Dogs: Beware of neighbors spraying chemicals on their lawns

Throughout the history of the Seagate World blog, we have been an advocate for the proper care and feeding of dogs. Some past articles that were notable include:

Feeding Commercial Dog Food vs. Real Food

Feeding Commercial Dog Food vs. Real Food Part II

Feeding our dogs (Part III) a more natural diet

Fish Oil Supplements for Dogs: Benefits and Dosages

Healthy Dog Treat Alternatives and Homemade Recipes

More Dog Food Recalls

Common Dog Skin & Fur Issues and How to Treat Them Naturally

However, striking even closer to home is a danger that most people may not be aware of — the neighbor spraying chemicals such as fungicides and pesticides on their lawns which can contaminate your pet should they happen to set foot upon these toxic patches of dirt and grass. Dogs love to roll around on lawns, whether its your own, your neighbor’s or at the park.

                                                     Photo Credit – Sean MacEntee via Flickr

Many pets are susceptible to falling ill as a result of exposure to lawn chemicals. Pet owners also happen to carry many pesticide chemicals with them, on clothes and shoes, as a result of regular exposure. Research has revealed that after pesticides are applied outdoors on lawns, they often make their way indoors and onto surfaces.  Some items, such as fertilizers, may only cause mild stomach upset, while others, such as insecticides, can be deadly.

So as a safe practice, do not apply anything on your lawn unless it is organic based fertilizer. Keep your dog off of neighbors’ lawns, especially if they have been observed actively spraying. You just have no idea what is in the spray can that is being used by your neighbor. Remove your shoes when entering your home, so as not to track pesticides into your home which then become another source of contamination for you and your pets. Remember it is not just their paws and skin which are susceptible. Dogs like to place their snouts into vegetation to check the smells left by other dogs.

As a safe practice, use only organic or marine based fertilizers in your garden whether or not you have a pet. The healthier your garden, the less likely that you will need and chemicals to control pests. Be careful of everyone else living nearby who may not be as responsible.

One safe place is diving in the Gulf of California. The following link shows a brief video of a whale shark swimming lazily through the water inside Bahia de Los Angeles in Baja California. This fellow was ~20 feet long and was cruizing slowly through the water filtering plankton. It was difficult to catch up to him while still carrying and pointing the camera. Once I grabbed on to his tail, he booted me off and swam away. MVI_1128