Pet Death Due to Pesticide Poisoning
Please do not take for granted that many of your name brand gardening products and pesticides used in preventing pest and keeping your lawns green and weed free are safe for your domestic pets as well as yourself. Pesticide poisoning is one of the leading causes in premature pet death and loss of life among outdoor wildlife that live in our forest, oceans and mountain streams, not to mention our neighborhoods where our children play. Well known gardening products such as "Weed n" Feed" and " Round Up" contain the same cancer causing ingredients that are found in Agent Orange a chemical responsible for thousands of deaths and irreversible side effects. Symptoms such as long term coma, kidney and liver failure have been documented in humans. In dogs it is the number one cause of death caused by malignant lymphoma, a form of cancer.
Sadly, just five percent of pesticides reach their target weeds and garden pest. The rest are absorbed into our earth, targeting our water supplies through a process called run off or simply just dissipates into our air. Major health damage can occur when Toxic Pesticides are absorbed through our skin, swallowed or inhaled. When not applied correctly, pesticides can settle on ponds, pools, children's toys, pets left outdoors and even drift through open windows settling on our furniture, bedding and even our floors. Our pets paws and our own shoes often are responsible for tracking deadly pesticides into our homes leaving unseen traces on our carpet.
We all face the continuing problem of toxic by-products through years of pesticide residue that is in our food supply and everyday environment. What we don't realize is how wide spread pesticide poisoning really is. These caustic chemicals are virtually used in all of our public buildings including our children's schools and play yards, restaurants, hospitals, hotels and private homes. Pesticide abuse is used in our agriculture and forest areas.
Why are Pets Vulnerable to Pesticide Poisoning?
* Pets spend most of their time close to the ground, this is where pesticide concentration is highest.
* Pets ingest most pesticides while grooming themselves. Any contact with chemicals connect with their fur and paws and is then ingested by the pet.
Most of our pets spend their time playing in heavily treated areas such as our front lawns or back yards.
* Pets have higher absorption rates than human systems. Animals may be more sensitive and easily poisoned by conditions deemed safe to people.
Signs of Pesticide Poisoning In Pets
* Excessive drooling and foaming at the mouth.
* Loss of thirst and appetite.
* Vomiting or diarrhea.
* Immune function decline.
Disorientation and convulsions.
Toxic runoff that feed back into our water supply are responsible for killing forest animals, birds and fish.
* Feline thyroid disease.
* Dogs contract cancer (malignant lymphoma)
What Can We Do To Stop Pesticide Poisoning?
* Adapt an alternative "green" solution for pest control.
* Enjoy your weeds and bugs. They are part of nature.
* Educate yourself about pesticides used by your HOA, Lawn Service and immediate neighbors.
* Do not allow your pets to drink from ponds or outside water sources - always keep fresh, clean water readily available.
* Leash your pets, allowing them to run free is not a good idea.
* Bathe and brush your pets often.
* Wash down your outdoor living area.
Always think of natural, Eco-conscious alternatives when it comes to our environment.
Protect yourself and your pets from synthetic pesticides by being an educated consumer and willing activist in our Eco-system.
About the Author
Dori Schwaiger is well known for her pet health articles and in depth product reviews. Dori is the owner of http://www.tophealthspot.com , a destination on the web with health conscious people and animal lovers alike. Shop for name brand health & pet products all with money saving coupons and exclusive online sales.
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