Pet-safe yard and gardening tips

According to the ASPCA, they take tens of thousands of calls each year from pet owners whose animals have come in contact with poisonous insecticides, weed killers and toxic plants. Here is a checklist to help you pet-proof your yard, garden and garage:

Poisonous plants - some of the most popular outdoor plants are poisonous to cats and dogs such as Sago palms and other members of the Cycad family. Mushrooms can cause liver failure; rhododendron, azalea, lily of the valley, oleander, rosebay, foxglove and kalanchoe all affect the heart. A full list of toxic plants is available at the ASPCA website.

Fertilizer - the chemical fertilizer that helps your plants grow can be dangerous for your pet. A large dose ingested can cause stomach upset, or worse result in life-threatening gastro-intestinal obstruction. Consider using safe natural fertilizer alternatives.

Cocoa Mulch - cocoa bean shells, a by-product of chocolate production, is a popular mulch which can attract your pet with it's sweet smell. If ingested, it can cause a range of health problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, muscle tremors, elevated heart rate, hyperactivity and seizures. Shredded pine, cedar or hemlock bark are safe alternatives.

Insecticides - any herbicide, insecticide bait trap, spray or granule should be kept away from pets. The most dangerous are pesticides with metaldehyde used in snail bait, methomyl used in fly bait, disyston or disulfoton used in systemic insecticides, and zinc phosphide used in mole or gopher bait and most rat poisons. Consider using a safe natural alternative to control pests.

Compost - there may be some foods you place in the compost pile such as coffee, moldy food and some fruits and vegetables that can cause a problem if your pet eats it. See the ASPCA's list of foods to avoid.

Fleas and ticks - fleas and ticks thrive in tall brush and grass, so keep lawns mowed and trimmed.

Garden tools - rakes, tillers, hoes and trowels can cause injury to the paws, and nose if your pets start nosing around them. If they puncture the skin, rusty tools can pass tetanus, so keep tools off the ground and away from curious pets.

Allergy-causing flora - your pets can be allergic to certain plants and dust just like people can, and even suffer anaphylactic shock in severe reactions. Even though they don't show signs of allergies when in your yard, keep in mind they may react to something in a neighbor's yard, park, or some other outside area you take your pet. So watch them carefully.