Potting soil can come in many combinations of organic and some inorganic materials to promote plant growth. These mixtures are not compatible with dogs and their playful and inquisitive nature may lead to trouble if the potting soil is eaten.
It is best to discourage dogs from eating potting soil. Potting soil is specially formulated soil which contains ingredients made for plants with specific needs when grown in pots or containers. The constituents of potting soil are dangerous to dogs and cause a variety of ailments when ingested.
Soil and other organics used in the decomposition process to make potting soil may contain viruses and many types of bacteria which may get into pets when ingested if the process of decomposition was not done properly.
These bacteria die above temperatures of 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
The effects of eating potted soil will vary with different dogs, their size and maturity.
Some dogs may start to see signs of ingestion a few minutes after the potting soil is eaten which may last a couple hours and other dogs may see signs some time after it is eaten and the effects may last for up to three days.
How can the Type of Potted Soil Affect dogs Differently?
The type of potting soil time it takes for the dog to pass the effects depends on the type of potting soil and the ingredients it contains.
Potting soils differ by the ingredients they contain and their formulation to suit the needs for specific plants. It is best to understand the type of potting soil you have when it comes to the health of your plants coupled with having pets close by.
Here are some types of potting soil and their uses –
Types of Potting Soil
Uses
All purpose Potting soil
Best for most Indoor and outdoor Plants
Seed starting Mix
Provides the ideal conditions for germinating.
Cacti and succulent Mix
Provides good drainage required for cacti and succulent growth
Orchid Mix
Provides good air Circulation and ensures that it’s well drained.
Peat Free Potting soil
Used because by environmentally conscious gardeners since peat is a non renewable resource
Organic Potting Soil
Made from natural, plant, and animal-based materials, such as worm castings, food compost, manure, bones, and humus.
Non- Organic Potting soil
Contains mixtures that are not typical of normal soil.
Non organic potting soil which is also a soilless potting mixture that incorporates the combination of peat moss, tree bark, vermiculture, perlite, limestone and sand.. These help moisture retention within the soil and promotes a slow release of nutrients to the plants they are surrounding.
Reason why dogs may be attracted to Potting soil include –
They like the taste –
They are looking for probiotic nutrients that they aren’t getting in their diet
Have some other type of inflammatory disease
The scent
The dog may be hungry and simply looking for a source of food.
There are some types of mulches when applied to top soil that can also affect dogs when eaten. One such type is cocoa treated mulch.
Cocoa Treated Mulches will attract dogs because of their chocolatey smell but are in no way beneficial to dogs since they contain both caffeine and theobromine.
Theobromine primarily affects the central nervous system, cardiovascular system, and respiratory system, as well as having a diuretic effect. The first signs of poisoning in dogs include vomiting, haematemesis, and polydipsia. Source.
Dogs tend to eat grass and other plants to aid in digestion of their food and in doing so will come into contact with mulches and potting soil which may even be more enticing to them than the plants or grass.
You can also see our detailed article on why dogs like plants where we give an in-depth account creating an environment safe for both dogs and plants.
What if the Potted Soil Contains Bone or Blood Meal?
Dogs are attracted to the scent of bone meal which seems as a legit source of food and when ingested may cause gastrointestinal problems which includes diarrhea and vomiting.
The dog’s response to the bone meal has to do with the additives in the meal and also the potted soil mixture that the bone meal was in.
Bone meal is used to treat soil which is low in nutrients such as phosphorus and calcium. Plants that display calcium and phosphorus deficiencies have trouble with growth and have stunted leaf and root development.
Bone Meal is mainly made from the bones of cattles crushed into a fine pulp and in some cases it may also contain some small bone finds as well. When ingested in large amounts the dry mixture can lead to choking. This may occur if the dog eats the bone meal straight out of the bag or if it wasnt properly mixed in with the potting soil.
The bone and blood meals in organic fertilizers are more problematic than the inorganic fertilizers because they have more of a propensity to cause iron poisoning and pancreatitis. Source
One of the top ten emergency calls the ASPCA has is with pets consuming fertilizers and other garden products.
Other types of animal related fertilizer products may include fish meal and blood meal and as their name suggest are made with the bones of fishes and also from blood derived from farming animals which is dried and processed into a power form.
