The Top 10 Pet Dangers Lurking in Your Garden

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Gardens and flowers could be such magical places, where flowers dance in the wind and a curious pet can explore, all with such enthusiasm. Underneath the beauty, there are threats. As a pet owner, your lush yard could be hiding dangers you never thought possible. Your furry friend’s safety may rely on your sharp eye for things that could harm your pet, from toxic plants to sneaky critters.

Pets love the outdoors, whether it’s a dog sniffing every leaf or a cat pawing at every fluttering butterfly. But their innate curiosity is much quicker to get them into trouble than you can often manage! Taking a moment to identify and address garden risks can save you a lot of heartache, and perhaps even an emergency visit to the vet.

Garden Fencing

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You’d think a fence would do the trick, but if there are gaps or weak spots, it’s an escape route for your pet. An animal with curious behaviour may suffer from injury chasing a good spot to climb out. Check to see that your garden boundaries are securely and regularly.

Toxic Plants

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Your pets may find some of those most stunning plants in your garden to be downright deadly. For example: lilies are beautiful, but can be fatal to a cat if it comes into contact with lily pollen or lily water in a vase . Common in many gardens are azaleas and oleander, which can cause vomiting, heart problems and worse if ingested. Before planting your favorite blooms, always check to see if they are safe for your four legged friend.

Chemical Hazards

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Your garden might thrive with fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides, but they wreak havoc on your pet’s health. These products contain chemicals that can be bad for you to lick or inhale. Intestinal blockages can be caused from bone or blood meal organic fertilizers consumed too. The ASPCA reports that many cases of pet poisoning are due to garden chemicals being left within easy reach.

Compost Piles

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While composting is eco friendly, it’s not pet friendly. Dogs love the smell of decomposing food scraps, including moldy or spoiled food such as coffee grounds, chocolate or onions, all of which are harmful to your pet. If you do have a compost pile, make sure it’s covered or fenced off to prevent a wrong snack attack.

Mulch Mishaps

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Although a favorite of gardeners because of its chocolatey aroma, cocoa mulch is toxic to dogs. The same chemical that gives chocolate a bad rap in pets is also found within it: theobromine. Non toxic mulches can still be a choking hazard or cause stomach blockages if chewed. Choose safer options such as cedar or pine.

Sharp Tools and Hardware

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Leaving forgotten tools lying around the garden can spell disaster. Cuts, punctures, or even worse, can be caused by sharp edges, rusty nails, or even loose netting. Because pets don’t know the difference between a plaything and a hazard, keeping your tools safely stored can prevent an injury.

Water Features

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Ponds, fountains, even small decorative pools can be dangerous to pets. If the edges are steep, or slippery, a playful pup might fall in and struggle to get out. Bacteria and algae love stagnant water — including toxic blue green algae — which can make you seriously ill if ingested. Any water features in your yard need to be pet proofed for safe access points and barriers.

Insects and Critters

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Wasps, spiders, or snakes are often unwanted guests in your garden. They can hurt your pets and cause allergic reactions. In some parts of the country, venomous snakes pose an even bigger threat. Make sure the critters don’t have places to hide—clear out debris in areas, and keep a close eye on your pets out in the wild.

Mushroom Mayhem

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Not all mushrooms are innocent as they appear. Also, some plants that may be growing wild in your yard are toxic to your pets, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and even neurological damage. The North American Mycological Association says many species of mushrooms can be harmful to dogs and cats. You should take it out in case you’re unsure if the mushroom is safe.

Slug and Snail Baits

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Many products for killing slugs and snails contain metaldehyde, a very toxic chemical to pets. Even small amount ingestion can lead to severe symptoms such as seizures and tremors. If you must use slug bait, use pet safe versions and keep them away.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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