President's Message I would just like to say thanks to all who continue to support us throughout the years. Also a very special thank you to the dedicated volunteers who worked event after event throughout the year. VETS Corner by Dr. Rick Hartigan Pet Health Risks Lurk in Lawns Chemicals, sprays and powders used on lawns and other foliage help keep the yard and garden green and insect free, but may pose a health threat to pets. In fact, most herbicides are fairly harmless to pets. Pets become exposed to these chemicals through ingestion of contaminated drinking water or food or by walking through or licking recently treated areas.
Cats are more susceptible than dogs, and younger and older animals are at increased risk.
The effect the poison has on the pet depends on the animal's weight and the amount of poison ingested. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, excessive salivation, drooling, vomiting, runny eyes, diarrhea, seizures and in severe situations, coma. In many cases there is no dominant signal of poisoning because these symptoms can indicate any one of a variety of ailments. Pet owners need to be aware of any strange behavior or health problem in their pets after the yard has been treated and consult a veterinarian if any of these symptoms develop. Organophosphates are most potent when they are first applied and lose some toxicity as they dry.