Pet Poisoning

 

by Annie Berthold-Bond, Care2.com Producer, Green Living Channels

http://www.care2.com/channels/lifestyle/pets

 

Many substances in your home can be fatal to your pets.  Antifreeze has a sweet taste that attracts some animals.  Detergents cause more poisonings of children than any other household product, and pets are also vulnerable to such exposures.  Powdered pesticides spilled from a can in a garage are hazardous to a cat that gets it on its paws.  One regular strength ibuprofen (200mg) could cause stomach ulcers in a ten-pound dog.  Understanding pet poisons and taking simple precautions could save your pet's life!

 

Simple Solution:

 

• Be aware of the plants you have in your house and in your pet's yard.  The ingestion of azalea, oleander, mistletoe, sago palm, Easter lily, or yew plant material, by an animal, could be fatal.
• Never leave chocolates unattended.  Approximately one-half ounce or less of baking chocolate per pound body weight can cause problems.  Even small amounts can cause pancreatic problems.
• Avoid treating your lawn or garden with fertilizers, herbicides, or insecticides that could be harmful to your pet's health (and yours!)
• Many common household items have been shown to be lethal in certain species, including moth balls, potpourri oils, fabric softener sheets, automatic dish detergents, batteries, coffee grounds and homemade play dough.

 

Use only non-toxic products in your home, and store them safely in cabinets

out of paws' reach.

 

Neutralizing Cat Odors

 

By the cat-loving staff at Care2

The odor of cat urine is one of the strongest and most unpleasant smells ever. And it’s so difficult to get rid of: one pet mistake on a carpet or sofa can ruin it forever--unless you know the secret.  Find out how to get rid of that awful odor quickly, easily and naturally!

 

Simple Solution:

1.  First, use water with soap or detergent to dilute and remove as much of the urine as possible. Rinse area well.

2.  Next, apply straight white vinegar to the area (you may want to make sure this will not affect the color of your rug or furniture by doing a spot-test first.)  Rub in well and allow to dry until area is just damp.  Be sure to wait until the vinegar is nearly dry before applying the baking soda.

3.  Apply baking soda liberally to the damp area and allow to dry completely. (If baking soda gets too wet, it will make a gloppy mess that is hard to vacuum.  Once it then dries it can stick to the fabric of a carpet and be hard to fully rinse off, although it should eventually.)

4.  When dry, vacuum thoroughly.