Water features kill cats

Beware of garden threats to your pets

Some home owners are adding the chemicals to their water features to prevent the water from freezing during the winter months. Water expands when frozen and can create cracks in plastic, stone or ceramic water features.

A spate of deaths has prompted the RSPCA to urge anyone that has put anti-freeze into their water feature or fountain to drain the water as soon as possible. The chemicals are terribly detrimental to the internal organs of a dog or cat, especially to their liver and kidneys, and can quickly kill any small animal.

Unfortunately, the garden hosts many hidden threats to pets. So we have tried to round up the regular culprits to help protect your furry friends.

Slug bait is very poisonous

Snail and slug bait is very poisonous to all pets and can cause death in as little as three hours. There are other options to keep the slugs at bay. Instead of pellets try placing copper rings around pots or planters. Scattering broken egg shells around your plants is another popular slug deterrent.

Cocoa mulch can be potentially deadly

Many varieties of this mulch contain cocoa beans. Cocoa contains theobromine and caffeine, both can be potentially deadly to dogs and cats. It is much safer for pet owners to use mulch manufactured with cedar or other products as these are not poisonous to pets.

Ragwort the toxic weed

This is a common yellow flowered weed found in rough pastures. It is highly toxic to many animals, especially to cattle and horses. It can cause kidney failure and liver damage in cats and dogs, even minute doses can be fatal.

Keep pets away from fertilisers

Pets walking or playing on grassy areas treated with fertilisers can develop skin irritation and rashes. The common symptoms of pesticide or fertilizer poisoning in pets are increased heart rate, unsteady gait, foaming of the mouth, difficulty in breathing, vomiting, seizures and collapse.

Threat from foxes

Foxes are a threat to smaller animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs but they have also been known to attack cats and dogs. They typically enter our gardens through gates and under or over fences, so we can prevent this by securing our gardens. At night always remember to secure small pets safely in their hutches and never leave them unsupervised while out of their cages.

Beware of stinging insects

Wasps, bees and hornets can give your pet a nasty sting. Dogs and cats sometimes eat these stinging insects, and can occasionally be stung in inside their mouth or throat. If you suspect there is a nest in your garden then contact your local council or an independent firm to have it removed.

Toads secrete poison when threatened

When certain species of toad are threatened they can secrete an irritant poison that will hurt a curious pet’s tongue or skin. If cases like this, rinse the affected area with lots of water and phone the vet as soon as possible.

Herbicides harmful when swallowed

Some herbicides and weed killers can harm pets if accidentally swallowed. Pets may absorb the chemicals through the skin, either directly through spillages or indirectly from a walk through treated plants.

Prevention is the key to protecting your pets from any dangers in the garden. Make sure your garden is safe and secure and keep your pets well away from chemicals or poisonous plants.