Pet-Safe Gardens and Yards

Although the backyard can be a great place to relax and play, it can also be dangerous for our dogs and cats. Creating a pet-safe garden is not an impossible task, however. This spring, just take a few precautions to ensure that our outdoor space is safe for family members, including those with four legs. 

Chemicals
Many common garden products can be poisonous, even fatal, to dogs. Slug pellets—which to a dog can appear to be kibble--are particularly dangerous, as are many weed-killers. Always carefully read the instructions, and remember that while some weed-killers say they are pet-safe, often this only applies only they have dried.  That means you need to keep your off the treated area for several hours after application, because residue from these substances can be picked up on your pet’s paws only to be licked off later. 

If you suspect your dog has eaten slug pellets or any other toxic substance, you should contact your vet immediately, and be prepared to take your pet to your veterinarian or a veterinary emergency center for urgent attention.

And to be extra-safe, try using the many available organic, earth-friendly products  that are safe for pets and humans.  

For example, some people recommend that weeds can be controlled with a vinegar spray, salted water or neem oil.  And some garden pests, such as earwigs, can be controlled using soy sauce and vegetable oil in empty yogurt cups partially buried in the dirt. They say the bugs crawl in, and the oil slicks them up so they can’t get back out. Aphids and other soft bodied insects can often be discouraged with a spray containing water and a tablespoon of dish detergent.

Garden tools
It’s best to put your pet in the house before using your lawn mower or mechanized weed-trimmer, as both can cause severe injuries.  Also never leave tools with sharp points or blades lying around, as dogs can easily be injured if they stand on or run over them.  Hoses also may be tempting for dogs to chew and even ingest, which can lead to the need for costly surgical removal.  It’s easier on all concerned to just keep all your gardening equipment off the ground and out of reach when not in use.

Water 
Make sure that all ponds, wading/swimming pools, etc. are properly covered.  This is particularly important if you have a puppy, as it could be unable to get out of even the most shallow of ponds.

Fencing
If you are using creosote or any other wood preserver to treat your fence, keep pets away until it is dry, and make sure that containers are never left uncovered for animals to drink from.

Plants
Some common plants can be poisonous to animals and, in extreme cases, can even be deadly. And bulbs—with their round shape—can be particularly tempting to the average curious dog, so keep them well out of reach.

Some of the most common plants that can be poisonous to dogs are listed below.  (A complete listing can be found at  HYPERLINK "http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants/" http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants/ )

clematis armandii

foxglove

primrose

yew

fritillary

rhododendron

horse chestnut

ivy

rhubarb

laburnum

lobelia

wysteria

sweet peas

lupin

euphorbia

nightshades

poppy

chrysanthemum


Not All Mulch Is Good Mulch
Gardeners love cocoa bean mulch for its rich color, fine texture and sweet chocolate-like aroma. However, count it out where pets are allowed. Cocoa mulch is a byproduct of chocolate manufacturing and contains the same substances as chocolate – theobromine and caffeine—both of which are toxic to dogs and cats. Ingesting cocoa mulch can cause vomiting, diarrhea, muscle tremors, elevated heart rate, hyperactivity and seizures. According to Snopes.com, some manufacturers of cocoa mulch now claim that their products are theobromine free and pet safe.  However, it’s wise to play it safe and use shredded pine, cedar or hemlock bark instead. It’s also wise to stay away from using any mulch that’s treated with weed inhibitor or insect repellent.

Compost Piles and Worm Bins
These eco-friendly practices can be very beneficial to your garden, but be sure they’re not accessible to your pets…especially if you have a dog that views garbage and rotting food as a delicacy.

For more information on pet-safe gardens, see: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/pet-safe-gardening.aspx