Pet proof your garden

Make sure your garden is free of these dangers to keep your pet safe and happy.

Thanks to their curious nature, dogs can sniff, lick and chew or dig  their way into a case of poisoning or injury in the blink of an eye. And cats aren’t immune to mischief! Make sure your garden is free of these dangers to keep your pet safe and happy.

Common garden dangers

Compost

Depending on what you’re tossing in the compost bin, it could be hazardous for your pet. Compost in general has a significant risk of toxicity because of mould and fungi that can grow in decomposing plant or food material. Try not to confuse that specific foods increase risk of toxicities in compost.

Keep your compost free of human foods that are toxic to pets.

Fertiliser

Blood and bone fertilisers are appealing to dogs; however they can cause vomiting and diarrhoea. Fertilisers are not specifically toxic but can be problematic when pets ingest larger volumes or access the bag.

Use fertiliser that is free of toxins, and make sure pets are indoors when you’re spraying.

Slug, snail and rat bait

Baits are tasty for pets but toxic if ingested. Some products do claim safe for pets but still contain the toxic ingredient, metaldehyde.

Keep snail bait out of reach and in a pet proof container. You can use salt instead or buy pet-friendly baits.

Garden tools

Many gardening tools, like rakes, are sharp and can easily cause puncture wounds which can get dirty and have a higher risk of infection. Other things to look out for are old nails sticking out of your fences, broken or sharp fence posts and chicken wire that may be around your garden.

Make sure garden tools are locked away, or at least not hiding in tall grass.

Poisonous plants

Plant poisoning is fairly common for pets. It helps to be aware of which plants in your garden and neighbourhood can be harmful. Remove any toxic plants, or put them out of reach of pets

Plants to watch out for

Black nightshade
Karaka berries
Deathcap mushroom
New Zealand tree nettle (Onga Onga)
Daffodils (especially the bulbs)
Foxgloves
Ivy (some species)
Rhubarb
Aloe Vera

Onions and garlic
Baby’s Breath (Gypsophila)
Bird of Paradise
Tomato Plant (green fruit, stems and leaves)
Tradescantia zebrina
Karley Grass seeds
Lilies
Sago palm
Kowhai

What to do if you suspect poisoning

Make a note of symptoms.

Identify the poison.

Check for opened containers, spilled liquids or known poisonous plants and collect a sample of the possible toxins.

Call your vet immediately for advice.

Signs of poisoning

Excessive salivation
Agitation
Racing or irregular pulse (generally not something people recognise)
Vomiting
Lethargy

Rapid breathing/ panting
Cold extremities
Trembling and wobbliness
Seizures

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One playful dog ate some Karaka berries and ended up very ill. Luckily his owner had pet insurance which saved him $1,295 in vet costs.

Have a look at our pet insurance plans to choose the right insurance plan for your pet.