The fish meal however, may contain shards of fish bone and these can easily get logged into the dogs throat causing irritation and vomiting.
Whatever type of animal derived fertilizer, it will have an enticing aroma that will attract dogs. The result is that the dogs may ingest the fertilizer and then display signs of a negative reaction since it was not formulated for animals.
How Eating Potted soil Can affect dogs
The effect the potted soil can have on a dog will be different depending on the potting soil and the quantity ingested.
Through thorough research, these are the general symptoms which accompanies ingestion of potting soil by dogs –
Gastrointestinal irritation
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Rapid heart rate
Weakness
Seizures
Death
These reactions are simply the dogs way of removing and detoxifying itself. However symptoms such as the one listed above should not be taken lightly and you should seek the attention of a vet as soon as possible.
Can Other Planting Soil Affect Dogs if Eaten?
Soil treated with fertilizer and plant nutrients also affect dogs. Additionally, if the soil contains added substrates such as pebbles or rocks may be a problem if ingested.
Usually it is recommended that plants be potted with a potting soil mixture simply because the potting soil will contain all the required nutrients required for the plants to grow healthy within its confined space.
Whenever other types of soil is used for potting plants such as soil found in the garden, additional nutrients are usually added to help plant growth. Usually fertilizers with a 20-20-20 ratio of NPK fertilizer may be added for general plants and other special ratios for specific plants such as orchids and flowering plants.
Additionally, in some instances, insecticides may be used to control pests from attacking the plants. These insecticides eventually end up in the soil and if ingested will lead to intestinal problems in dogs.
If you have to use pesticides, you should use one of an organic nature such as neem oil. Neem oil can help with fleas, ticks, intestinal parasites and mange mites in dogs and is therefore recommended for plants that are situated close to pets.
Can Insects in Potting Soil Affect Dogs?
Potting Soil and Soil from potted plants may contain insects which produce chemicals as a defense mechanism to danger. If the dog has ingested the soil containing such insects, the chemicals secreted by the insects may cause the dog to vomit or have digestive problems which may lead to diarrhea
The moist conditions of potted soil may attract unwanted insects and animals such as frogs. They tend to seek its cool shady environment under the plant which acts like an oasis away from the scorching sun.
With that said heres my story with potted soil and my dog.
My dog once bit a toad that was sleeping in a plant pot with potting soil. Shes a small dog and very playful. Just a small bit and my dog immediately started to gasp and vomit and also had instant diarrhea.
After a costly visit to the vet, a bag of fluid drip and a shot of antibiotics my dog started to feel better. The symptoms were completely gone after 12 hours biting the toad which was peacefully lying in the potted soil.
The Takeaway
You should consider purchasing a nontoxic blend of mulch or potting soil which incorporates more organic ingredients which will not have a great impact on your dog if they eat it.
When having pets around your garden or planting area you should always actively supervise them, ensuring that they dont get themselves into trouble.
Additionally, you can provide a mechanical means of prevention by installing wire cages or pet barriers around plants that contain potting soil or mulch that can cause harm to your pets.
While dogs don't typically eat enough dirt to cause gastrointestinal issues, other than potentially contracting intestinal parasites, dogs eating stones and dirt may develop intestinal blockages, which require surgical removal.
Dogs eat dirt for a number of reasons. The desire for munching on soil might be boredom or stress, or it could simply be because they smelled something tasty mixed in the mud. But it could also signal an underlying health problem or a lack of proper nutrition, says the American Kennel Club(AKC).
Legionella longbeachae, a bacteria commonly found in potting mix, can cause Legionnaires' disease, a form of pneumonia. This disease is often caused by inhaling or by spreading the bacteria from hand to mouth after handling potting mix, soil or compost.
If your dog eats the dirt from potted houseplants then keep the pots away from their reach. You can also try spraying them with a taste deterrent. If you still find your dog approaching the plant then command them firmly to 'sit.
“Symptoms typically occur seasonally and present as itchy skin, excessive grooming, rashes, sneezing and eye discharge.” No matter what type of houseplants you have, be aware that the potting soil may be harboring mold, which can also cause allergies in your pet, says Dr. Arndt.
