manifests as eye damage and thyroid, urinary and reproductive conditions. Feline gastro- intestinal distress is also a consequence, and even indoor cats are at risk from contami- nants brought into the home. “Anything that goes on your lawn goes
into your pet’s body. Pets walk through it, roll in it and then groom themselves,” says Michele Yasson, DVM, of Holistic Veteri- nary Services, in St. Augustine, Florida. “Max, one of my canine patients, developed acute, life-threatening pancreatitis just hours aſter his yard had been treated by a commercial lawncare service.”
Go Natural for Lush Lawns Opting for a toxin-free lawn helps grass roots to anchor deeply into the earth, making them less likely to fall victim to weeds, disease and drought. An organic lawn has beneficial microbes; helpful insects like ladybugs and lacewings thrive, while pesty insects decline.
Instead of chemical fertilizers and
“natural” alternatives like borax, vinegar, gar- lic, essential oils and cocoa mulch, which can also be toxic to pets, try using grass clippings, seaweed, corn gluten meal, single-ingredient bone meal, diatomaceous earth or Bacillus thuringiensis (BT); all are better options. Redefining beauty and working with
nature can also have a positive impact. “Set a goal to gradually reduce the area of your yard devoted to grass, and begin to establish plants like butterfly bush or bee balm that support pollinators such as bees,” recommends Sandy Long, of Greeley, Pennsylvania, a knowledge- able pet parent and executive director of the nonprofit environmental education organiza- tion SEEDS (Sustainable Energy Education and Development Support).
Simple Precautions Simple precautions like removing shoes before entering the house, storing lawn
GREAT LINKS
Handbook of tips from
PesticideWatch.org:
Tinyurl.com/PetPesticideTips Eight tips for a non-toxic lawn at
Tinyurl.com/Pesticide-FreeLawnTips
products out of reach of pets and avoiding conventionally treated areas for at least 48 hours aſter application are paramount. Also: 4 Close windows during application.
4 Increase frequency of pet baths during 4 spring and fall, when chemical application is highest.
4 Eliminate accumulation of water on lawns where pets might drink.
4 Leash pets during walks to keep them away from treated areas.
4 Wipe paws with a damp cloth aſter being outside.
Aſter weighing alternatives, dog
trainer Rebecca Porter, owner of Rosy Dogs, in Stoughton, Wisconsin, settled on prescribed burns, mowing and hand removal of invasive plants. “It works, and now my dog gallops safely through the waist-high grasslands. As for my yard, I enjoy the volunteer plants. It’s a decision all landowners can make.”
Marlaina Donato is the author of several books and a composer. Connect at
AutumnEmbersMusic.com.
June 2019 27
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