by Sabrina Martin

Created on: July 21, 2009   Last Updated: July 22, 2009

Keeping a lawn and garden looking nice takes a lot of work. In order to lighten the work load many of us use lawn care and garden products. Although these products might deliver the results we're looking for, many of them can be harmful and even deadly to pets.

Below are some common lawn care and garden products that are harmful to pets.

1. Insecticides

Many of us use insecticides in our yards and gardens to keep annoying insects away from plants. These bugs can be harmful to our plants, but the insecticides can be harmful to our pets. Certain insecticides such as slug and snail bait are extremely deadly to pets.

According to an article titled "Snail Bait Poisoning in Dogs - Slug Pellet Poisoning in Dogs" on dogchat.com, the active ingredient in snail and slug bait that is toxic to pets is called, metaldehyde. Many snail and slug baits are in the form of pellets and have molasses and apple added to them. The sweet smell makes it very attractive to pets.

It only takes a small amount of snail and slug bait to be deadly. If you're pet ingests the bait, take them to a Vet immediately. Some of the symptoms of poisoning from snail and slug bait include but are not limited to tremors, excessive drooling, vomiting, panting, nervousness, and diarrhea.

2. Herbicides

Herbicides can also be harmful to pets, such as Weed and Feed. Dr. Dawn Ruben, in her article titled, "Lawn & Garden Hazards in Dogs" on petplace.com points out that herbicides are usually only toxic when consumed straight from the bag. When applied to the lawn, the toxicity level is reduced since it is no longer in a concentrated form.

The same is true for fertilizers. If large amounts are consumed it can be toxic to pets. Usually after being applied to the lawn or garden it's spread out enough to reduce the toxicity level.

3. Compost

Some compost contains a toxic chemical called tremorgenic mycotoxins. In her article "Hidden Yard Hazards that can Poison your Dog" on associatedcontent.com, C. Jeanne Heida says "These toxins affect the neurological system of a dog, and are found in certain types of moldy foods such as grains, nuts, moldy spaghetti, and moldy dairy products."

It's best to keep compost in a closed container where pets cannot get to it. Some of the things used in compost emit an appetizing smell that can attract pets. In some cases ingestion of compost can prove deadly.

4. Citronella candles

Although they might smell good, work well to keep the mosquitoes away, and make the patio look more attractive they can be harmful to pets. If ingested they can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Having a beautiful lawn and happy, healthy pets doesn't have to be mutually exclusive. You can enjoy the pleasures of both by ensuring that harmful lawn care and garden products are kept out of reach.

Avoid using certain products such as snail and slug bait if you have pets. You might consider switching to organic lawn and garden care products or mixing up some of your own solutions. Doing so will keep your lawn and garden beautiful and your pets safe.

References:

dogchat.com article, "Snail Bait Poisoning in Dogs - Slug Pellet Poisoning in Dogs" http://www.dogchatforum.com/snailbait-poisoning-dogs .htm

Dr. Dawn Ruben, article, "Lawn and Garden Hazards in Dogs," on petplace.com, http://www.petplace.com/dogs/lawn-garden-hazards-in- dogs/page1.aspx

C. Jeanne Heida article, "Hidden Yard Hazards that can Poison your Dog," on associatedcontent.com, http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/310948/hidd en_yard_hazards_that_can_poison.html?cat=53

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