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Spring Gardening Hazards for Pets: Toxic Plants, Fertilisers & More
Updated: 5 days ago
Spring is the perfect time to get your garden growing, but what looks like a pet-friendly backyard to you can hide some serious hazards for your dog or cat.
From tempting flowers and freshly applied fertilisers to pesticides, mulch and garden tools, spring gardening can introduce a surprising number of risks for curious pets. And because many dogs and cats explore the world with their noses and mouths, even a small amount of the wrong substance can cause problems.
The good news? With a few simple precautions, you can enjoy a beautiful garden while helping keep your pets safe.
Why Spring Gardens Can Be Risky for Pets
Spring brings warmer weather, new growth and plenty of gardening activity. It also means pets may spend more time outdoors exploring.
Dogs may dig, chew plants, drink from puddles or investigate freshly treated areas. Cats can also nibble on plants, wander through gardens and come into contact with chemicals or substances on their paws and fur.
Knowing what is in your garden is an important first step towards creating a safer outdoor space.
1. Watch Out for Toxic Plants
Some plants can be harmful to pets if eaten. Depending on the plant and the amount consumed, ingestion may cause anything from mild stomach upset to more serious illness.
Potentially toxic garden plants can include lilies, azaleas, oleander, sago palm and some varieties of bulbs. Lilies are particularly concerning for cats, as certain lilies can cause severe kidney damage.
Even if you are unsure whether a plant is toxic, it is best to prevent your pet from chewing or eating it.
Pet-safe gardening tip: Before planting something new, check whether it is considered safe for dogs and cats. If you already have unfamiliar plants in your garden, identify them before allowing your pet to roam freely.
2. Keep Fertilisers Away From Curious Pets
Fertilisers can help your garden flourish, but they are not designed for pets to eat.
Some fertilisers contain ingredients that can cause gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting or diarrhoea if consumed. Certain products may also contain additional substances that pose greater risks.
Store fertilisers securely and always follow the product's instructions for application.
After treating your garden, keep pets away for the recommended period and avoid letting them lick treated grass, plants or soil.
3. Be Careful With Pesticides and Weed Killers
Pesticides, herbicides and other garden chemicals can be hazardous to pets.
A freshly treated lawn or garden may look completely harmless, but residues can remain on plants, soil and grass. Pets can potentially ingest these residues by licking their paws after walking through treated areas.
Before using a garden chemical:
Read the label carefully.
Follow application instructions.
Keep pets away from treated areas as directed.
Store products securely and out of reach.
Never use a product on or around your pet unless it is specifically intended for veterinary use.
If you are unsure about whether a particular product is safe around your pet, speak with your veterinarian before using it.
4. Don't Forget Mulch, Compost and Garden Waste
Compost and mulch can also create unexpected risks.
Compost may contain mould, spoiled food or other materials that can make pets sick if eaten. Some types of mulch can also be problematic, particularly if your pet likes to chew or dig.
Keep compost bins securely closed and dispose of garden waste safely. If your dog is an enthusiastic garden explorer, supervise them around newly mulched or composted areas.
5. Watch Out for Snails and Slugs
Spring can bring an increase in snails and slugs, particularly after wet weather.
For dogs, eating certain snails or slugs can expose them to rat lungworm, a parasite that can cause serious illness. This is particularly relevant in areas where rat lungworm is present.
Be cautious with snail and slug baits too. Some products can be highly toxic if eaten by pets.
If you use slug or snail control products, choose pet-conscious options and follow the label carefully. Better still, speak with your vet about safer approaches to managing garden pests.
6. Keep Garden Tools and Equipment Out of Reach
Not every garden hazard grows in the soil.
Secateurs, shears, gardening gloves, hoses, fertiliser spreaders and other equipment can cause injuries if pets chew, knock over or play with them.
After gardening, put tools away rather than leaving them on the ground. Sharp tools should always be stored somewhere your pet cannot access.
7. Don't Let Your Pet Drink From Garden Containers
Buckets, watering cans, ponds and other outdoor containers can collect stagnant water or become contaminated with garden chemicals.
Whenever possible, provide your pet with a clean bowl of fresh drinking water outside. This can help discourage them from drinking from puddles, ponds or containers around the garden.
How to Make Your Garden More Pet-Friendly
Creating a safer garden does not mean giving up your favourite plants or your love of gardening.
A few simple habits can make a big difference:
☐ Research plants before adding them to your garden
☐ Keep fertilisers and chemicals securely stored
☐ Follow product instructions and pet exclusion periods
☐ Keep compost bins covered
☐ Store gardening tools safely
☐ Provide fresh drinking water outdoors
☐ Supervise pets when exploring new garden areas
☐ Check your pet after outdoor adventures
☐ Contact your vet if you suspect your pet has eaten something harmful
What If Your Pet Eats a Plant or Garden Product?
If you see your pet eating an unknown plant, fertiliser, pesticide or other garden product, don't wait for symptoms to appear before seeking advice.
Remove your pet from the area and contact your veterinarian for guidance. If possible, keep the product packaging or take a photo of the plant or substance. This can help your veterinary team determine what your pet may have been exposed to.
Signs of poisoning or irritation can vary depending on the substance but may include vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive drooling, weakness, tremors, changes in behaviour or difficulty breathing.
If your pet is showing concerning symptoms, seek veterinary attention promptly.
A Safer Garden Means More Spring Adventures
Your garden should be a place where your pet can sniff, explore and enjoy the sunshine, not a source of hidden danger.
By knowing which plants and gardening products could pose a risk, storing chemicals safely and supervising curious pets, you can make your outdoor space safer for everyone this spring.
And remember, your pet's spring wellness is about more than what's growing in the garden. Regular veterinary check-ups, parasite prevention, vaccinations and dental care all play an important role in keeping them healthy throughout the year.
Keep Their Spring Smile Healthy
If your pet is due for a dental clean, Paddington Vet is currently offering $50 off a Dental Scale & Clean until September 30, 2026. It's a great time to make dental health part of their spring wellness routine.
Book your pet's dental appointment with Paddington Vet today.
Call (07) 3367 3294.
Terms & Conditions apply.
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