Natural Lawn Care ” Dog Friendly Lawn Care”

Natural Lawn

Everyone who lives in a home with a yard wants their landscape to look nice. Maybe you’re the type that likes flower beds and shrubs. Maybe you’d rather have some herb and vegetable gardens. Maybe you’d simply like a nice, green lawn with some trimmed hedges. Whatever your preference, I’m sure you’re more than aware of all the hard work that goes into maintaining a lawn and garden. There’s trimming and mowing, weeding, sowing and harvesting, dealing with pests, fertilizers, mulch, compost, and more. You need to check the pH balance of the soil, figure out what plants are native or invasive, and plan everything just right, so the plants get the right amount of sun/shade, while attracting helpful critters (like bees), but deterring others (like hungry rabbits).

The Dangers Of Gardening Chemicals

Did you know that all those chemicals you use on your lawn and garden—those fertilizers, pesticides, anti-fungus sprays, and others—can actually cause more harm than good? This includes harm towards both people and pets. Over the years, numerous studies—such as those conducted by Purdue University, The Journal of the National Cancer Institute, and even the EPA—have shown that exposure to chemicals in lawn and garden products can lead to a number of health problems, including: cancer, birth defects, and skin conditions. The National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides offers the following statistics (in regards to the 30 most commonly used pesticides):

• 28 are sensitizers and/or irritants
• 20 are linked to kidney or liver damage
• 18 are linked to neurotoxicity and reproductive effects
• 14 are linked to birth defects
• 13 are possible carcinogens

 

Given that information, it makes you wonder if using those chemicals is really worth the dangerous side-effects they can cause.

Does this mean you have to give up gardening and let your yard turn into a barren wasteland? Of course not! It simply means that it’s better for you (and your dog) to use safer, organic methods. You may wonder: “What does this have to do with my dog? She can’t garden, or use a lawn mower.” This may be true, but your dog is most likely exposed to your yard a lot more than you are.

How often is your dog outside? This can include playing, going to the bathroom, or simply lazing about—all of which (usually) take up a considerable amount of the dog’s time each day. Now, consider the fact that they are naked. They don’t wear shoes, protective gloves, or other clothing. Therefore, those chemicals you spray or sprinkle on your lawn are much easier absorbed through your dog’s skin and feet. Also, consider the fact that many dogs like to eat grass, which means they’re also exposed internally to the toxic chemicals, via ingestion.

These chemicals have been linked to a number of cancers and other health concerns in dogs, and unfortunately, in this case size does not matter. It does not matter if your dog is small like a Beagle, or a big German Shepherd, these chemicals are still highly toxic to all dogs, regardless of their size or type. So, what can you do to prevent exposure?

To find out more about tips and things you can do to help create a happy, healthier lawn for you and your dog, visit our post  “Organic Lawn Care Methods and Dog Friendly Solutions” tips and resources on organic lawn care methods.

Additional Resources and Tools for Creating a Chemical Free, All Natural Lawn:

• Organic Lawn Care in a Box
• My Eco Lawn
• Organic Lawn Care Manual. This is a personal favorite of mine and is a great resource for anyone looking to start a natural lawn care program.
• Natraturf.com
• Neuton Lawn Mowers – Zero Emission Lawn Care.

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