Spring is the time of year when ingesting the wrong stuff can get dogs into serious trouble, even in their own backyards. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Animal Poison Control Center reports that its switchboard starts to light up in May when people dig into their yard work and their dogs come along to “help.”
Keeping pets away from commercial weed and bug killers containing toxic chemicals is a no-brainer. And hopefully, none of these are in your landscape maintenance arsenal. But did you know that some seemingly harmless backyard items can be dangerous for dogs? In fact, they can be deadly.
Fertilizers
Dogs walk through plants, collecting product applications on their bodies. When pets come inside, they will try to lick their feet and legs clean, ingesting substances they have picked up.
Lawn fertilizers pose the greatest danger to dogs during and shortly after application. Always read the warning labels and follow application instructions. Most fertilizers recommend that you keep your dog off the grass while you are spreading it and for a specific period of time after application to allow the product to dry.
Keep an eye out for products identified as “weed and feed” – a combination of fertilizers and herbicides – because they contain toxic chemicals. Common herbicides containing 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 4-chloro-2- methylphenoxypropionic acid (MCPP) and/or dicamba have been linked to canine bladder cancer. If you decide to use “weed and feed” fertilizers, read the instructions carefully and steer pets away from applications as you would from any weed or bug killer.
Commercial fertilizers without herbicides will cause only minor stomach problems if accidentally ingested in small amounts. The big problems start when dogs wolf down fertilizers, even organic brands, from an open bag or dig up or eat large quantities applied to gardens. Newly fertilized earth boxes and plant containers are especially tempting.
Dogs are attracted to the smell of blood meal and bone meal commonly found in fertilizers. Eating these substances can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and might affect the pancreas. Some synthetic products contain a variety of heavy metals such as iron, which may also sicken pets. These inert contents can be left off labels.
Before choosing fertilizers, ask a garden center professional for help finding ones that will not harm animals. Play it safe and store all bagged fertilizers where dogs can’t reach them. Equally important: keep the ingredient list of all outdoor products you are using.
Mulches
Some dogs are attracted to cocoa bean mulch because of the yummy smell. As with chocolate in any form, this mulch often contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to dogs. Many mulch producers now cleanse cocoa bean mulches to remove pet toxins. But while mulches containing cocoa are clearly identified on the bag, finding a pet safe brand might not be easy.
Just to be on the safe side, opt for wood mulch with a dog-friendly texture. Eating too much of any wood-based mulch may cause your pet to vomit or have diarrhea. Switching from bark or chips to finely shredded mulch may discourage this habit.
Compost Piles
Composting is an environmentally responsible way to recycle yard and kitchen waste while enriching your soil. But be aware that a compost pile can be a source of pathogens that might seriously harm or kill pets. If your compost contains dairy or food products other than vegetable matter (breads, meats, oils), mold can easily develop.
According to Dr. Camille DeClementi, Senior Toxicologist at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, moldy foods may contain tremorgenic mycotoxins, poisons that can cause neurological symptoms. Even small amounts can be toxic within a few hours of ingestion and, depending on the dose, can be fatal.
Clinical signs in dogs include vomiting, tremors, agitation, panting, and increased body temperature. If left untreated, neurological signs can progress to seizures. Immediate treatment involves administering medications to clear out toxins, relax muscles, and cool down temperatures, if necessary.
Keep pets away from compost by securing the area with fencing or covers. Do not compost food products that can become moldy in places accessible to pet or wildlife.
Get Professional Help – Fast!
If your dog is showing symptoms of distress and you suspect toxic ingestion, contact your veterinarian or 24-hour animal urgent care office as soon as possible to report your observations in detail. If you cannot reach a local vet, call ASPCA Animal Poison Control hotline at (888) 426-4435 ($65 fee) or the Pet Poison Hotline at (855)764-7661 ($49 fee). Both are available 24-7.
Let an expert know about the toxic substance you suspect (here’s where that list of product ingredients may be vital). A veterinary professional will provide a treatment plan to get your pet on the road to recovery.
