by Elisa Hawkes
Coastal Journal staff

Summer can be a time of outdoor play, trips to the beach, lazing in the garden and family barbecues. As much fun as summer can be, it is sometimes fraught with hidden, and not-so-hidden, dangers for pets. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the American Kennel Club (AKC), and Petfinder.com have suggestions for keeping your pets safe this summer.

Most people realize extreme heat is dangerous for pets, but pesticides on lawns and gardens, poisonous plants (see www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants/), some summer foods, sunburn, and various beach activities can also hurt Fido and Fluffy. 

by Elisa Hawkes
Coastal Journal staff

With summer planting underway, it is important to remember that some of the beautiful flowers and shrubs, as well as the herbs and veggies, in everyday gardens can be harmful or fatal to dogs, cats and rabbits. Depending upon your pet’s access to plantings and history of munching on foliage, appropriate steps should be taken to keep natural poisons away from pets.

The Humane Society of the United States has identified more than 700 plants producing substances which are toxic or dangerous to pets. Effects range from mild nausea to death depending upon the plant, the amount ingested, and the size of the pet.

Pet owners should educate themselves about the most toxic plants, those that can lead to death through heart, central nervous system, and kidney damage. Lilies are one of the most deadly categories of flowers, and are toxic even in small amounts. The blooms, while beautiful and sweet-smelling, are extremely lethal, leading to heart and renal failure. Signs of distress may include rapid breathing, racing pulse, cold extremities, vomiting and lethargy.

Co-owner Regan Reed gives Rocky a bath in her new Dog Bathby Elisa Hawkes
Coastal Journal staff reporter

BATH — Wags & Whiskers is a pet supply store in Bath specializing in more than healthy pet food and grooming. The owners, Regan Reed and Sarah St. Pierre, support the community via donations to rescues, shelters, and more. 

“When Sarah and I came up with the idea of opening a much-needed pet supply store in Bath,” Reed said, “it was not only to provide healthy food; it was to give back to the community. There are so many kind people in the area working to save and rehabilitate injured and homeless animals, and it was important for us to find a way to contribute.”

Reed is the full-time proprietor of Wags & Whiskers. Her partner, St. Pierre, works for the State of Maine in the accounting department. St. Pierre works in the store on weekends, however, and does most of the paperwork, according to Reed.