Fertilizing and Mulching
Commercially prepared, organic compost on garden beds is a safe choice for dog owners. A risk is involved if using homemade compost, as mold and fungi may be present in the decomposing material containing neurotoxins. Arborist wood chips are an excellent option for mulching, but some dogs (like mine) love to eat the chips, posing other risks.

Two mulches to avoid are cocoa mulch and pine needle mulch. Cocoa mulch contains theobromine, a toxin that is dangerous to dogs. Pine needle mulch can damage your pet's stomach lining.

If you fertilize your lawn, be sure to read the label carefully. Many products say they are safe for use around pets, but they still recommend that you keep pets off the recently fertilized grass for up to 48 hours. Consider using a mulching lawn mower, leaving the cut grass in a place where it will break down and add nitrogen back to the lawn. Another option is to let your lawn go dormant in the summer, knowing it will return to life in the fall.

Got Slugs?
If you garden in the PNW, chances are that you are familiar with slugs. Our most famous native slug, the banana slug, is mostly seen in the forest, eating away at decaying matter. Slugs, specifically native slugs, have their place in the greater scheme of things; they are vital to the decomposition of organic matter, they provide food for birds, snakes, frogs, and other animals. However, most of the slugs the home gardener encounters are not native, having been introduced from Europe. Once introduced, they made themselves right at home and started to drive the home gardener crazy.

Commercial slug products containing metaldehyde are highly toxic to pets, birds, wildlife, and humans, and should be used with a tamper-proof bait station, if used at all. Poisoning occurs even if a small amount is ingested. Products that contain iron phosphate are considered to be safer for people and pets, but should be used with caution as poisoning can still occur if your pet ingests large amounts. If you choose to use the products containing iron phosphate, read the instructions carefully, and consider putting a barricade such as a small fence or wire basket around the plant in question to prevent your dog or cat from getting near the product.

Many gardeners use broken shells, lava rock, or other rough materials to deter slugs from the area without using chemicals. Placing copper bands around plants or planting lavender, mint or rosemary may also discourage slugs and snails from entering the garden.

A safer alternative is to trap the slugs using bait. Bury a container such as a margarine tub that contains a yeast/water mix, so that the slug will fall into the trap and drown. Monitor the trap and replace the bait regularly. Baited traps don’t discriminate by species, however. Other small wildlife can meet their end by falling into the trap. It’s a good idea to remove the trap during the day so that Fido isn’t tempted to indulge, and then set the trap out again in the evening.

Many gardeners prefer controlling slugs manually. Doing this is time consuming, but very effective. WSU recommends filling a jar with soapy or salty water, pick the slugs from the plants and deposit them in the jar, seal it and wait a few days. Then flush the contents down the toilet. More humane methods include freezing the slugs in a closed container and then emptying the dead slugs in yard waste. Overtime, you will see your slug population substantially diminish, and your pets and other wildlife will be safe from potential hazards. Learn more about managing slugs at: skagitmg.org/managing_slugs_snails/

Shadow living the good life. Photo © Deborah Leitner

Overall, the toxicity of slug bait is a significant concern for pet owners. Prompt intervention is crucial if poisoning is suspected, and preventive measures can help ensure the safety of your dog.

Shadow never lost his youthful exuberance and propensity for mischief in the garden. He lived a joyful life, but sadly, at age 13, it was time to say goodbye. It took a while to be ready for a new canine companion, but Shadow’s successor, Teddy, was found at the Skagit Valley Humane Society. Or you might say Teddy found us because we certainly didn’t expect to come home with a 10-year-old black lab mix. But discovering the joy of living with a mature senior dog, Teddy is a good match. Teddy is not interested in gardening but loves being a backyard companion.