It's that time of year again, and the bugs are starting to hatch and swarm around our heads. If your dog is like most, he or she probably loves to run around in the foothills or the parks, attracting all kinds of ticks, fleas, and other bugs. Keeping your dog safe from insects is an important part of being a pet owner, especially in the summer, and we've got all the information you need to use insecticides around your pup safely. The most important thing to remember: only use products that are designed to be safe for your dog, and use caution in your lawn care. Here's the inside scoop into controlling insects on your property and your pet.
When it comes to protecting your dog from annoying fleas and disease-bearing ticks, it's important to stay informed and talk to your veterinarian. They can recommend the products you should use directly on your pet. But there's another front where you should be fighting insects: your yard.
Many dog owners begin their fight against ticks and fleas in their backyard, which is a smart choice. If your dog spends most of his outside time in your own yard, it makes perfect sense to begin your protective measures there. However, this is often where safety issues come into play. Walking into the nearest lawn and garden store and grabbing an insecticide off the shelf could be dangerous to your dog, especially if you end up with one of the more toxic types. Treating insecticide poisoning can cost anywhere between $300 and $3000, and it's a painful experience for your pet. Here's what to watch out for.
The most dangerous insecticides for dogs are:
These insecticides could cause poisoning in your dog if ingested, particularly carbamates.
Look out for these signs of insecticide poisoning in your dog:
The acronym SLUD is a helpful one to remember: salivation, lacrimation, urination, and diarrhea: this often points to carbamate poisoning, and indicates that your dog needs immediate emergency attention from a veterinarian.
Now that we've covered what not to do let's dive into the best ways to keep your lawn free of fleas and ticks in a way that's safe for your pet. There are a few ways you can achieve this, and many helpful tips don't require insecticides or much extra work.
For more information about keeping your lawn care safe for your pet this summer, contact us and check out our blog.