Did you know that many chemicals commonly used on lawns, including fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides can cause harm to both you and your pet's health?
Some veterinarians have reported that an unusually high number of pets are coming in after being exposed to such chemicals and getting severely ill, so it is important for you to be aware of the risk. Here are some precautions to take to prevent problems with lawn chemicals:
Read the labels of any lawn treatments before purchasing or applying them to know whether they are toxic to you and your pets. Be sure and follow directions when handling and applying them.
Keep pets away from lawns after the chemicals have been applied and while they are still wet. Even if the chemical is a non-toxic one, you do not want your pets getting their feet soaked with them.
Dispose of, or safely store any unused chemicals so that they are out of reach of pets and children.
Make sure to clean up or wash away any standing puddles or spills. Pets have been known to drink from these and this could cause sever illness and even death.
If you suspect that your pet has been exposed to lawn chemicals, immediately call your vet making sure to give information on what you suspect is wrong with your pet including the name of the chemical and the symptoms you are observing or, if after hours, check our Pet Emergencies section of our site which lists the closest emergency hospital as well as hotline numbers and many other resources you can refer to in the event of a pet emergency.
With just a little precaution, you and your pets can enjoy a happy, fun filled outdoor summer.
Did you know that many chemicals commonly used on lawns, including fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides can cause harm to both you and your pet's health?
Some veterinarians have reported that an unusually high number of pets are coming in after being exposed to such chemicals and getting severely ill, so it is important for you to be aware of the risk. Here are some precautions to take to prevent problems with lawn chemicals: