Pet owners have a big decision to make, use chemicals and have the perfect lawn or forget the chemicals in an effort to keep pets safe from accidental poisoning. Can we have a great yard and keep our pets safe? Dr. Petra Volmer, a veterinarian and toxicologist says “most problems occur when people don't follow label instructions.”
To use products or not to use products: Most residential use products have low toxicity with insecticides and snug or snail bait being the most dangerous. When using these products follow label instructions very carefully. Another option is to go organic. Organic products are usually safer but even natural products can be toxic so follow the label instructions.
Accidental exposure: If a pet has been accidentally exposed to a lawn product wash the pet immediately with liquid dish soap (Dawn is a safe choice) and call your veterinarian with the product information. Any direct exposure could be dangerous, just walking in a recently treated lawn could have toxic effects, so make sure all animals are out of the area before using these products.
Symptoms of exposure: An animal that has been exposed to lawn products may act strangely, stumbling, salivating, vomiting, and seizures. If an animal or pet starts having these symptoms and lawn products have been recently used call your veterinarian immediately and have the product information handy.
Prevent exposure: Preventing a problem is the best way to go.
- Avoid applying the product when pets are in the area.
- Avoid water and food bowls, bird baths, and bird feeders, take these items in the house or turn them over so the lawn product won't contaminate them.
- If contact is made with water/food dishes they will need to be washed throughly with soap and water.
- Animals should not be allowed back into the area until the next day, some products will need to be throughly watered down and allowed to dry.
- Check the yard for any puddles that could have been contaminated with the lawn product before allowing animals back into the area.
Storing lawn care products: All products should be stored away from animals and children. It is a good idea to store products in the original container and keep labels intact so they are readable before each use. It is very important that label instructions can be read and followed.
References: Use Lawn and Garden Products Cautiously Around Pets
Related Articles: Rodenticide Poisoning, Pet First Aid Kit, Cheap Organic Pest Control
Charla Dawson - I work as a veterinary nurse in a busy veterinary hospital in Wichita, KS. I love my job but it can be difficult when the abuse cases come ...
