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Deadly Pesticides & Your Pet

Article Summary: Every year, thousands of domestic pets and wild life lose their lives to the ravaging effects of 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. Pesticides and chemicals target our water supplies, lakes and streams in the form of run off or just dissipate into the air and fall back to earth in the form of acid rain. 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. This deadly poison is often tracked into our homes by our shoes and pets paws.

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. Many pets ingest these chemicals with the natural process of cleaning their paws and fur.

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.

Keeping a fresh supply of water on hand for your pet at all times is extremely important Never allow them to drink from tainted wild water supplies such as streams, rain puddles stagnant bird baths or ponds.

* 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.

Article Source: http://www.upublish.info

About the Author:
Dorianne Schwaiger
Dori Schwaiger is an expert author on health & Pet wellness, she is also an avid animal lover and passionate about animal rights. Please visit the pet health section of her website, TopHealthSpot.com for all your pets favorite name brand products and be sure to save big with exclusive online health coupons.