily family is an emergency), but many of them are if eaten in large quantities.  If you think your pet has eaten a houseplant, please give us a call at 503-640-0472.