UK Gardeners Warned To Keep Dogs Away From Part Of Their Lawn

We’re usually all about encouraging animals into your garden here at HuffPost UK – even slugs have more of a role to play than you might think. But though we advise establishing a mini-pond, encouraging dragonflies and damselflies to come to your garden, and placing a saucer of water out for all sorts of wildlife, experts have warned against allowing dogs to access your compost heap. The advice follows a Reddit video posted to r/DogAdvice, in which u/Oldhouse42 showed their poor pitbull (who has since been treated and is OK!) twitching and acting “terrified at the slightest sound and walking like she’s drunk”.The culprit was “compost toxicity”, the poster found out. So, we heard from a spokesperson for GardeningExpress.co.uk about how to ensure this doesn’t happen to your own dog. Compost can be good for your garden, but terrible for your dog Though compost is amazing for your plants, it can contain fungi, including mycotoxins, that create a reaction in dogs.Compost can also contain food like onions, bones, and corn cobs that your dog might either be allergic to or choke on. “As organic matter breaks down, it can produce harmful mycotoxins, especially if the compost includes items like coffee grounds, mouldy bread, or certain food scraps,” the spokesperson told us.“Dogs can be very attracted to the smell of decaying food material, so the risk can be high if they’re left near a bag of compost or a compost pile unattended,” they add.“It’s essential for pet owners to keep compost bins securely covered and to monitor what goes into their compost heap. Avoiding items known to be toxic to dogs and opting for pet-safe mulches are simple but effective ways to keep your garden safe.” If you have an uncovered compost heap, keep your dog away from the area entirely.How can I tell if my dog has compost toxicity? Signs of compost toxicity “show up about 30 minutes to 3 hours after ingestion and can persist up to 48 hours,” according to Oklahoma Veterinary Specialists.Early signs include trembling, vomiting, hyperactivity, weakness, and rigidity; in its later stages, it can cause seizures and more severe tremors. Any sign of compost toxicity means you need to call a vet immediately.Do not wait for symptoms to show up if your dog has eaten compost – “contact your vet immediately, even if they’re not showing symptoms yet,” the gardening expert advised.Related...UK Gardeners Told To Place Sticks In Their Garden This SummerUK Gardeners Urged To Place A Washing-Up Bowl In Their Lawn ASAPUK Gardeners Advised To Shake This Plant For Bumper Fruit Yield

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