Lawn Chemicals Can Be Harmful to Your Pet
Posted on 2009 under General Pet Articles | No Comment22 Nov
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It’s hard to ignore the dangers of some chemicals. A quick glance at the label tells us that we shouldn’t breathe them, get them on our skin, or ingest them. So we take the proper precautions to avoid their ill effects. Unfortunately, we often forget about their potential effects on our pets.
Many of the places where we use chemicals are out of reach to the four-legged members of our family. But the lawn is a different story. Our pets run, play, roll and dig there. So if we use lawn chemicals, it could put them at serious risk.
The Dangers of Pesticides
Pesticides are products that are designed to kill lawn pests. The most common pesticides used on lawns are insecticide and herbicide. Both types are bad for pets.
Insecticides usually work by interfering with an insect’s nervous system. This kills the insect shortly after contact. Under normal circumstances, insecticides do not kill humans or animals, but they can have detrimental effects on their nervous systems. Humans are usually careful not to have prolonged contact with these chemicals. But pets are oblivious to their presence, and therefore more likely to suffer ill effects.
Herbicides are used to kill unwanted plants. Those usually used on lawns are designed to kill weeds but leave grass and foliage unharmed. A frequent ingredient in herbicides is 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). 2,4-D was one of the main ingredients in Agent Orange, an herbicide used during the Vietnam War that has caused health problems in veterans. Studies have shown that 2,4-D can enter the systems of dogs, and it is believed to be associated with the development of malignant lymphoma.
Inert Ingredients
The active ingredients in lawn products are a serious cause for concern. But some of these products also contain inert ingredients that are known to be toxic. These ingredients include cadmium, toluene and hydrocarbons. Inert ingredients are not required to be listed on the label, so most consumers are unaware that they are included.
Fertilizers
In general, fertilizers are not as dangerous to pets as pesticides. They do not contain the harsh chemicals that are found in insect and weed killers. But they do often contain heavy metals such as iron, and these can be hazardous to your pet’s health.
“Weed and feed” products contain both fertilizer and pesticides. These can be very dangerous to pets, especially if owners do not realize that the product contains hazardous chemicals. It’s important to know exactly what you’re putting on your lawn so you can take the proper precautions with your animals.
For our pets, the best lawn is a lawn free of fertilizers and pesticides. If you must use such products, shop around for the safest ones possible and keep your pet away from the treated area for at least two days (longer if possible). It’s nice to have a beautiful lawn, but it’s not worth risking your beloved pet’s health to get it.
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