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Garden chemicals and pets: How to keep your dog safe

Pets can be accidental casualties in our war against weeds and pests. Here's how to make sure your dog's not one of them.

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Ah, summer: The season to don those ever-fashionable hats and gloves and head outside for some gardening. But if you've got dogs, you might wonder if the chemicals that keep your roses blooming and your grass weed-free could hurt or even kill your pet.

It's not an unreasonable fear. Two of the top ten culprits in accidental poisonings--insecticides and snail and slug bait--are found in the garden. But if you know what chemicals to use with caution and what to steer clear of entirely, you can spare your dog, and yourself, from a frightening ordeal.

Dog-safe gardening and lawn care

What to avoid

Not only is disulfoton extremely toxic to dogs--causing vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and potentially death--it's also a dog's idea of fine dining. "Dogs will eat as much of it as they can get a hold of," says veterinarian Tina Wismer, of the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center. It's often mixed with fertilizers such as blood and bone meal, making it even more appealing to the canine palate.

Wismer recommends that dog owners steer clear of disulfoton pesticides entirely. But if you're bent on using it, keep your pup out of the treated area and store leftovers in a chew-proof container, locked out of reach.

Slug and snail bait with metaldehyde
It can cause tremors, seizures, and even death and again, it tastes mighty good to dogs. If you've got a dog, use something else. Baits containing ferric phosphate are a less toxic version.

What to use with caution

You might also try using corn gluten meal in place of chemicals; a natural herbicide, Wismer says it's effective and safe for dogs.

What about the long-term effects of garden chemicals?

What we do know: Cancer is the leading cause of death in many dog breeds, and playing it safe is never a bad idea. "I would certainly use the least amount of garden chemicals possible and use organic options when you can," says Wismer. It's definitely better for the planet, and it may be better for your dog.

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