Fertilizers/Pest control

Question
Hello.  We have three dogs and moved into a home where the lawn needs quite a bit of attention.  We'd like to use only organic (read - safe for our dogs) products.  Is there anything you can recommend or do you know of a resource I might use?  I've searched the web, but keep coming up with organic flower/veggie growing.......nothing much in reference to what is safe for our four legged family members.  Thank you for anything you have to offer.  Barb

Answer
Hi,

You are right to be cautious even if a product read, "organic."  The chances are that it is probably safe but it "better safe than sorry" when it comes to our beloved pets.

I like to use the gardening advice of Jerry Baker.  He has several books that you can find on Amazon and Half.com.  What I like about his products is that he relies strongly on normal household items like sugar, coca cola, beer, baking soda, etc..just like the old days.

When you are considering an organic product, write down the ingredients and contact the company or poison control (SPCA).  Either one, or both, should have reliable information about each specific ingredient and it's safety. You can also do a search on Google or Dogpile for each product's contents.  What I do is type in ingredient name, comma, dog safety.  You would be surprised what comes up.

I also use products from Gardens Alive.  They tend to be very natural and safe.

Here is some information that might be helpful to you:

Toxic Ornamental and Garden Plants

Common Name Scientific Name Toxic Parts System Affected

Alpenrose Rhododendron Ferrugineum Flowers Leaves Gastroenteric
American Mistletoe Phoradendrom Flavescens Berries Gastroenteric
Apricot Prunus Armeniaca Pits Cyanide Producers
Azalea Azalea Spp., ALL PARTS Gastroenteric
Bitter Almond Prunus Dulcis Var. Amara Bark, Laes, Especially Seeds Cyanide Producers
Black Locust Robinia Pseudoacacia Bark, Green Growth, Seeds, Proably, Thorns = Mechanical Hazard Gastroenteric, Cardiac, Neurologic
Black Nightshade Solanum Nigrum ALL PARTS Gatroenteric
Bluebonnets Lupinus Spp., Seeds Neurologic
Bog Billberry Vaccinium Uliginosum Berries (verry suseptible to a fine mold, which may be responsible for any toxicities) Neurologic, Gastroenteric
Boxwood or Box Buxus Sremervirens ALL PARTS Mainly Cardiac, Gastroenteritis, Neurologic
Common Name Scientific Name Toxic Parts System Affected
Bulbous Corydalis Corydalis Cava Bulbs Neurologic
Buttercup (Meadow) Ranunculus Sceleratus All Top Growth Gatroenteric, Neurologic, Renal
Buttercup (Celery-Leafed Ranunculus Sceleratus All Top Growth Mainly Gstroenteric, Neurologic
Caladium (Sometimes Called Elephants Ear) Caldium Spp., Leaf, Stem, Stalk Stomatitis-Glossitis
Castor Bean Ricinus Communis ALL PARTS Gastroenteric, Neurologic
Cherry Laurel Prunus Laurocerasus Pits Or Seeds Cyanide Producer
Common Name Scientific Name Toxic Parts System Affected
Chinaberry Melia Azedarach Fruit Neurologic
Chinese Evergreen Aglaonema Spp. Leaves Stomatitis-Glossitis
Chinese Primrose Primula Obconica Sap Mainly Dermatitis, Slight Gastroenteric
Chinese Wisteria Wisteria Sinensis Seeds Hepatogenous
Christmas Cherry Solanum Pseudocapsicum Berries Gastroenteric
Christmas Rose Helleborus Niger Leaves and Stems Cardiac, Gastroenteric, Neurologic
Climbing Lily Gloriosa Superba ALL PARTS Gastroenteric
Common Bean Phaseolus Vulgaris Green, Uncooked Pods and Tendrils Gastroenteric, Neurologic
Common Privet Ligustrum Vulgare ALL PARTS Berries most potent Gastroenteric, Mild
Crous Crocus Sativus, Colchicum autumnale Primarily Bulbs Gastroenteric, Renal, Cardiac
Common Name Scientific Name Toxic Parts System Affected
Croton (Variegated) Codiaeum Variegatum Sap and Stems Dermatitis, Mild (Sap),Stomatitis (Stems)
Croton Croton Tiglium Expecially the Seeds Gastroenteric, Neurologic
Cycad Zamia Spp., Zamia Floridana, Cycas Revoluta Seed Expecially, Ocasionally Meal Hepatic
Cyclamen Cyclamen Purpurascens Tuberous Rhizomes and Sap Gastroeneteric, Neurologic, Dermatitis
Daffodil Narcissus Pseudonarcissus Primarily Bulbs, But all of Plant Gastrenteric
Deadly Nightshade Solanum Nigrum or Atropa Belladonna ALL PARTS Gastroenteric
