Hi there, fellow dog lovers! If you’re like me, you want your furry friend to enjoy the outdoors as much as you do. But did you know that some common plants and pesticides can be harmful to your dog? In this blog post, I’ll share some tips on how to keep your dog safe around the garden.
First of all, let’s talk about plants. Some plants can cause allergic reactions, skin irritation, or even poisoning in dogs. Some of the most dangerous ones are azaleas, lilies, oleander, sago palm, and tulips. You should avoid planting these in your garden or keep them out of your dog’s reach. You can also check this list of toxic and non-toxic plants for dogs from the ASPCA.
Secondly, let’s talk about pesticides. Pesticides are chemicals that are used to kill pests like insects, weeds, or fungi. However, they can also harm your dog if they ingest them or come into contact with them. Some signs of pesticide poisoning in dogs are vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, tremors, seizures, and difficulty breathing. If you suspect your dog has been exposed to pesticides, call your vet immediately.
Always check labels for things like DEET, that maybe used in many pest control products, can be dangerous to pets, as can metaldehydein, found in some slug, snail and rodent control products. Which is fatal to our pets.
Third, fence off any areas where you don’t want your dog to go. This will prevent them from digging up your plants, eating your fruits and vegetables, or getting into trouble with other animals
So how can you protect your dog from pesticides? Here are some suggestions:
- Use organic or natural pesticides instead of synthetic ones. These are less toxic and more environmentally friendly.
- Read the label carefully and follow the instructions on how to use and store the pesticides safely.
- Keep your dog away from the treated area until the pesticide has dried or settled.
- Wash your dog’s paws and coat after they have been in the garden. So they don’t absorb into the skin or lick their paws and ingest it.
- Dispose of any leftover or expired pesticides properly.
Some of my favorite natural pesticides are cinnamon, peppermint, thyme, lavender and lemon balm. Which are great because after they save our vegetables, we can use them to season our food!
I hope these tips help you and your dog enjoy the garden safely and happily. Remember, your dog is part of your family and deserves your care and attention. Happy gardening!