Have a green thumb?

picture copyright Kim Malonie 2010

Planning on planting flowers this summer?

Kitty would like to remind you if your are planting a garden this year,

please read up on the plants you're planning to have growing,

you don't want your beloved pets being poisoned by them!

Here are just a few of the many garden plants that can cause your pets harm:

Tulip and Narcissus- the bulb of these plants contain toxins that can cause intense gastrointestinal upset. Other symptoms include drooling, loss of appetite, or even convulsions and cardiac abnormalities.

Azalea/Rhododendron - members of this plant family contain toxins that can produce vomiting, drooling and diarrhea. In severe cases, this can lead to coma and death

If you are not sure and want to research a specific plant to see if it safe for your pet friendly garden please check: 

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants/

 

keep your pets safe and have a wonderful summer!

Animals and the Autism Spectrum

picture copyright of Kim Malonie 2011 

"I will love you forever my friend"

Animals are instrumental in helping people with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) because they "listen", "hear" and understand the unspoken words.

Animals give us: unconditional love, friendship, understanding and companionship ~ without judgement.

All they ask in return from us is:

shelter, food, water, love, respect, friendship and compassion.  

You haven't really been loved until you have been loved by an animal. 

dangers to pets

It's fantastic weather , perfect for playing in the garden!

I've had a few concerns regarding plant fertilizers and what would happen if dogs or cats were to ingest some.

All plant fertilizers contain nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, in varying ratios dependant on the type of plants to be fertilized.

Most fertilizers if ingested would cause some digestive upsets,

such as straining and stomach pains.

Some fertilizers do contian iron. If you have a fertilizer with iron, please be sure to keep it out of your dog and cats reach,

as it could potentially cause iron toxicity.

Some of the signs of iron toxicity are:

vomitting and diarrhoea.

If you think your pet has ingested plant fertilizer, 

take your pet to your vet ASAP!