Beware the Lily

Beware the Lily–and Other Spring Dangers!

They’re beautiful and a sure sign of spring—but lilies can be deadly to cats. And they’re not the only spring dangers you should be aware of if you have companion animals.

  • About those lilies: Whether they are Easter, Asiatic, tiger, day or peace lilies, they should be kept out of your home if you have cats. If cats eat any part of these plants, they could die of kidney failure. In fact, ingesting as little as two leaves could be fatal if left untreated. If you suspect your cat has ingested some of this plant, contact us immediately at (480) 893-8423.  
  • Grow your garden with care. Fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides may have ingredients that can make your pet sick if they’re ingested. Also, many popular spring-blooming plants, such as rhododendron and azalea, are highly toxic to pets—check out this list of poisonous plants to avoid in your home and garden. 
  • Doing some spring cleaning? Keep all cleaners and chemicals—especially ones with chlorine and ammonia—far away from pets. Even “all-natural” cleaners contain chemicals that may be harmful to animals. Visit the ASPCA’s Poisonous Household Products page for more information.
  • “Bee” aware. Bees and other insects are on the move in the spring and if your pet is stung, you’ll want to know what to do. Look for a stinger and remove if possible. You’ll also want to reduce swelling, which you can do with a paste of baking soda and water. Check with us at (480) 893-8423 about administering an antihistamine to stave off an allergic reaction.

It’s also a good idea to have the Pet Poison Helpline bookmarked—they are available 24/7 for any questions or expert help. They also maintain an updated pet poison list for more detailed information.

Have questions or want to schedule an appointment? Give us a call at (480) 893-8423!