Go4Rent Magazine
Go4Rent publishes a bimonthly magazine for landlords and Realtors intended to be informative, educational and enjoyable to read.
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The popularity of both lifestyles may make new pet owners want to try their hand at creating a garden in their backyards. However, gardening and four-legged friends don't always mesh well together. One wrong move and a beloved family pet could end up seriously ill, or worse.
This article will break down tips and tricks to successfully avoid an emergency veterinary clinic visit while also enjoying a bountiful journey into horticulture.
Accidental pet poisoning by plants is more common than many people realize. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) identified bouquets and plants as the fifth most common cause of pet poisoning in 2020. The organization received 9,000 more calls in 2020 than the previous year due to pets getting sick after ingesting plants or flowers.
Pet owners must educate themselves about the toxicity of plants before they put them in their garden. Not every plant will be equally poisonous to a dog and cat. Still, some common flowers and greenery can be dangerous to both species.
Pet owners can find an extensive list of plants that are toxic to animals on the Pet Poison Hotline’s “Poison” list. Unless a homeowner can build a fence or enclosure to keep a pup or feline out of their garden, the Pet Poison Helpline suggests avoiding the following plants.
All parts of this plant can be dangerous to animals. Dogs or cats that eat even a tiny amount could experience vomiting, diarrhea and even death.
Daffodils
Ingestion of the bulb, plant or flower could be devastating for a pet. The toxins can cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling and abnormal breathing that require an emergency vet visit.
Sago Palm
This plant is popular in the subtropical climate of Texas and Florida. It's hazardous for pets due to its toxic leaves and nuts. Survival rates for a pet who ingests sago palm are bleak. Even with aggressive medical treatment, only about 50% of animals live.
However, if pets are going to be in the garden, their owners need to be sure that what they grow won't cause them harm. The American Kennel Club advises that most fruits (ex. apples, bananas, blueberries, cantaloupe, cranberries, cucumbers, mangos, oranges, peaches, pears, pineapples, raspberries, strawberries, watermelon) and vegetables are safe for pets—with a few exceptions.
Onions, leeks and chives can cause vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain in cats and dogs. Tomatoes contain a toxic substance that could make a dog sick if eaten in bulk. Grapes are very harmful to dogs and cats; they can cause sudden kidney failure in both species.
Pitted fruits can get complicated. The flesh is perfectly healthy for animals, but the pit inside is not. Cherry and peach pits may cause cyanide poisoning in dogs and cats. Keep canines away from the avocado; the entire fruit contains toxins that can trigger vomiting and diarrhea.
AKC also recommends making sure your dog doesn’t have access to nuts of any kind. Some are toxic, and all are high in fat and can cause pancreatic issues.
A fresh produce garden can also attract pests. Pet owners can ward off unwanted visitors by planting non-toxic herbs. Mint, basil and lavender are popular pet-friendly natural pest preventers. Catnip has a dual purpose. Not only does it cause a euphoric effect in cats, but it also serves as a miracle mosquito repellant. Researchers from Northwestern and Lund University recently published a study that found the herb's effectiveness is comparable to DEET.
Pets get heartworm disease through mosquito bites. There's currently a higher-than-usual risk for this illness in pets living in Central and Southern Florida. Experts attribute the shift to a decrease in preventive strategies like medication and pest control during the pandemic. The parasite council also reports that while cases of Lyme disease are low in Texas and Florida, more infections are appearing in the South and West than in previous years.
The creepy crawlies can be kept away with a few preventive tricks. Gardeners should mow the lawn and keep the grass free of litter. Deer and other large animals often harbor ticks that can drop eggs in a garden, so putting up a fence is best to reduce animal traffic. The added benefit is it might also keep wildlife from devouring a freshly planted row of produce. Gardeners can also plant pet-friendly natural insect repellents like basil, catnip, lavender, mint and rosemary.
Before choosing to spray a garden with insecticide, keep in mind that insect killers and associated products can pose a toxin risk to pets. On the same ASPCA top-10 rundown (mentioned above), insecticides and garden products ranked ninth and tenth.
It's not unusual for coral snakes, cottonmouths, copperheads or rattlesnakes to find a cozy new home in Florida or Texas gardens. Some of the best pet-friendly ways to keep snakes at bay are installing ground-level, snake-proof fencing, along with removing clutter that creates tight hiding spots. Gardeners who happen to have a fire pit on the property may be pleased to know that smoke is an excellent natural snake repellent.
Popular pet-friendly fertilizer options include formulas made of seaweed, fish emulsion and manure. The tricky part will be keeping a dog from digging it up. The best method to prevent that risk is creating some kind of enclosure that will keep the canine at a distance.
It can also be challenging to find the right mulch. Poison Control warns that dog owners should stay away from Cocoa Bean Mulch. The mulch made from cocoa bean shells contains the same chemicals as chocolate, which causes vomiting, diarrhea, tremors and seizures.
A well-maintained garden comes in handy as an alternate for grocery shopping and an eye-catching view. Following these tips and tricks will create an excellent outlet to burn off extra energy and be a pet-friendly home.
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Tips and Tricks to Handle Windowless Bathrooms
Residents may experience common problems in their windowless bathrooms. The usual challenges include poor lighting, mold, mildew, dampness, smells, peeling paint and bubbling wallpaper. Excess moisture and poor ventilation are the main causes of these issues, the results of which can lead to health issues and costly repairs. Use these tips and tricks to resolve them all.
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The Ins and Outs of Working with Investors
While tenants of rental properties focus on factors such as property quality, location and monthly rent, investors may focus on one overarching factor: return on investment. Here’s what Realtors need to know about how investors generally decide whether they want to invest in rentals.
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Rental Inspections: Don’t Wait Until Move-Outs Only
Move-in/move-out inspection and periodic inspections are important aspects of managing a rental property. By better understanding what to look for during inspections and how often to schedule them, it is possible for landlords to avoid common mistakes.
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Creating a Go-To Contractor List
Agreeing to a contractual relationship, such as a service maintenance agreement, with a vendor could significantly speed up any frantic searches—especially during emergencies and late-night hours.
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Navigating Out-of-State Rental Properties
Today’s housing market is a bit of a seesaw. In 2022, the Federal Reserve hiked its benchmark interest rate six times. Higher interest rates mean loans are more expensive for consumers. But no matter what happens with inflation, people need a place to live. This is leading property owners to look for a means of disposable income. And sometimes the real estate investor may choose a property from another state.
1
Repairs: Who Pays for What?
For a landlord, a rental property is an uphill battle against mishaps, calamities, the hands of time and sometimes nature itself. To guard their investment, property owners must plan ahead, maneuver tactfully and sometimes be prepared to cut their losses.
2
Can Pet-Friendly Homes Bring Better Tenants?
“Do you have a pet-friendly policy?” It’s a common question that landlords receive before attempting to rent a single-family home.
3
Tenant Modifications That Make a Happy Home
Although some modifications cannot be considered such as replacing all the flooring or repainting the entire home, allowing minor modifications helps tenants feel like a rental property is indeed “home."
4
Rekey for Tenant Safety
Each state will exhibit different property code requirements for rekeying rentals. This is partially due to the demographics and population needs of individual landlords and tenants.
5
How To Protect Yourself From Marginal Applicants
Property managers and landlords are often faced with uncomfortable choices: to rent to the well-meaning but credit-challenged tenants or wait until the ideal candidates pop up.
