“I see it all the time in my clinic in the springtime,” says Dr. James Cook, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association. “Animals get into fertilizers and pesticides—those used on a home or on a farm—and they make the animals sick.”
Organic consumers already know about the dangers of pesticides and herbicides, which can be toxic for pets. Even when these chemicals aren’t lethal, long-term health concerns exist. Studies indicate their use may be tied to increased rates of specific cancers in dogs. If your pet is exposed in a park or neighbor’s lawn, immediately wash him with soap and water and call your veterinarian.
Lawn fertilizers—even the organic kind—can be toxic, as well. Store fertilizer in an area far from where your dog or cat (and your children, for that matter) can reach it. After fertilizing your lawn, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how long to wait before allowing your pet into the area.
Cocoa bean mulch, with its fragrant shells, is becoming a popular garden aid. But chocolate products, whether edible or in mulch form, are highly toxic to dogs.
As for specific plants and flowers, oleander, azalea, yew, foxglove, rhododendron and kalanchoe may cause heart problems if ingested. Lilies, one of the most common spring flowers, are extremely toxic to cats. Cats will often chew them, and even small amounts can lead to kidney failure and death.
Rhubarb makes a fine pie, and it’s a staple in many vegetable gardens. The leaves, however, are poisonous and can cause kidney failure.
“People need to be aware of these potential hazards,” says Dr. Cook (right), who treats pets in Lebanon, KY. “Along with better weather, spring brings with it the use of a number of common lawn chemicals and the blooming of plants that can be hazardous to pets.”
Resources
- List of Toxic and Nontoxic Plants
- Video: 17 Common Poisonous Plants
- Top 10 Pet Poisons of 2008
- People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets
- What to Do If Your Pet Is Poisoned
- Animal Poison Control FAQ
Photo courtesy of AVMA/ARA
[...] OrganicAuthority.com – Organic Blog ? Garden Hazards for Pets By Barbara Feiner Lawn fertilizers?even the organic kind?can be toxic, as well. Store fertilizer in an area far from where your dog or cat (and your children, for that matter) can reach it. After fertilizing your lawn, follow the manufacturer?s … OrganicAuthority.com – Organic Blog – http://www.organicauthority.com/blog/ [...]
[...] A nice web master placed an interesting blog post on OrganicAuthority.com – Organic Blog Garden Hazards for PetsHere’s a brief overviewAfter fertilizing your lawn, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how long to wait before allowing your pet into the area. Cocoa bean mulch, with its fragrant shells, is becoming a popular garden aid. … [...]
[...] – Organic Blog Garden Hazards for Pets April 12th, 2009 A nice web master added an interesting post today on OrganicAuthority.com – Organic Blog Garden Hazards for [...]
[...] OrganicAuthority com Organic Blog Garden Hazards for Pets Posted by root 1 day 5 hours ago (http://www.organicauthority.com) Apr 11 2009 garden hazards for pets by barbara feiner lawn fertilizers even the organic kind can be toxic as well leave a comment name required powered by wordpress this blog is protected by dr dave spam karma 2 Discuss | Bury | News | organicauthority com organic blog garden hazards for pets [...]
[...] – Organic Blog Garden Hazards for Pets Filed in Uncategorized on Apr.12, 2009 Another decent blogger added an interesting post today on OrganicAuthority.com – Organic Blog Garden Hazards for [...]
[...] A smart blogger created an interesting post today on OrganicAuthority.com – Organic Blog Garden Hazards for PetsHere’s a short outlinecome in 3 sizes, Small (1-20 lbs), Medium (15-35 lbs) and Large (30 plus lbs) Best deals on kong senior toy for dogs medium. 1) Great for puppies, senior dogs and people too! I am a small guy and i would be carrying to school everyday. Kong Toys- MEDIUM KONG Dental Toys- SMALL KONG DENTAL STICK. Re-establish play and exercise again with the Senior KONG. How long should a dog be on antibiotics after surgery? Sizes include Small Kong 3″, Medium Kong 3.5″, and Large Kong 4.25″. 1) Small (pets up to 12 lbs.), medium (pets up to 40 lbs), large (pets Advantix Medium (11-20 lbs) 6 pack Bayer Misc. Senior KONG- MEDIUM 15-35 lbs (7.99) 6.29. For use on dogs Kong Senior Toy for Dogs- Small. Meteorlite LED Ball For smaller breeds (15 lbs and under), we offer a 5″ size. Flea n Tick and Glucosamine Products Kong Senior Toy for [...] [...]