Ever had a run-in with a poisonous frog? Living in Arizona, my mind always shifts towards reptiles like lizards and snakes, but evidently the Sonoran Desert Toad is a big problem this time of year when it comes to safety.
Namely, your pet's safety.
Of course, in the Southwest summer, heat, is the number one offender.
Whether dehydration, paw burns from being forced to walk on hot pavement, or lack of exercise due to being housebound, extreme weather is something to be reckoned with.
But, along with the extreme heat, we have the torrential monsoons which bring with it - you got it - toads.
A local vet states that if your pet gets the toad poison in their mouth - presumably from trying to catch it - rinse out their mouth and bring to the vet immediately.
How will you know they've had a toad run in? They'll be frothing at the mouth.
This seasonal toad is a reminder that being a good pet parent includes making your environment safe.
A poisonous toad may not pop up in your living room to harm your pup, but if you're anything like I am, it's easy to miss obvious dangers.
Here's a basic list of items to keep away from your animals: • Medications: Theirs and yours.
Keep safely out of reach, including flea repellents.
• Human food: Chocolate, grapes, raisins, nuts, xylitol, to name a few, can be lethal.
• Plants: Azaleas, Rhododendron, Sago Palms, Tulips, Daffodils.
All can cause increased heart rate, vomiting and seizures to varying degrees.
• Insecticides and Rodenticides intended to kill pests can seriously harm or even kill your pet.
• Antifreeze: They'll lick it right up from the garage floor because it tastes sweet to them.
Deadly.
Even with the best of protection, sometimes they'll get into something, and having a plan IF something goes wrong is vital.
Have handy the name, address and telephone number of the closest emergency pet hospital.
One that is open after hours and on weekends.
Get this information NOW.
Taking the time to call your vet and get a referral when your animal is already suffering may not only delay treatment, but is a waster of valuable time.
Get that info right now.
Look online, get a referral from your vet, whatever works...
just make sure that it's the closest ER and that you know their hours.
Another key to peace of mind could be investigating pet insurance.
I never had it until I got my most recent dog.
I decided I didn't ever want to have to choose between his well being and a huge vet bill.
It's a growing business that caters to our needs and is affordable ranging from $25-45 a month depending on your deductible.
If you're interested, below is a link to the company I decided to use after extensive research.
Well...
hopefully, these are a few tools that can help you keep your fluffy pals safe and sound...
and HAPPY! Because when they're happy, YOU'RE happy!
Namely, your pet's safety.
Of course, in the Southwest summer, heat, is the number one offender.
Whether dehydration, paw burns from being forced to walk on hot pavement, or lack of exercise due to being housebound, extreme weather is something to be reckoned with.
But, along with the extreme heat, we have the torrential monsoons which bring with it - you got it - toads.
A local vet states that if your pet gets the toad poison in their mouth - presumably from trying to catch it - rinse out their mouth and bring to the vet immediately.
How will you know they've had a toad run in? They'll be frothing at the mouth.
This seasonal toad is a reminder that being a good pet parent includes making your environment safe.
A poisonous toad may not pop up in your living room to harm your pup, but if you're anything like I am, it's easy to miss obvious dangers.
Here's a basic list of items to keep away from your animals: • Medications: Theirs and yours.
Keep safely out of reach, including flea repellents.
• Human food: Chocolate, grapes, raisins, nuts, xylitol, to name a few, can be lethal.
• Plants: Azaleas, Rhododendron, Sago Palms, Tulips, Daffodils.
All can cause increased heart rate, vomiting and seizures to varying degrees.
• Insecticides and Rodenticides intended to kill pests can seriously harm or even kill your pet.
• Antifreeze: They'll lick it right up from the garage floor because it tastes sweet to them.
Deadly.
Even with the best of protection, sometimes they'll get into something, and having a plan IF something goes wrong is vital.
Have handy the name, address and telephone number of the closest emergency pet hospital.
One that is open after hours and on weekends.
Get this information NOW.
Taking the time to call your vet and get a referral when your animal is already suffering may not only delay treatment, but is a waster of valuable time.
Get that info right now.
Look online, get a referral from your vet, whatever works...
just make sure that it's the closest ER and that you know their hours.
Another key to peace of mind could be investigating pet insurance.
I never had it until I got my most recent dog.
I decided I didn't ever want to have to choose between his well being and a huge vet bill.
It's a growing business that caters to our needs and is affordable ranging from $25-45 a month depending on your deductible.
If you're interested, below is a link to the company I decided to use after extensive research.
Well...
hopefully, these are a few tools that can help you keep your fluffy pals safe and sound...
and HAPPY! Because when they're happy, YOU'RE happy!
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