Many gardeners enjoy having their furry companions accompany them while performing gardening chores.
Inquisitive pets will quickly discover any hazards inherent to gardens and storage areas.
Obvious hazards include lawn mowers, weed whackers, rototillers, pruning saws and swimming pools.
But less apparent are ponds, poisonous plants, chemicals, compost, various mulches, heatstroke and sunburn.
Ponds are particularly worrisome as a dog could develop digestive upsets associated with licking toads or drinking the water. Large ponds may attract wild animals that could contaminate it with E.coli, or other infectious organisms.
Although the list of poisonous plants is lengthy, the reality is that few adult pets will munch on lilies, monkshood, daffodils, onions, mushrooms or other toxic plants.
Unfortunately, puppies will chew on anything they find lying around. Those newly purchased bulbs or spent foliage removed from garden beds are classic examples that could cause a sick tummy.
Although most pesticides have been banned from use in Ontario, many other garden products could be potentially harmful to animals. Some of these chemicals are toxic if eaten, while others can be absorbed by the skin. Topical powders can be irritating to the eyes, mouth and skin.
Slug baits that contain either metaldehyde or iron phosphate are highly toxic. Obviously, manufacturers have to make them tasty so that their intended audience will devour them.
Even natural products such as tea tree oil are harmful if swallowed. Toxic substances may either be absorbed directly through the skin or ingested when the pet grooms itself.
For a large dog, the amount of toxin that is consumed this way may be minor enough to only cause mild digestive upset, but for the small dog or cat, the amount could be life-threatening.
To the avid gardener, compost is often called ‘black gold’ because of its value in improving the soil. We all know to avoid putting meat and dairy products into the compost.
However, pet owners also know that the compost pile is strangely appealing to many dogs. Veterinarians will tell you that they have to treat various illnesses associated with munching partly-composed stuff from the heap. If you have pets, your best defence is to use covered compost bins.
Mulch is the gardener’s friend, particularly for suppressing weeds and retaining soil moisture. Traditional mulches present few hazards to pets, except to the puppy who insists on eating everything.
But, mulches made from less traditional materials such as cocoa beans or spent coffee grounds could be problematic. Cocoa bean mulch is popular with some gardeners because of its fine texture and its chocolaty smell. Apparently some manufacturers even incorrectly state that it as a way to keep cats out of your garden.
Often, environmentally conscious gardeners make arrangements with local coffee shops to recycle spent grounds as garden mulch. Both chocolate and coffee contain theobromine which is toxic to dogs and cats. If your pet decides to dine on your new mulch, it can prove to be fatal.
Many people are surprised to learn that cats and dogs can become sunburned. Areas where the fur is thin, such as the nose or ear tips, burn more readily.
A pet that has recently been treated to a short summer haircut will be more susceptible to harm from the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
Heatstroke can occur if your pet lies in the sun for too long, or if it exercises too vigorously. To avoid these risks, keep your pet out of the sun during peak hours.
Storage areas can be a source of hazards to a pet’s health. Pool chemicals, ethylene glycol antifreeze, rat poisons and other dangerous substances should be kept well out of reach.
Even containers of expandable foam insulation used to seal drafts are dangerous. Dogs have been known to chew open the containers and swallow the pre-expanded product. Once it reaches the stomach, the foam expands, causing a life-threatening obstruction that requires immediate surgery.
To prevent accidental injury, make sure you read all labels before using products in areas that are accessible to your pet. If you suspect that your pet has been exposed to a toxic substance, it is vital to seek immediate veterinary care.
Don’t forget to take along the plant or container if possible.
Dr. Cheryl Yuill is a veterinarian who lives in Elora, and a member of the Fergus Horticultural Society.
