**Gardeners Urged to Take Precautions After Warning Over Dog Seizure Risks**
As the warm weather arrives and many across the UK turn their attention to garden projects, a stark warning has been issued for pet owners and garden enthusiasts alike. With more time being spent outdoors, even those without pets need to be vigilant, as visiting dogs can also be at risk from commonly used products found in the garden and around the home.
Ross Hallifax, an expert in pet insurance at Purely Pets, has highlighted an often-overlooked danger – the use of garden and household chemicals. Hallifax cautions that an innocent mistake, such as applying fertiliser to your lawn, can pose significant health risks to dogs, even if you do not personally own one.
“Substances found in fertilisers, including nitrogen and phosphorus, can cause severe health issues for dogs,” Hallifax explained. “Should a dog walk across freshly treated grass, it may experience irritation to the skin or paws. Ingesting the chemicals can further result in stomach upset, vomiting, or diarrhoea, due to the toxicity of these ingredients.”
It is not just fertilisers that are cause for concern. Many gardeners rely on pesticides—both in powdered and liquid forms—to control unwanted pests. However, these products are frequently made with compounds that, while effective against garden pests, are equally hazardous to household pets.
“Pesticides have the potential to upset your dog’s digestive system and irritate their skin,” Hallifax added. “The risks escalate dramatically when it comes to products like slug and snail bait. These can contain highly toxic agents that, if ingested by a dog, may lead to severe and rapid-onset symptoms, from muscle tremors to full seizures.”
Moreover, those undertaking painting or renovations near the garden should also exercise caution. Fumes and residues from paint, known for their chemical content, can be harmful if inhaled or swallowed by a curious canine. This extends the area of risk far beyond the garden itself, as chemicals used for home improvement projects are also implicated.
Dog owners—along with anyone who has dogs visit their gardens—are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the warning signs of chemical poisoning. According to Hallifax, clinical symptoms to monitor include vomiting, diarrhoea, hyperactivity, restlessness, tremors, and, in acute cases, seizures or fits. Blood in the stool may indicate a particularly severe reaction and should be treated as a veterinary emergency.
Immediate action is vital if you suspect a dog has been exposed to any harmful chemicals. “Do not wait for symptoms to worsen,” Hallifax emphasised. “Contact your vet as soon as possible, narrate the incident, and provide details of the product involved. This information can assist veterinary professionals in quickly identifying an appropriate treatment plan.”
The concern stretches beyond private gardens, as public parks and shared green spaces are also prone to the use of these chemicals. As such, the warning is pertinent to the wider community, including those without dogs who may welcome canine visitors or who share communal outdoor areas.
With pet ownership at an all-time high in the UK and as more people enjoy their gardens during the summer, experts are increasingly reminding the public to be mindful of the products they use. Safety data sheets should always be checked, and dog-friendly alternatives are widely available for those wishing to create a safe haven for both plants and pets.
In summary, while tending to your garden may be a source of joy and relaxation, it is essential to recognise the hidden dangers everyday materials can pose to our four-legged companions. By proceeding cautiously and staying informed, owners and gardeners alike can ensure summer remains a happy and healthy time for all.