Dieffenbachia or Mother-in-Law Plant Sambucus Nigra Leaves, Stem, Stalk Stomatitis-Glossitis
Elephat's Ear Alocasia Spp., Colocasia Antiquorum, Philodendron SPP. ALL PARTS Stomatitis-Glossitis
Euonymus Euonmus Spp. Leaves, Berries, Stem, Sap Cardiac
Flase Acacia (see Black Locust) Rodinia Pseudoacacia
Common Name Scientific Name Toxic Parts System Affected
Firethorn Pyracantha Coccinea Berries Gastroenteric, Mild; Mild Cyanide Producer
Foxglove Digitalis Purpurea ALL PARTS Cardiac
Glory Lily Gloriosa Superba WHOLE PLANT Cardiac
Golen Chain Laburnum Anagyroides ALL PARTS Gastroenteric, Neurologic
Golden Pothos (potted Ivy) Epiprenum (Scindapsus) spp. All Parts Stomatitis-Glossitis
Heavenly Blues or Morning Glory Ipomoea Purpurea Especially Seeds Neurologic
Henbane Hyoscyamus Niger WHOLE PLANT Neurologic (Resembles Atropine Overdose)
Holly Ilex Aquifolium Especially Seeds Gastrenteric, Neurologic
Hydrangea Hydrangea Macrophylla, H. Quercifoia, H. Arborescens ALL PARTS Gastroenteric (Mild cyanide Producer, No clinical Signs Associated with this Cardiac
Common Name Scientific Name Toxic Parts System Affected
Ivy (English) Hedera Helix Seeds Or Fruit Gastroenteric, Neurologic
Japanese Wisteria Wisteria Floribunda Seeds Gastroenteric
Jassamines (Day or Night Blooming) Cestrum Diurnum or Cestrum Nocturnum Berries (Ripe and Unripe) Gastroenteric, Neurologic: (C. Diurum contains Vitamin D)
Jimson Weed, Moon Trumpet, Thornapple Datura Stramonium ALL PARTS Neurologic (Resembles Atropine Overdose)
Kafir Lily Clivia Miniata Bulbs Mostly Gastroenteric
Lantana Lantana Camara Fruit Gastroenteric, Mildly Cardiac
Larkspur Delphinium Elatum Flowers and Seeds Gastroenteric, Cardiac, Neurologic, DEATH
Lily of the Valley Convallaria Majalis WHOLE PLANT Cardiac, Renal
Matrimony Vine Lycium Barbarum,L.HalimifoliumL.Carolinianum Leaf, Stem, Stalk Gastroenteric, Neurologic, Cardiac, DEATH
Monkshood Aconitum Napellus ALL PARTS Gastroenteric, Neurologic, Cardiac, DEATH
Common Name Scientific Name Toxic Parts System Affected
Moon Trumpet (See Jimson Weed) Datura Stramonium
Morning Glory Ipomoea Purpuera
Mother-In-Law Plant (See Dieffenbachia) Dieffenbachia Spp.
Nandina Nandina Domestica Foliage and Berries Cyanide Producers
Oleander Nerium Oleander ALL PARTS Cardiac
Peach Prunus Persica Seeds Cynide Producers
Plum Prunus Domestica Seeds Cyanide Producers
Poinsettia Euphorbia Pulcherrima ALL PARTS Gastroenteric
Poppy Papaver Spp. Berries, Stems, Sap Neurologic, Secondary Efects on Respiratory
Potato Solanum Tuberosum Edible Tubers, But Green Growth and Sprouts are Toxic; Most Top Parts Gastroenteric
Common Name Scientific Name Toxic Parts System Affected
Purple Flag Iris Iris Versicolor Bulbs Gastroenteric
Pyacantha (See Firethorn) Pyracantha Coccinea
Rhododendron Rhododendron Ferrugineum ALL PARTS Gastroenteric
Rhubarb Rheym Rhaponticum Leaves Stomatitis-Glossitis
Sowbread (See Cyclamen) Purpuracens
Split-Leaf Philodendrom Philodendrom Spp., Monstera Spp., Daphne Laureola ALL PARTS Stomatitis-Glossitis
Spurge Laurel Daphne Laureola ALL PARTS Cardiac, Gastroenteric, Neurologic
Star-Of-Bethlehem Ornithogalum Umbellatum Bulbs Gasttroenteric, Neurologic
Stinking Iris Iris Foetidissima WHOLE PLANT Gastroenteric, Severe
Sweet Pea Lathyrus Odoratus Folage and Seeds Neurologic
Common Name Scientific Name Toxic Parts System Affected
Sweetheart Vine Philodendron Spp., Leaves, Sems, Stalk Stomatitis-Glossitis
Thornapple (See Jimson Weed) Datura Stranonium
Tobacco Nicotiana Tabacum Leaves Neurologic
Tulip Tulipa Spp., Bulbs Gastroenteric, Neurologic Stomatitis-Glossitis
Virginia Creeper, American Ivy Parthenocissus Quinquefolia Leaves, Stem Stomatitis-Glossitis
Wild Rosemary ledum Palustre Esential Oil Contained in Leaes Gastroenteric, Neurologic, Cardiac, DEATH
Wolf's Bane Aconitum Vulparis ALL PARTS Gastroenteric, Neurologic, Cardiac, DEATH
Wood Laurel Daphne Laureola ALL PARTS Cardiac, Gastroenteric, Neurologic
Yellow Iris Iris Pseudaccorus Bulbs Gastroenteric, Neurologic
Yellow Jessamine Gelsemium Semervirens Berries and Roots Neurologic
Common Name Scientific Name Toxic Parts System Affected
Yew Taxus Spp., Foliage, Bark, Seeds Cardiac, Neurologic
Youpon Holly Ilex Vomitoria Berries Gastroenteric

