Our Maine Street's Aroostook Issue 8 : Spring 2011 | Page 64

County Critters
with Dr. Terry McQuade

Everyone looks forward to spring with its fresh air,
colorful flowers, and sense of renewal. But there are many
hazards associated with this season. We should always be
on guard when it comes to our pets and potential dangers.
Many areas of the country have a problem with snails;
people often put snail bait in their garden and flower
beds. The most common snail bait contains metaldehyde
that is very toxic to pets. Dogs will readily ingest it and
will start to show symptoms in a few minutes to a few
hours. Tremors and twitches can progress to seizures.
One company manufactures Sluggo Slug and Snail Bait
containing iron phosphate that is much safer for pets.

The Easter holiday can bring its own set of
problems. Easter lilies in an arrangement of cut flowers
or outside in the garden are very dangerous for cats.
Ingesting even a small amount can cause kidney failure
in cats. Early signs may be lethargy, drinking excessive
amounts of water, and then not drinking enough, and
a poor appetite. Signs of worsening kidney disease are
vomiting, diarrhea, and eventually anemia.

Other Easter dangers include the plastic fake
grass placed in baskets. Pets ingesting this can obstruct or
the plastic grass can actually cut the intestine and cause
peritonitis. Cats are especially prone to eating these linear
foreign bodies. Symptoms are vomiting, lethargy, and not
wanting to eat. Other items in those Easter baskets, such
as chocolate, plastic eggs or toys, can also cause illness
if ingested.

Warm weather that comes with spr