BARKING
UP THE WRONG TREE???
For many of us, the onset of the warmer spring weather
results in a trip to the garden centre.
But
we must insert a cautionary note here... Some of the products
we commonly use in our gardens(usually to eradicate
pests) can also be toxic to our animal companions.
SLUG
PELLETS frequently contain the chemical 'metaldehyde'
and are generally blue or green in colour. Metaldehyde
is very toxic to pets and since many dogs will eat almost
anything, slug pellets should only be used with great
care, keeping pets away from areas where they are used
and stored.
Many
gardeners will apply a thick layer of mulch to their flower
beds in the Spring and Summer months. A little known but
potentially lethal hazard is the use of cocoa shell mulch.
Dogs are attracted to these shells by their smell, but
they contain theobromine which is very poisonous to dogs.
As a result, it is safer to use an alternative such as
tree bark. As a general rule, when applying anything to your garden, ALWAYS read the label
carefully regarding the hazarsda to pets, and (of course!)
to humans. |
