March 26, 2025

While summer is a great season for outdoor activities, there are risks for pets as well. Exposure to dangerous chemicals, stinging insects, and toxic plants is more likely in warmer climates. Being watchful is essential for pet owners to avoid unintentional poisoning or bug bites, which can cause serious health problems. Pet safety and wellbeing are our top priorities at Sedro-Woolley Veterinary Clinic, which is situated on Carter Street in Sedro-Woolley, Washington. You can make sure that your pets have a safe and enjoyable summer by being aware of the dangers and taking preventative action. These ten crucial suggestions can help you keep your pets safe. 1. Recognize the Local Toxic Plants Numerous common summertime plants, such as sago palms, azaleas, and lilies, are poisonous to pets. Find out which plants are bad for you and get rid of them from your yard. Watch out for hazardous plants that could endanger your pet while you hike or visit parks. 2. Keep Garden Chemicals Out of Pets’ Reach Pets may be harmed by harmful compounds found in fertilizers, insecticides, and herbicides if they consume them or come into contact with them. In your garden, choose pet-friendly substitutes and keep chemicals in a safe place. Before allowing pets to walk around in treated areas, always wait for the treatments to dry. 3. Keep an eye on the time spent outside Pets enjoy exploring, but if they are left alone, they may come into contact with harmful insects and plants. To keep them safe, watch them when they play outside and think about putting them on a leash or in an enclosed area. 4. Watch Out for Insect Stings Some pets may experience allergic reactions as a result of the painful stings that bees, wasps, and fire ants can provide. Because they attract insects, keep pets away from flower beds and don’t leave sweet-smelling food or beverages outside. If your pet experiences swelling or breathing difficulties after being stung, get them checked out by a veterinarian. 5. Apply Insect Repellents Safe for Pets DEET, which is poisonous to pets, is an ingredient in many human insect repellents. Instead, protect them from insect attacks by using flea and tick preventatives that have been approved by a veterinarian. Certain essential oils can be dangerous, so don’t use them without first seeing a veterinarian. 6. Examine for Ticks Following Outdoor Experiences Ticks cling to pets and flourish in woodland and tall grassy environments. After walks, look for ticks on your pet’s paws, ears, and fur. Use tweezers to remove any that are discovered, and see a veterinarian if you observe any symptoms of Lyme disease or other diseases spread by ticks. 7. Steer clear of standing water Pets may be poisoned by dangerous germs, parasites, or algae found in ponds, puddles, and other stagnant water sources. Always bring fresh water with you when you go outside, and keep your pets from drinking or swimming in dirty water. 8. Make Your Garden Pet-Friendly Plant flora that is safe for pets, like pet grass, marigolds, or sunflowers. Steer clear of cocoa mulch, which is poisonous to dogs and contains theobromine. A thoughtfully designed pet-friendly yard reduces exposure to harmful plants while maintaining a stimulating outdoor environment. 9. Identify Poisoning Symptoms Your pet may exhibit symptoms like vomiting, drooling, lethargy, or trouble breathing if they have come into contact with a hazardous plant or insect. For expert advice, call Sedro-Woolley Veterinary Clinic at (360) 856-6890 right away if you think you may have poisoning. 10. Arrange for Frequent Veterinary Exams Regular veterinary checkups guarantee that your pet’s health is tracked and that preventive care is current. Seasonal protection against fleas, ticks, and adverse environmental conditions can be recommended by your veterinarian. An early examination might assist in identifying any possible problems before they worsen. It takes vigilance and preventative actions to keep pets safe in the summer. You can provide a safe environment for your pets by learning about harmful plants, insects, and possible dangers. Easy steps like using pet-safe products, keeping an eye on outside time, and identifying poisoning symptoms can have a big impact. Our goal at Sedro-Woolley Veterinary Clinic is to give your pets the best care possible. Please contact us at (360) 856-6890 if you need assistance or if you have any questions. Let’s make sure our cherished dogs have a fun and safe summer!

