Waste-Free Yards Keeps Pets Healthy

 

American pet owners collectively spend tens of millions of dollars every year on veterinary care and over-the-counter medicines for their furry loved ones. But what many don’t realize is that many pet illnesses can be avoided by simply keeping the back yard clear of pet waste. 

Dog waste is more than just a smelly and unsightly mess. It’s also a breeding ground for infection—especially in dog parks and other areas where dogs frequently gather. Bacteria, worms and other parasites thrive in the waste until it’s cleaned up or washed into the water supply. Giardia, ringworm, roundworm and E. coli are examples of such inhabitants, all of which are commonly found in dog feces and are easily transferable upon contact.

When pets become sick, contagions are often times passed through their deposits into their own yard. The longer infected dog waste stays on the ground, the greater a contamination becomes. And when this waste is not picked up, pets have a high risk of catching the infection over and over again.

Roundworm, for example, is one of the most common parasites found in dog waste and it can remain infectious in contaminated soil and water for years.

The best thing pet owners can do to help keep their four-legged friends healthy and safe is to pick up after them and to do so in a timely manner. Those who don’t have enough time to deal with the mess themselves—or simply don’t want to—should consider hiring a local pet waste removal service.

 

Lethal Lawns: Preventing Mushroom Poisoning

There are no easily recognizable differences between poisonous and nonpoisonous mushrooms, and as Americans become more adventurous in their mushroom collection and consumption, poisonings are likely to increase. Most mushrooms that cause human poisoning cannot be made nontoxic by cooking, canning, freezing or any other means of processing.

Dangerous species are found in habitats ranging from urban lawns to deep woods. Poisonous mushrooms have no antidote and can cause severe illness or death. Only a qualified mushroom expert should identify the mushrooms growing in your community, and you must take appropriate precautions to prevent children and pets from eating or licking them.

Mushroom spores are everywhere all the time. While there is no simple way to get rid of mushrooms in your yard, there are things you can do to minimize fungal growth.

·         Dig up mushrooms as soon as they appear, and throw them in the trash. If you pick them before they mature, they will be unable to send out spores. Never put them on a compost pile; it is an ideal environment for their growth. To avoid spreading their spores, don’t kick, stomp or mow mushrooms.

·         Mushrooms need water and organic matter to grow, so water grass and plants only when necessary and keep your lawn cut and free of debris. Rake up leaves and grass clippings, and scoop up animal droppings.

·         Avoid over-fertilizing your lawn, as fertilizer encourages the growth of mushrooms.

·         Use lawn fungicides. While these won’t eliminate the problem, they may help control it if other measures are not successful.

If a pet or child eats a mushroom from your lawn, seek immediate medical care. Also pick as many of the mushrooms as you can, and take them with you to be identified.

Getting Your Home Ready to Sell

For any homeowner who has waited patiently for the real estate market to improve before putting a home up for sale, now is a great time to do so. After several sluggish years, home sales are experiencing a very healthy recovery. According to a 2013 article in The Washington Post, sales are up as much as 10 percent in some parts of the country.

But before you put the “for sale” sign in your front yard, take some time—and the following steps—to get your home ready to be viewed by real estate agents and potential homebuyers.

·         De-clutter and de-personalize the interior by removing family photos, personal mementos and knickknacks from shelves and table tops.

·         Pay special attention to the kitchen: Remove small appliances, like toaster ovens and coffee makers, from counters. Take everything out of the cabinets and pantry and wash off shelves—or even repaint them—and only put a few items back. Arrange canned goods by size and height and spices alphabetically. Stack dishes, glasses and cups neatly.

·         Clean out and rearrange closets and other storage areas so they look more spacious and not cramped. Hang clothing items by type, for instance, with shirts buttoned and facing in the same direction and shoes lined up in rows. If necessary, rent a storage unit for any overflow items.

·         Make minor repairs, like caulking tubs and showers, patching walls and replacing cracked tiles and grout. Wash windows inside and out, and repaint any uniquely painted inside walls so they are now a neutral color. Replace worn-out bedspreads, throw pillows, curtains or other fabrications. And air out the interior to eliminate any food or pet odors.

·         Make sure the lawn is mowed and bushes are trimmed, and place potted flowers on the porch and near the entry.

And don’t forget to check with the manager or board for rules about real estate signs.

Get Involved

All residents—long-time homeowners, new residents and even renters—can contribute to making our community a great place to live by volunteering a few hours a month on any one of several association projects.

The next time you’re looking for an activity or a way to meet your neighbors, consider participating on an association committee or task force or volunteering to plan a casual neighborhood social gathering. Your ideas, time and effort will be a valuable contribution to making a neighborhood event successful.

Your neighbors aren’t the only ones who’ll benefit from your volunteer endeavors. According to HELPGUIDE.org, volunteering can reveal untapped talents, teach new skills, introduce you to new activities and increase your self-confidence. Participating in a community activity also can provide networking opportunities that can benefit your career and your social life.

Contact an association board member soon to ask how you can get involved in our community. Who knows? There may even be a vacancy on the association board that should be filled by someone just like you.

Safety Tips for Winter Road Trips

Preparedness is paramount when it comes to road trips year-round, and hitting the road for a long drive during winter months is no exception. With an increased risk of potential driving hazards like sleet, snow, strong winds and frigid temperatures, it’s a good idea to think about ways to ensure you’ll travel safely.

Consider the following tips when preparing for your winter road trip:   

·         Invest in an emergency kit for your vehicle. Available at most major retailers, these kits are relatively inexpensive and contain items like flares, booster cables, flashlights, ponchos and first aid supplies for minor injuries.

·         Develop a contingency plan. Create a strategy for dealing with a flat tire, vehicle accident, dead battery or other potential travel delays. Keep a hard-copy list of people or businesses to contact for help should you need it.

·         Stay in touch. Check in with a designated contact during your journey with updates on your location, delays encountered or unexpected situations that require longer travel time. When driving, remember always to pull off the road before using your cell phone.

·         Check the local weather report before heading out. Winter weather can be tricky and forecasts aren’t always accurate. You can double check your destination’s weather history on a variety of websites to determine typical conditions to expect in that area during your travels.

·         Store warm clothes and blankets in your vehicle. Be prepared to stay warm if you’re stuck for extended periods by keeping a blanket or two in your car. Also, pack a small travel case with snow boots, socks, gloves, a scarf, hat and heavy sweater in case you need to leave your vehicle.

·         Review your travel route without GPS. Read through detailed driving directions, including alternate routes, so you know your options. Also consider keeping a map handy in case your navigation system is compromised during your trip.