The urgent warning comes as many of us will be out in our gardens soaking up the sun
Sophie Buchan Money and Lifestyle Writer
00:16, 22 Jun 2025
Dog owner or not, you need to be careful as you could even have visiting dogs(Image: Getty)
As summer gets going, many people will be spending more time in their gardens and working on home improvements. However, gardeners with dogs, owned or visiting dogs, are being cautioned about the potential dangers that some everyday garden and household items can pose to their pets.
Ross Hallifax, pet insurance specialist Purely Pets, warned people that you could be harming dogs and not even know it due to one simple mistake – what you put on the grass.
He explained: “Not only can dogs experience skin and foot irritation if they walk on fertiliser, but it can cause stomach upset if ingested due to its toxic ingredients like nitrogen and phosphorus.”
Fertiliser isn’t the only concern for our furry friends. Pesticides, whether dry or wet, are commonly used to manage garden pests. Yet they can also pose a risk.
The expert warns that if ingested, they can irritate your dog’s skin and upset their digestive system. Sadly, snail and slug bait can also be highly toxic and if consumed, can cause severe tremors.
If you’re painting, you ought to be careful too, as the product itself and its fumes can be toxic to our pets due to its high chemical content. If you suspect your dog has ingested something they shouldn’t have, look out for signs of:
vomitingdiarrhoeahyperactivityrestlessnesstremorsseizuresfitsblood in the stool
“If you suspect your dog has been exposed to any of these toxins, try to call your vet immediately and explain what’s happened so they can help identify the best course of treatment,” Ross added.