Here are some more but what systems they affect and or symptoms they produce are unknown to me.

Anemone Angel's Trumpet Amaryllis
Arrowgrass Asparagus Fern Avocado
Balsam Balsam Pear Baneberry
Bird of Paradise Bittersweet Black - Eyed - Susan
Bleeding Heart Bloodroot Bracken Fern
Buckeye Burning Bush Cactus
Calla Lily Cherry (Most Forms) Chrysanthemum
Coriaria Cornflower Cowbane
Creeping Charlie Crown of Thorns Daphne
Delphinium Dologeton Dumb Cane
Dutchman's Breeches Eggplant Dlderberry
Emerald Duke English Holly Flax
Four o' Clock Golden Glow Golden Chain Tree
Greasewood Growndsell Hellebore
Hemlock Honeysuckle Horse Chestnut
Horsetail Hyacinth Indian Poke
Iris Jack - in - the - Pulpit Japanese Plum
Java Beans Jimson Weed Jonquil
Laburnum Laurel Lily (MOST FORMS)
Lobelia Locoweed Lupine
Marble Queen Marijuana Mayapple (Mandrake)
Mescal Bean Marsh Marigold (Cowslip) Mock Orange
Monkey Pod Moonseed Mountain Laurel
Mushrooms Narcissus Nightshade
Nutmeg Nux Vomica Oak (Leaves and Acorns)
Onions Pathos Pear
Peyote Peony Periwinkle
Pigweed Pimpernal Poinsettia
Poison Ivy Poison Oak Pokeweed
Privet Ragwort Rain Tree
Red Princess Rhubarb Rosary Pea
Scotch Broom Skunk Cabbage Sneezeweed
Snowdrop Soapberry Sour Dock (Sorrel)
Spinach Spindletree Seeds Sprangeri Fern
Tansy Timber Milk Vetch Tomato
Trillium Umbrella Plant Virginia Creeper
Yew (Most Forms)

Hazardous Chemicals

Arts andCrafts Supplies

Methyl Ethyl Keytone
Turpentine







Oil Paints and Tempera Paints

Pigment Salts of Lead
Arsenic
Copper and Cadmium
Frost Removers

Ethylene Glycol
Isopropyl Alcohol
Lubricants

Barium Compounds
Isopropyl Alcohol
Kerosene
Lead Compounds
Stoddard Solvent
Motor Fuel

