LAWN CARE & PETS

Preparing your lawn for spring and summer often involves fertilising the grass. But is it safe for your pets?

The lawn is probably the most used area for pets. It provides a space to play, roll, sniff, dig, smell and grass to chew. Having a healthy lawn is not only aesthetically enjoyable for the family, but it will be free of weeds and irritating burs and bindies that can irritate your pet.

Garden fertilisers are a common and easily available product and most are harmless if applied according to label directions. However, any direct contact should always be avoided. If a pet does have direct contact with a lawn chemical, contact the local poison control office and your veterinarian immediately.

A pet owner may suspect a pet has directly consumed toxic chemicals if the animal appears sick. Signs include increased mobility of the gut, symptoms such as excessive salivation or urination, watery eyes or diarrhoea, or nervous signs, such as tremors. Exposure to high levels of insecticides can lead to heart and lung problems and possibly death. Veterinarians can treat the symptoms and possibly save the animal's life.

Where possible, avoid over-spraying the chemical and water the lawn to help break the chemical before allowing the pet on the lawn. When choosing a fertiliser, look at the label and follow the manufacturer's directions. These products are tested and they will usually state on the instructions when it is safe to allow animals back on the grass following an application.

Tips

Never apply product when animals are in the backyard
Remove feeding and water bowls, bones and any other foods from the backyard
Only use a product that is specifically designed to treat the problem
Always follow the directions as stated on the label
Use the correct measuring applications and never over-use
Where possible, avoid creating ‘puddles’ of water that may contain left over or concentrated levels of chemicals
If wet applications are required, wait until the lawn is dry before allowing animals back in the yard
Store chemicals and other garden products out of reach of pets (and children!)
Only use products that are properly labelled. If your pet becomes ill, take the product and your pet to the vet.

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