A major

problem occurs when a product such as bonemeal (which

tastes pretty good if you're a dog or cat) is used on the

garden and then a chemical weed or insect killer is

applied at the same time. The pet won't be able to

understand that the garden chemical is dangerous but will

smell that tasty bone meal and wander in to investigate.

There have already been several reports of pets being

poisoned this spring. As chemical companies try to make

their products granular so they can be spread around

plants using giant salt shakers, pets are more vulnerable

to contacting these granules than they were when the

products were sprayed onto leaves as a liquid film.

Fertilizers

should also be kept away from pets. The organic content

of some fertilizers is pretty appealing to dog and cat

taste buds but an overdose of fertilizer can quickly turn

into a messy situation. Older animals and the very young

are more at risk from both fertilizer and exposure to

garden pesticides while female animals of breeding age

should never be exposed to garden chemicals of any kind.

Concerned

homeowners can take several steps to reduce their pets

exposure to garden chemical products.

1. Use

organic products where possible. The vast majority of

garden problems can easily be solved without the use of

noxious chemicals.

2. Never

apply bonemeal or organic fertilizers such as fish

emulsion at the same time as garden chemicals. Bonemeal

is great for installing plants and digging into planting

holes but a waste of money as a general spring

fertilizer. (It isn't water-soluble so it stays on the

surface away from plant roots.)

3. Follow

all directions on the label of the chemical product. Many

products suggest watering the product after application

to dissolve it into the soil. Do this and ensure your pet

doesn't have access to the garden until the product is

completely gone.

It is

better to be safe than sorry and your pets depend on you

for their safety.

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