Gasoline
Kerosene
Tetraethyl Lead
Radiator Cleaners

Boric Acid
Oxalic Acid
Sodium Chromate
Shock Absorber Fluids

Petroleum Ether
Tire Repair

Benzene
Windshield Washer

Ethylene Glycol
Isopropyl Alcohol
Methyl Alcohol







Cleaners, Disinfectants, Sanitaziers, Bleaches, Polishers

Ammonium Hydroxide
Benzene
Cabon Tetrachloride
Hydrochloric Acid
Methyl Alochol
Napatha
Nitrobenzene
Oxalic Acid
Phosphoric Acid
Sodium Fluoride
Sodium or Potassium Hydroxide
Sodium Hypochlorite
Sodium Perborate
Sulfuric Acid
Trichloroethane
Turpentine
Disinfectants, Sanitizers

Acids
Alkalis
Hypochlorites
Iodophors
Paradichlorobenzene
Phenol, Cresols
Phenyl Mercuric Acetate
Pine Oil
Quaternary Ammonium


Try visiting:
Popes' Gardens - Beneficial Insects


Health and Beauty Aids
Athlet's Foot

Caprylic Acid
Copper
Propionic Acid
Sodium
Undecylenic Acid
Zinc Salts
Bath Preparations

Bath Oils
Perfume
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Trisodium Phosphate
Corn Removers

Phenoxyacetic Acid
Salicylic Acid
Deodorants and Antiperspirants

Alcohol
Alumimum Chloride
Diet Pills

Amphetamines
Diuretics
Thyroid Hormone
Eye Make - Up

Boric Acid
Peach Kernel Oil, qs
Hair Preparations

Cadmium Chloride
Cupric Chloride
Dyes, Tints
Ferric Chloride
Lead Acetate
Permanent Wave Lotions
Pyrogallol
Silver Nitrate
Thioglycolic Acid
Headache

Aspirin
Phenacetin
Suntan Lotions

Alcohol
Tannic Acid and Derivatives
Laxatives


Irritant or Stimulatnt Laxatives
Aloes
Aloin
Cascara Sagrada
Limiments

Camphor
Chloroform
Oil of Wintergreen (Methyl Saliclate)
Pine Oil
Turpentine
Nailetic

Acetone
Alcohol
Benzene
Ethyl Acetate
Nail Enamel
Nail Polish
Nail Polish Remover
Toluene
Tricresyl Phosphate
Ointments

Benzoic Acid
Borates
Caprlic Acid
Menthol
Mercury Compounds
Oil of Wintergreen (Methyl Slicylate)
Phenols
Salicylic Acid
Perfumes, Toilet Waters, and Colognes

Alcohol
Essential Oils
Floral Oils
Perfume Essence
Shampoos

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Triethanolamine Dodecyl Sulfate
Shaving Lotions

Alochol
Boric Acid
Somnolents (Sleeping Pills)

Barbiturates
Bromides
Stimulants

Amphetamine
Caffeine
Methylene Chloride
Toulene
Pentachlorophenol
2,4-D

Pencils, Indeligle

Crystal Violet

Photographic Supplies

Developers

Borates
Bromides
Iodides
Thiocyanates
Fixatives

Sodium Thiosulfate
Hardeners

Aluminum Chloride
Formaldehyde

Automotive and Machinery ProductsAntifreeze, Fule System De-icers

Ethylene Glycol
Isopropyl Alcohol
Methanol
Rust InhibitorsBorates
Brake Fluids

Butyle Ethers of Ethylene Glycol and Related Glycols
Ethyl Ethers of Ethylene Glycol and Related Glycols
Methy Ethers of ethylene Glycol and Related Glycols
Carburetor Cleaners

Cresol
Ethylene Dichloride
Corrosion Inhibitors

Borates
Sodium Chromate
Sodium Nitrate
Engine and Motor Cleaners

Cresol
Ethylene Dichloride
Methylene Chloride

Good luck and thank you for caring about the welfare of your dogs. I wish that more pet owners had your concern.

Regards,
Shelley Davis
www.bednbiscuit.com