Purdue Extension Service

Vanderburgh County, Indiana

Pets and Garden Chemicals

By Larry Caplan, Extension Horticulture Educator, Vanderburgh County, IN

For the Evansville Courier and Press, April 11, 2008

Many of the fertilizers and pesticides we use in the yard and garden can be harmful to pets and wildlife. Just as with people, animals can be exposed to pesticides by breathing or swallowing the chemical, or absorbing it through their skin.

Some products look like food to birds, putting song birds at risk. Our family pets can walk (and dig, and roll) in our treated yards, covering themselves with chemicals. Some pesticides can be absorbed straight through the pets' foot pads. When they groom (lick) themselves, they can swallow unhealthy doses of chemicals.

The most important step in protecting pets and wildlife from pesticides is to read - and follow - all label directions. Be sure to read the environmental hazards section, which may make special warnings about harm to bees, birds, and fish.

The label will list how long you must remain off the treated area (usually 12 to 24 hours), so keep pets indoors, or walk them in untreated areas. The label may tell you to water the chemical in (such as with grub control products), to remove the chemical from the surface where pets can come in contact with it. After the re-entry restriction time is over, it's considered safe to allow the pets into the area. Any spray that was applied to the grass will not rub off easily once it's dry; the pet would have to eat more grass than its stomach can hold in order to be poisoned.

Use the least toxic chemical that will do the job. Insecticidal soap controls many small, soft-bodied insects, and is considered practically non-toxic. Be aware, though, that many "organic" pesticides can also be toxic to animals.

Mix and apply pesticides carefully. More is not better, and this can put high levels of chemicals into the environment, which increases the risks to pets and wildlife.

Be sure your pets are kept away from where you are mixing the products (you don't want them drinking up any spills), and where you are spraying or fertilizing. Most dogs are very curious, and will stick their noses where you are working, which will give them a snout-full of chemical. They are safest indoors until the treated area is dry.

Cover food and water containers to prevent contamination. Any toys (children or pets) should be removed from the yard before treating. Avoid spraying on windy days, to keep the chemical from drifting into pet pens or sensitive areas like ponds.

Store fertilizers and pesticides in their original containers, making sure the covers are on tight. Store in a secure area inaccessible to pets.

Common symptoms of poisoning include: Muscle tremors, seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation and licking the mouth, restlessness or excitability, and breathing problems. If you suspect a poisoning, call your veterinarian or veterinary emergency clinic immediately. Be sure to let them know what was applied and when, as well as at what rates.

For more information on pesticide safety, contact the Purdue Extension Service at (812) 435-5287.