For dog owners, it is important to be aware of potential hazards to the dogs that we own. For a gardener who also owns dogs, the potential for poisoning is very real, as there are plant fertilizers that are poisonous to dogs.
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Types of Fertilizer
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Dogs are naturally inclined to dig in the garden, so it is important to pick a fertilizer that will keep them safe. Any natural fertilizer, made out of animal or plant byproducts, is safe. Chemical plant fertilizers can be dangerous to dogs.
Calcium Cyanamide
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Calcium Cyanamide can be used as an ingredient in fertilizer, as well as in insecticide and herbicide. This is a toxic incredient to a dog, and will lead to dizziness, labored breathing, a rapid heart beat, and if not treated in time, death.
Lead Inclusive Fertilizers
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Lead is known to be dangerous to humans, but can also be deadly to a dog. Used in some fertilizers as an insecticide, exposure to lead can do long term damage to a pup.
Nitrogen Fertilizers
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Nitrogen is an essential ingredient to keeping plants healthy, but it can also be harmful to dogs. Exposure to nitrogen can burn a dogs foot pads, so if using a nitrogen fertilizer, keep all dogs out of the garden.
Considerations
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When choosing a fertilizer, it is important to avoid or consider the ingredients listed above. Talking to a veterinarian about the safest fertilizers for dogs is also an important step in keeping a healthy pet.
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