As an avid pet-owner, you likely take your dog’s health and well-being into account for every decision you make. One of the biggest questions pet owners face is whether or not their furry friends can safely walk on grass that has been treated with pesticides. While there are many reports of dogs being adversely affected by pesticides, it is important to understand the reality of the situation and the precautions you should take to ensure your pup’s safety. This blog post will explore the safety of walking your dog on grass that has been treated with pesticides, including the risks associated and steps to take for prevention. Through careful consideration of the facts, you will gain a better understanding of the effects of pesticide exposure and the best actions to take for you and your pup’s protection.
Why Lawn Pesticides and Dogs Shouldn’t Mix
The evidence is clear — pesticides and pets aren’t a safe combination. Pesticides, including herbicides and insecticides, are scientifically proven to be harmful to pets’ health. Studies published in 2012 and 1991 found a significant link between lawn chemicals and cancer in dogs. In fact, dogs with malignant cancer were 70% more likely to be from
homes where owners used chemical insecticides. Both studies found that the risk of canine malignant lymphoma is likely to rise with the use of conventional lawn care chemicals.
A study published in 2013 showed that herbicides can be detected in a dog’s urine after lawn treatment, proving that the chemicals do in fact make their way into pets’ systems after they are used on the lawn. The appearance of these harmful chemicals in dogs’ urine explains why exposure to herbicide-treated lawns is known to be associated with higher bladder cancer risk in dogs.
If you have pets, it’s crucial to consider the toxicity of pesticides when choosing a lawn care method. Pets are especially vulnerable to the damaging effects of lawn pesticides because they utilize the grass frequently for bathroom breaks. Additionally, the majority of dogs spend hours rolling, playing, and lying on the grass. The chemicals on the lawn are then directly exposed to dogs, who may even ingest them if they lick their paws or skin.
Remember that your pets are also exposing you and your family to these dangerous chemicals. Your dog is probably bringing the pesticides into the house on its paws and fur, even if you and your children are staying off the lawn for days after it has been treated. You get exposed to the chemicals when you pet your dog. The pesticides that were sprayed on your lawn are also being exposed to you if you sit or lie in an area where he has been.
Plus, lawn pesticides can easily disperse through your house even without a pet tracking them in. In fact, a 2001 study showed that even a week after lawn treatment, 2,4-D was detected on all indoor surfaces. The study also found that children were up to 10 times more likely to be exposed to this harmful pesticide in the week after treatment than they are the week before treatment. This shows that even if your pets and children are avoiding contact with your lawn after it’s treated with pesticides, you still could be exposed through chemical drift.
Think about it. Cats and dogs use their noses to poke around everywhere. Due to the mucous membranes’ moisture, pesticides are easily absorbed, inhaled, and ingested through those noses. Additionally, our dogs and cats frequently chew on plants when they are outside. This implies that if any of your plants or any plants owned by your neighbors have been treated with insecticides or pesticides, your pet may eat them and become ill or even die.
Asthma and allergy cases in dogs and children have increased dramatically over the past 45 years, according to Barb Herman, owner of Thee Fish Bowl in Evanston. “We only have a limited amount of green space, and we are hurting ourselves by using so many chemicals,” Customers have brought me pictures of their dogs’ paws that have rashes from walking on chemically treated lawns. Although it’s a balance, neither I nor my neighbors use chemicals on their lawns. Everyone wants something quick and inexpensive, but my lawn is chemical-free and looks great. ”.
Gulyas claims that due to lawn chemicals, Follow Your Nose now sells booties year-round. They have also noticed an increase in the number of dogs and cats exhibiting asthma and allergy symptoms. Twenty years ago, I don’t recall ever seeing any dogs with asthma. There are numerous homeopathic treatments available today for allergies and asthma. It’s a thing. It didn’t used to be a thing,” Gulyas said.
“When someone applies ChemLawn or other chemicals to their lawn and a dog rolls in it or walks on it, it irritates the skin, triggers allergies, and causes paw inflammation to flare up.” Additionally, chemicals tax an animal’s immune system heavily, weakening it. The synthetic element, not the natural one, is to blame in the first place. Chemicals are invisible, and we don’t often believe things that aren’t visible to the naked eye, according to Wilmette Pet Center owner Dave Cozzolino.
Chemicals were frequently found in treated and untreated lawn grass residues, indicating chemical drift from nearby treated areas. Dogs may therefore come into contact with their own lawn (which may have been treated or became contaminated due to drift) or other grassy areas while out for a walk to become exposed to chemicals.
How to Keep Your Pet Safe from Lawn Pesticides
If you think you have no other option than to use pesticides on your lawn, the only thing you can do to keep your pet safe is to keep it off of your lawn for at least 48 hours after the lawn treatment. Some lawn care companies will tell you that you can let your pets back on your lawn 6-12 hours after it’s been treated. However, a 2013 study showed that lawn chemicals remain on sprayed surfaces for at least 48 hours after application. So, to be safe, you really shouldn’t allow dogs (or children) on a chemically-treated lawn for at least 3 days after it’s been sprayed. If you have dogs or kids, you know what a challenge that can be.
The best way to protect your pet from lawn pesticides is to never use them, and to encourage your neighbors to do the same. It’s crucial to understand that using dangerous lawn chemicals is not your only option for getting a lush, green, and healthy lawn. Using a 100% organic lawn care strategy will prevent you from ever exposing your family, pets, or other loved ones to pesticides.
FAQ
What happens if a dog walks on pesticides treated grass?
Use Caution When Applying Pesticides It has been discovered that lawn chemicals persist on grass for at least 48 hours after application. Wipe your dog’s coat and paws clean before letting him inside for the first few days after treatment, and try to prevent him from eating any grass. Call your vet if you have concerns.
How long should dogs stay off pesticide grass?
How to Keep Your Pet Safe from Lawn Pesticides. The only thing you can do to keep your pet safe if you feel you have no choice but to use pesticides on your lawn is to keep it off the lawn for at least 48 hours following the lawn treatment.
Can pesticides on grass harm dogs?
The short answer is that most herbicides and lawn pesticides are poisonous to animals. A number of the typical lawn products you use to maintain your lawn and yard are thought to be harmful to pets.
What to do if dog walks through pesticides?
The best course of action if your pet has come into contact with an insecticide or any other lawn and garden product is to call the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 for assistance in identifying the product.