Avoid Using Animal Poisons in Your Yard

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We must be vigilant as to what we put within reach of our companion animals. Please post suggestions as to what you use in your yard that you know for certain will not harm your animals or urban wildlife (we don't want to poison bunnies, squirrels, or birds either). I do not use commercial chemical fertilizer, herbicide or pesticide in my yard and I have healthy earth with lots of earth worms. Commercial chemicals tend to seep into the ground water, also. A white vinegar/water solution will kill weeds, consistently applied organic grade diatenaceous earth and beneficial nematodes will control harmful insects, and hot soapy water will keep fire ant mounds at bay. See below ASPCA

article, also. Thanks. MargaretPET POISON ALERT: COCOA BEAN MULCH CAN BE TOXIC TO DOGSIf

your dog likes to spend his summer grazing in your garden, his

treat-seeking nose may lead him to one danger in particular: the

sweet-smelling, but potentially harmful cocoa bean mulch.

Made of cocoa bean shells and considered desirable for its eventual

degradation into organic fertilizer, this gardener’s choice can be

toxic to canines if eaten in large quantities—and some dogs have been

known to eat amazing amounts!

In 2007, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) handled 26

cases of cocoa bean mulch ingestion—a third originating in California.

“Dogs are attracted to the fertilizer’s sweet smell,” says Dr. Steven

Hansen, ASPCA Veterinary Toxicologist and APCC Director, “but like

chocolate, cocoa bean mulch can be too much for our canine companions.”

 

Ingestion of large amounts of cocoa bean mulch, which contains

residual amounts of theobromine—a methylxanthine found in chocolate and

known to be toxic to dogs—may cause a variety of clinical signs. These

typically start with vomiting, diarrhea and elevated heart rate, and if

large amounts are consumed, they may progress to hyperactivity, muscle

tremors and possibly other more serious neurological signs.

Treatment includes administering medical-grade activated charcoal,

bringing tremors under control, cardiac monitoring and preventing

further exposure.

“One key point to remember is that some dogs, particularly those

with indiscriminate eating habits, can be attracted to any organic

matter,” says Dana Farbman, APCC Senior Manager, Professional

Communications. “Therefore, if you have a dog with such eating habits,

it’s important that you don’t leave him unsupervised or allow him into

areas where such materials are being used.”

To avoid contact, pet parents should consider a nontoxic

alternative, such as shredded pine, cedar or hemlock bark. These will

keep your pooch—and your garden—healthy.

For more detailed information, please take a look at our Animal Poison Control Center online.