The first warm weekends of spring send many people into the yard to clean up beds, spread mulch, start compost and deal with pests. Dogs love to help, and they investigate everything with their noses and mouths. Several common gardening materials can be harmful to dogs, so it pays to think about safety before you start digging.
Cocoa bean mulch
Mulch made from cocoa bean shells has a pleasant chocolate scent, and that is part of the problem. It contains theobromine, the same compound that makes chocolate dangerous for dogs. A dog who eats cocoa mulch can develop vomiting, restlessness, a fast heart rate and, with larger amounts, tremors or seizures. If you have a dog, choose a different type of mulch and let neighbors know about the risk if they are considering it.
Other mulches are not entirely risk-free either. Some dogs chew wood mulch, which can lead to splinters or stomach upset, and moldy mulch can carry its own risks. Supervise dogs who like to chew in the garden.
Compost bins and piles
Compost is great for the garden, but decomposing food can grow molds that produce toxins capable of causing tremors and seizures in dogs. Compost may also contain ingredients that are harmful on their own, such as grapes, onions, coffee grounds or bones. Use a secure, closed bin, or fence off open piles so your dog cannot dig in.
Slug and snail bait, rodent bait and insect killers
Pest control products are among the most dangerous items in the shed.
- Slug and snail baits often contain metaldehyde, which can cause severe tremors and seizures in dogs. Some baits use iron phosphate, which is often promoted as less toxic but can still cause problems if eaten in quantity. Treat any bait as a hazard.
- Rodent baits can cause internal bleeding, seizures or kidney damage, depending on the ingredient. Dogs may eat bait directly or eat a poisoned rodent.
- Insecticides vary widely. Follow the label, keep pets away during application, and store products securely.
Whenever possible, choose pest control methods that do not rely on baits your dog could reach. If you hire a pest control company, ask what they use and where they place it.
Fertilizers, bone meal and blood meal
Organic soil amendments such as bone meal, blood meal and fish emulsion can attract dogs, who may dig them up and eat them. Large amounts can cause stomach upset, and bone meal can form a hard mass in the stomach in some cases. Store all amendments in sealed containers and work them well into the soil.
Tools, twine and standing water
- Put away sharp tools, rakes and pruners when not in use.
- Pick up twine, netting and plant ties, which can be swallowed.
- Empty buckets and watering cans that might collect runoff from chemicals.
- Keep fuel, oil and antifreeze tightly sealed and up high.
If your dog eats something from the garden or shed, contact your veterinarian, an emergency clinic or an animal poison control service right away. Bring the product packaging or a photo of the label. Quick action gives your dog the best chance of a good outcome.
