Keep Your Animals Safe MARCH IS PET POISON PREVENTION MONTH! The Best Companion March brings great outdoor opportunities like gardening and gives you the chance to dust off winter with spring-cleaning projects at home. It’s also Pet Poison Prevention Month, so before you jump into any springtime activities, consider these potential hazards for your pets. In the Home Many household items can be poisonous if ingested by your pets, and not all of them are as obvious as you might think! While spring-cleaning, be sure to keep any cleaners and chemicals out of your pet’s reach and ensure all areas are properly ventilated while you clean if your pet is present. In addition to cleaning products, many everyday household items can also pose a threat to your pets. Always keep medication stored safely out of your pet’s reach and ensure you follow Dr. Jeff and Dr. Susie’s instructions when administering medication to your animal. Never give your pet medication that hasn’t been prescribed for them. Even certain foods can be toxic to pets. Avoid feeding your pets people food and do your best to keep your curious companion animals out of the trash, where they might consume potentially harmful items like coffee grounds. In the Garden Your pup is probably as eager as you are to get outdoors and enjoy the warmer weather. If you’re doing yard work while your pet plays nearby, make sure to keep fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides away, and don’t let your pets access any areas treated with these chemicals until they are dry and it’s safe to do so. If you’re landscaping your yard — or bringing the outdoors inside with new houseplants — make sure to choose plants that are pet-safe. The ASPCA has a comprehensive list of toxic and non-toxic plants on its website, ASPCA.org. Signs of Poisoning Accidents happen. Even if you take every precaution to keep your pet safe, they may still get into something they shouldn’t! If your pet has ingested something toxic, they may exhibit signs immediately, or it may take a few days. Common symptoms your pet may exhibit include:
3 Ways to Improve Your Harvest There’s something beautiful about cultivating your own harvest, but you can grow more than simple backyard vegetables. Help your garden “grow up” by trying something unique this spring. Grow Fun Foods We plant gardens for a purpose, so why not make it fun! Plant fresh basil, Do Something Better in the Garden
tomatoes, onions, peppers, oregano, and more to create a garden worthy of your next
homemade pizza. All you will need to buy is the crust! Pumpkin plants can offer fresh gourds for any Halloween fanatic, while new species of fruits and vegetables can create an exciting home-cooking experience. Try the silver cucumber for a sweet taste or pineberries for a mix between strawberries and pineapples. You just might find a new flavor you love. Go With the Flow Creating a year-round garden that practically takes care of itself means using principles of permaculture, a philosophy of working with, rather than against, nature. Start by analyzing your space and yard. Determine your soil type and layer mulch or cover crops to protect it. Then, begin planting the same way that’s found in nature — trees grow at the top, shrubs and bushes are below, and other small plants and vines intermingle within. Choose crops that help each other grow (like corn, beans, and squash), and offer aid to your garden without digging up too much soil or disturbing its natural process. Permaculture gardening requires thoughtful planning, but once your crops are in place, nature will take its course. Plant for Your Health Mass production of your favorite fruits and vegetables reduces their key nutrients. Instead, choose fresh, home-grown varieties to yield greater health benefits. This is good news for those living with heart disease, joint disorders, or other chronic conditions. You can grow a garden chock full of nutrient-rich foods! Colorful fruits, root veggies, onions, and beans are great for joint health, while leafy greens can boost heart health. Grow pumpkins so you can harvest the seeds for better brain function, while berries can support your liver.
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Drooling
Pawing at the mouth
Vomiting Weakness
Difficulty breathing
Muscle tremors
Excessive thirst or urination
Diarrhea Seizures
If you suspect your pet may have ingested something toxic, act quickly. Call the office at 970-856-4474 or the 24/7 Animal Poison Control line at 855‑764‑7661.
Before you dig into these new gardening methods, consult with an expert at a nursery or greenhouse to get the best possible results.
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