THE GREAT ‘SAFE’ OUTDOORS
THE GREAT “SAFE” OUTDOORS
You want your yard to be attractive and your garden to be productive. You take
the time to make that happen - planting, fertilizing, killing weeds and pests,
mowing and trimming. But have you taken the time to make sure that all you
do in your yard is also safe for your pet?
First, are the plants you have purchased non-toxic to
pets? The ASPCA has compiled a list of overt 1027
common plants that will tell you if they are safe or
toxic for your pets. The list includes a color photo of
of toxicity and the symptoms of exposure. You can
access this list at http://www.aspca.org and search
toxic and non-toxic plants.
When using lawn and garden preparations-fertilizers, weed killers and pesticides,
amaryllis-toxic to dogs, cats, horses
read all labels and be sure that they clearly state that the product is safe
for use around pets and children. Additionally, take care to read and follow all
label directions.
emulsion, grass clippings, and compost (a bin is safer than a pile). Be sure
of these foods at http://www.aspca.org
Many weed killers contain dangerous and toxic chemicals. Again, read the labels
and carefully follow directions. Avoid 4-D, Roundup, decamba and glyphosate.
Safer alternatives are boiling water, vinegar, salt, sugar, or cornmeal.
You can use this recipe for a pet and child safe weed killer. Mix together
1/2-gallon apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup table salt and 1/2 teaspoon Dawn. Place
in a spray bottle and thoroughly wet down weeds.
Use of pesticides (to kill insects, rodents, snails, slugs, gophers, moles and
other pests) can present many dangers to pets. These products are often
combined with ingredients such as peanut butter which make their taste appealing
to animals. Carefully read and follow all labels. Look for pet safe bait
stations and products that are made with herbs and essential oils. But check
with the ASPCA list of toxic and non-toxic plants to ensure that you are using
safe plant materials.
Many people feel that if a product is organic, it is safe for use around children
and pets - not true. Some organic products are just as toxic as their chemical
counterparts.
Be prepared if your pet is exposed to toxic materials. Have handy your veterinarian’s
phone number as well as the phone number of your 24/7 veterinary
may contact ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 or Pet Poison
Helpline at 800-213 6680.
When you are using equipment while caring for your lawn and garden - mower,
weed whacker, trimmer, etc. make sure that your pet is indoors and safe from
Here are some additional websites with helpful information – http://www.aspca.
org, http://www.aspca.org - search poisonous lawn products, www.
petpoisonhelpline.com, http://www.preventivevet.com,
http://www.preventivevet.com, and www.petsafetycrusader.com
Be prepared to ‘safely’ enjoy the outdoors with your pets.
Sara Beavin, Pet First Aid & CPR
7 Ad Rates and Info: 513-919-5588
/www.aspca.org
/www.aspca.org
/www.aspca.org
/www.aspca.org
/petpoisonhelpline.com
/www.preventivevet.com
/www.preventivevet.com
/www.petsafetycrusader.com