When pets consume antifreeze products that contain ethylene glycol, a chemical that is extremely toxic even in trace levels, they can develop antifreeze poisoning, a potentially fatal condition. When consumed, ethylene glycol is broken down into substances that harm the heart, brain, and kidneys, frequently leading to death if treatment is not received. Due to the widespread use of antifreeze on machinery and automobiles throughout the winter, this poisoning is very prevalent. Our mission at Sedro-Woolley Veterinary Clinic, situated on Carter Street in Sedro-Woolley, Washington, is to inform pet owners about the risks associated with antifreeze and to provide immediate medical attention in the event that poisoning is suspected. Give us a call at (360) 856-6890 if you need help right away. 1. Safekeeping Keep antifreeze out of pets’ reach by keeping it in a locked cabinet or high shelf. Make sure the containers are properly labeled and securely sealed. You lower the chance of unintentional ingestion by keeping these dangerous drinks out of reach. Verify storage spaces frequently to make sure containers are safe and unopened by inquisitive animals. 2. Quickly clean up spills Spilling antifreeze should be cleaned up right away. Make use of the proper cleaning supplies and properly dispose of any contaminated materials. Pets can avoid licking the residue and consuming chemicals by taking prompt action. To reduce exposure to any residual chemicals or fumes, ventilate the area and always wear protective gloves when cleaning. 3. Get Rid of Antifreeze Correctly Antifreeze that is unused or outdated should never be kept in open containers. Follow your local hazardous waste disposal guidelines. If pets are permitted in the neighbourhood, improper disposal may result in unintentional exposure. To prevent contaminating the environment, make sure that any leftover antifreeze is sealed in a container and disposed of at the proper locations. 4. Refrain from leaving cars unattended Puddles or drips beneath parked cars may pique a pet’s interest. Make sure your car is off the road and in a safe spot before parking. Check for leaks in the vicinity of your car on a regular basis. By taking this precaution, you reduce the possibility that your pet will come into touch with antifreeze that has spilled, especially in the cold. 5. Whenever possible, use pet-safe products. Choose pet-safe antifreeze products with fewer harmful ingredients when they are available. These substitutes lessen the chance of serious poisoning if consumed, but caution is still advised. The finest options for your home should always be discussed with your veterinarian, and family members should be made aware of the significance of choosing safer alternatives when around pets. 6. Inform Visitors and Family Ensure that all members of your family and regular guests are aware of the risks associated with antifreeze poisoning. Give precise directions for handling and storing materials safely. Teaching kids and visitors lowers the possibility of unintentional spills or incorrect storage, guaranteeing that everyone in the house is watchful to shield pets from harmful exposures. 7. Examine Outdoor Spaces Frequently Look for indications of antifreeze spills or leaks in your driveway and the outdoor spaces nearby. Frequent inspections assist in spotting such risks and taking action before your pet is exposed to them. Preventing your pet from ingesting even little amounts of antifreeze and protecting their health requires early notice and quick cleanup of any spills. 8. Maintain Equipment and Vehicles To stop leaks, give your car and any antifreeze-using equipment regular maintenance. Accidental spill risk is reduced by making sure regular maintenance is performed. Get them fixed right away if you see any leaks or odd drips. Maintaining your car properly is crucial for your safety and the health of your pet, particularly in the winter. 9. Make Use of Warning Signs Post conspicuous warning signs close to locations where antifreeze is used or stored. All members of the home are reminded to practice caution by these signals. Pets can be discouraged and guests can be made aware of the possible risk with clear labeling and signage. By emphasizing the need for caution around hazardous materials, warning signs contribute to the upkeep of a safe environment. 10. Have Emergency Contact Information on Hand Keep your veterinarian’s and the closest emergency clinic’s contact details close at hand. It is imperative to seek medical attention right once if antifreeze poisoning is suspected. Keep these numbers handy, like on your phone contacts or refrigerator, so you can swiftly call for expert assistance and maybe save your pet’s life.