Is the vinegar, salt and soap weed killer harmful to pets? I would like to try it on my paved area however my puppy is likely to lick the area. Should I apply and then keep her away for a week? Hose it in after a few days?
Stacey from Australia
Answer:
The ASPCA lists salt as a food to avoid giving your pet. It has also been my personal experience that a lot of dogs (and some cats) enjoy the smell and taste of soap (although usually bar soap). None of these ingredients are likely to seriously hurt your pet in small quantities, but mild to severe digestive upsets are possible depending on the quantities ingested. I would feel comfortable telling you to apply it and then keep her away from the area for a week. That is more than enough time for it to work on weeds. If after that you notice that she starts licking the area, go ahead and wash it down with a hose. Here are some more food and household products the ASPCA deems unsafe for dogs and cats. For more information visit www.aspca.org
Foods
Alcohol
Avocado
Chocolate (all forms, including garden mulch made from cocoa shells)
Fatty foods
Macadamia nuts
Moldy or spoiled foods
Onions, onion powder
Raisin or grapes
Salt
Yeast dough
Garlic
Products sweetened with xylitol (a sweetener common in diabetic diets)
Warm Weather Garden Hazards
Animal toxins-toads, insects, spiders, snakes, and scorpions
Blue-green pond algae
Citronella candles
Cocoa mulch
Compost piles & Fertilizers
Certain outdoor plants and bulbs
Swimming pool chemicals
Fly baits containing methomyl
Slug and snail bait containing metaldehyde
Medications (even in small doses)
Pain killers
Cold medicines
Anti-cancer drugs
Antidepressants
Vitamins
Diet Pills
Cold Weather Hazards
Antifreeze
Liquid Potpourri
Ice melting products
Rat and mouse bait
Common Household Hazards
Fabric softener sheets
Mothballs
Post-1982 pennies (due to high zinc concentrations)
Holiday Hazards
Christmas tree water (may contain fertilizers and bacteria, which can cause digestive upsets).
Electrical cords
Ribbon and tinsel (can cause intestinal blockages. Most often occurs in kittens!)
Batteries
Glass ornaments
Non-toxic Substances for Dogs and Cats
These are considered non-toxic, although they can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some animals:
Water-based paints
Toilet bowl water (unless treated with chemicals)
Silica gel
Poinsettia
Cat Litter
Glue traps
Glow jewelry
Good Luck!
Ellen
About The Author: Ellen Brown is our Green Living and Gardening Expert. Click here to ask Ellen a question! Ellen Brown is an environmental writer and photographer and the owner of Sustainable Media, an environmental media company that specializes in helping businesses and organizations promote eco-friendly products and services. Contact her on the web at http://www.sustainable-media.com
What Ellen said. I think your puppy MIGHT get the runs from licking lots of this stuff, but he probably won't like the taste of vinegar. Otherwise it's not harmful.
I don't really think it would hurt your puppy, don't think he/ she would like the taste of the vinegar? But to be on the safe side call your critter dr and ask to be sure.
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