East Tennessee is a great place for families. With all of the beauty and experiences outdoors and so much to do in the towns and cities like Knoxville, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, your time can quickly get taken up!
Balancing activities with responsibilities at home can get tricky. Of course, at the top of your list, is caring for your family...and your furry family members are no exception.
It's a big responsibility, being a pet parent. They can't tell us specifically what is going on with them, so we have to be extra vigilant to make sure our pups enjoy long and happy lives as our faithful and constant companions. you want to do everything you can to ensure the safety of all of the members of your family. Sometimes we tend to be more vigilant when we are out and about, such as visiting the amazing dog parks in the Knoxville area. But we need to be vigilant at home as well.
With this in mind, it's important to ask yourself, "Are there hidden dangers lurking in and around my home?"
Here are a few things to watch out for:
- Certain plants. Your house plants may not be as innocuous as you think. Lilies can can cause kidney failure in cats and heart rhythm issues or even death in both dogs and cats. Also, take a careful look around at your landscaping outside of the house. Azaleas add gorgeous color when they start blooming in the spring, but they can cause vomiting and diarrhea and even cardiac failure in dogs. Those bright yellow daffodils, another sign of spring, can also cause vomiting and diarrhea along with low blood pressure. Tulips add beauty and color, but the bulbs can harm your dogs.
- Medications: You should never have leftover meds within reach of children or pets. They may be safe for adult human consumption, but even a small dose could wreak havoc in a child or on your pet's system.
- Chocolate: Although a treat for you, chocolate can be deadly to both cats and dogs. Don't share, please! If you want a special treat for your pooch, check out River Dog Bakery or Bonediggity Barkery and Gifts. For their special day, you can even get a custom cake from Spoiled Dog PupCakery.
- String: Any small string is a risk to your pet. Ribbon tied onto a balloon, fishing line, floss, string. A small animal can experience internal blockages if floss or anything string-like is ingested.
- Batteries: Battery acid is a toxin and can cause ulcers in pets if they bite into one. Click here to find information on where and how to dispose of batteries and other hazardous items in the Knoxville area.
- Outdoor threats: Protecting your pet from some of the threats outside your home will require some foresight. Take worms, for instance. Roundworm and hookworm eggs can be found in soil. Rabbits and other rodents that may pass through your yard can leave behind tapeworm. And don't forget about mosquitoes and ticks! You can take steps to treat your pets and your yard, but make sure you choose nontoxic solutions. And don't forget the poop your pup leaves behind. Not only can dog waste harm your grass and soil, but it can also pose health risks for your pets and for you, too.
- Nicotine: Smokers beware. Just as in humans, nicotine can cause a host of health issues for your pets, including vomiting. If you must smoke, head outdoors. It will be better for everyone in your household ... two-legged and four-legged alike. Even better, get help with quitting.
We can't help with all of these concerns, but we can help with one! When it comes to pet waste removal, DoodyCalls is on the job! You don't have to worry about finding time in your busy schedule to clean up after your dog because we can take care of it for you. Whether you need a one-time, twice weekly or weekly scoops, the team at DoodyCalls® of East Tennessee is here to rid you of this smelly but oh-so-important chore.
An unplanned trip to the vet is even less fun than picking up poop. So take a look around your house and yard, Do you need to make any changes? Taking precautions can save you a lot of headaches and heartache.