photo by emanoel Soares Marin, Jr.
Now that spring is here, it will soon be time to start working on your lawn. Before you begin, it is a good idea to be aware of the dangers that lawn chemicals can pose to your pets. Most health care problems in pets occur when lawn care chemicals are used in excessive amounts or too frequently. Before purchasing any lawn chemical, carefully read the label, directions and precautions. When you use the product, be sure to follow the instructions exactly.
If you use a lawn care service, ask what types of chemicals they will be using on your lawn. As with any product, just because it is labeled natural or organic doesn’t mean that it’s non-toxic. For example, arsenic is natural, but can kill you. Professional lawn care companies usually leave flags indicating that an area has been sprayed. If you see these flags, keep pets and children out of the area.
Fertilizers pose the least danger, but it is important to remember that any chemical eaten in large amounts can cause toxic effects. Herbicides kill weeds, while insecticides kill insects. Both can harm your pet or children if they are overexposed to these chemicals.
Once used, a lawn care product is dangerous until it has completely dried. Spray-on products can take several hours to dry, while granular chemicals must be heavily saturated in order to completely dissolve. To play it safe, do not let your dog back on the grass from 24 to 72 hours. Be aware of your immediate neighbors or community and what chemicals they are using on their lawns.
The symptoms of severe lawn chemical poisoning include drooling, diarrhea, vomiting, hind-end paralysis, breathing difficulties and muscle tremors. If you suspect that your pet has become ill from lawn chemicals, call your vet or local emergency clinic immediately.
