The family's pest control company had placed green squares of rat bait in the attic over the garage. It is possible a rat had carried one of the squares into the yard, although no evidence of that was ever found, Cram said. Chewie has fully recovered, but her owner's memory of the ordeal is vivid. The thought of even giving that to a rat just sickens me. Pesticides used on lawns and gardens, in homes or sprayed directly on dogs and cats for flea or tick control all have the potential to kill or injure pets.
Cats are even more susceptible than dogs to many pest control chemicals.
And certain breeds of canines or felines can be more vulnerable than others. It is important to read labels and pay attention to what pest control operators are applying inside and outside the home. And limit pets' exposure, he said. Both domestic and wild animals are at risk when humans spread poisons and chemicals that are accessible to all. Many times people are attracting the very nuisances they end up wanting to get rid of, said Louise Kahle, a local animal rights activist.