Spring is when many people feed their lawns, tackle weeds and start pest control in the garden. Pets, meanwhile, walk across that grass, roll in it, sniff it and then lick their paws. That does not mean you have to give up on a healthy lawn, but it does mean reading labels carefully and changing a few habits.
Know what you are using
Lawn and garden products vary widely. Fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and combination products all contain different ingredients. Some fertilizers include added pesticides or herbicides, and some contain ingredients like bone meal or blood meal that dogs may find tempting to eat. Before you buy or apply anything, read the label and look for:
- Directions about keeping people and pets off treated areas, and for how long
- Whether the product needs to be watered in or allowed to dry
- Storage and disposal instructions
- Warnings about ingestion and first aid
The label is the legal instructions for use. Follow it exactly. If you hire a lawn service, ask them what they plan to apply and how long pets should stay off the grass. Many services will leave a marker or note after treatment.
Application day habits
- Keep pets indoors while products are applied and for as long as the label directs.
- Sweep or blow granules off patios, walkways and driveways back onto the lawn, so pets do not walk through them.
- Do not let pets drink from puddles, watering cans or birdbaths in treated areas.
- Move water and food bowls, toys and pet beds out of the area first.
Storage is where many accidents start
Dogs can tear open a bag of fertilizer in seconds, and a large amount eaten from the bag is far more concerning than a dog walking on a properly treated lawn. Store all lawn and garden products in their original containers, sealed, on high shelves or in a locked cabinet. Clean up spills right away. Slug and snail baits and rodent baits are especially dangerous to pets, so talk to your veterinarian or a pest professional about safer approaches if you have a pest problem.
After walks and outdoor time
You cannot control every neighbor’s lawn. If you walk your dog past freshly treated grass, keep them on the sidewalk when you can, and wipe their paws with a damp cloth when you get home. This is a good habit in spring anyway, since it also removes mud and pollen.
Signs to take seriously
If you think your pet has eaten a lawn or garden product, or got into a bag or container, call your veterinarian or an animal poison control service right away. Have the product label available. Signs that need prompt attention include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, trembling, weakness, difficulty breathing or unusual behavior. Do not wait for symptoms to appear if you know your pet ate something, and do not try home remedies unless a veterinarian tells you to. Quick advice from a professional is the most important first step.
