A vet has issued a ‘essential’ warning to pet homeowners on the risks that plant fertilizer poses to dogs this Spring.
Now that the climate is getting (just a little) hotter, we can be spending extra time exterior in our gardens.
However, the brand new season poses new dangers to our pets that homeowners want to concentrate on whether or not it’s toxic crops or dangerous gardening chemical compounds.
Pet homeowners have been urged to be cautious of the potential hazards that lurk inside their houses and gardens, together with objects that look like innocent.
One of the doable risks {that a} vet has issued a warning about is plant fertiliser.
While fertiliser promotes plant development and vitality in gardens, many are unaware that its elements can pose dangers to our beloved furry associates.
With this in thoughts, the crew at tails.com has partnered up with Soto Gardens to launch their first pet-friendly backyard border assortment.
As a part of the collaboration, Head Vet, Sean McCormack has supplied perception into the risks of plant fertiliser for dogs and tips on how to maintain them secure.
What occurs if a canine unintentionally eats fertilizer?
“As we enter the brand new season and the climate will get hotter, many pet mother and father throughout the nation are going to be tending to their backyard after a protracted, bleak winter,” in line with the pinnacle Vet.
Sean added: “While utilizing merchandise, together with fertilisers, forward of spring is a good way to breathe life again into your backyard and encourage faster development, when you have a canine, it’s crucial to grasp the risks that plant fertilisers can pose if ingested.
“First of all, it’s important to know that most household plant fertilisers contain chemicals including nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, often listed as NPK on the packaging. If ingested, regardless of the amount, fertiliser can cause your dog to vomit or have diarrhoea.
“If you lay down plant fertilisers that contain additional features, including moss killer or weed killer, this can pose an even greater threat to your dog’s safety and well-being.
“These products typically include more dangerous chemicals, like iron salts and phenoxy acids, which can have more drastic consequences if eaten.
“As mentioned, ingesting these products has the potential to cause your dog to have diarrhoea or vomit in addition to other issues.
“Chemical poisoning in dogs can also cause muscle tremors, swelling and seizures. If your dog is experiencing any of these, seek veterinary assistance straight away.
‘If plant fertilisers are digested, it can irritate the mouth and gums. If this does occur, after contacting your vet, try to wash your dog’s mouth out with water”.
Is fertilizer bad for dogs to walk on?
The Vet also warned pet owners about the potential dangers of dogs walking on fertilizer.
The expert explained that if your dog has stepped on freshly laid fertilisers, it can cause their paws to become inflamed and irritated.
Sean elaborated: “If your dog begins to excessively lick their paws after being in the garden, this could be a sign that they may be in discomfort after coming in contact with fertiliser.
“Again, washing their paws with water is the best way to get rid of any chemical residue and to soothe the irritation.
“They should have reduced symptoms if small amounts are ingested, but you should always seek medical advice, as your vet can advise you on the right course of treatment.”
How to forestall your canine from consuming fertilizer
“When storing fertilisers, at all times maintain them in a place the place your dogs can’t attain and make sure you securely re-seal the bag,” in line with the pinnacle Vet.
Sean additionally prompt utilizing dog-friendly fertilisers to take away this danger altogether.
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The professional mentioned that there are lots available to order on-line that you should use, so that you don’t have to fret about your furry associates as they roam round your backyard because the climate will get hotter.
He concluded: “There are additionally pure options that work nicely in strengthening the expansion of your crops.
“Seaweed, manure and compost can all be used in your crops and are a lot safer than shop-bought fertilisers on your four-legged pal.