Compost/mouldy foods. Mouldy foods can contain lots of different toxins and, if eaten, may make your dog ill. One particular substance, which is mostly found on mouldy dairy products, bread and nuts, can cause dogs to quickly develop muscle tremors and seizures, which may last for up to two days.
It does not contain any chemicals or pesticides. However, the USDA does not regulate how potting soils are labeled; therefore a potting soil may be labeled “organic” as long as it technically only contains natural, carbon-based ingredients.
Potting soil is best used for when your plants are still in containers. When combined with soil outdoors it can cause the soil in your garden to dry out because it can often drain too well. Topsoil on the other hand is best combined with outdoor soil that already exists in your garden or flowerbed.
If there have ever been wooden structures on the property prior to the late 1970s, then the land has a higher risk for lead and arsenic contamination. The only sure way to tell if soil is contaminated is to sample the soil and have a certified laboratory test it.
"The most common food allergens in dogs are proteins..." The most common food allergens in dogs are proteins, especially those from dairy, beef, chicken, chicken eggs, soy, or wheat gluten. Each time a pet eats food containing these substances, the antibodies react with the antigens, and symptoms occur.
Environmental allergens, such as dust, pollen, and mold, can cause an atopic allergic reactions or atopic dermatitis. In most cases, these allergies are seasonal, so you may only notice your dog itching during certain times of the year.
Environmental allergens for dogs include pollen, molds, grass, trees, and dust mites. Another common allergen is flea saliva, which causes a disease called flea allergy dermatitis.
Many popular veggies like onions, garlic, tomatoes, and chives are poisonous to dogs and should be fenced off in a way that prevents your furry friend from getting into them. The same goes for some plants like ivy.
There are 4 potentially toxic ingredients commonly found within multivitamins including xylitol, vitamin D, iron, and calcium. Chewable, sugar-free vitamins often contain xylitol, and can result in signs of low blood sugar and even liver failure.
Dietary deficiency: One long-standing theory is that dogs eat feces because they're missing something in their diets. Vitamin B deficiency, in particular, has been suspected since scientists found bacteria in the intestines make thiamin, a B vitamin.
Because they are necessary for maintenance of bones and teeth, calcium and phosphorus are very important macrominerals for proper dog nutrition. A deficiency in either of these minerals can lead to bone deformities or weakness. Fractures can easily result in dogs with calcium and phosphorus deficiencies.
The problem with MG is that the nitrogen is derived from synthetic ammonium and water soluble nitrates, producing off-chemicals that are harmful to soil microbes, worms, and all other forms of life in the soil.
The primary ingredients in synthetic fertilizers like Miracle-Gro are urea nitrogen and ammonium sulfate. When exposed to the air, these compounds create a toxic greenhouse gas that damages human lungs. Nitrogen can build up in the human body when it isn't detoxified fast enough by the liver.
To avoid exposing your cat to harmful ingredients in potting soil, opt for organic or sterilized versions of the product. Avoid choosing potting soil with added chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Fertilizer consumption can lead to serious gastrointestinal problems for a pet.
Potting soil is any gardening media that is composed of dirt. It could be completely dirt or it is mixed with other soil-less materials. It is usually used for filling in low spots in a raised bed. Potting mix is an entirely soil-less garden medium.
Potting soil usually contains a combination of Canadian sphagnum peat moss, composted or aged bark, compost, earthworm castings, horticultural grade perlite, pumice or cinders and controlled-release fertilizer, according to Cunningham.
Most potting soil you buy in a garden center are comprised of three basic ingredients: peat moss, pine bark, and either perlite or vermiculite (to provide air space).
Topsoil is for planting in the ground. Potting soil is for planting in containers. Topsoil is sand or clay (ground-up rocks), mixed with organic materials like compost. Potting soil is a mixture of peat moss and other organic materials like composted sawdust.
It's generally fine to reuse potting soil if whatever you were growing in it was healthy. If you did notice pests or diseases on your plants, it's best to sterilize the mix to avoid infecting next year's plants. First, remove any roots, grubs, leaves, and other debris from the old potting soil.
Bark, hardwood shreds and sawdust are also used, as well as other organic materials like composted yard or animal waste, mushroom compost or cotton gin waste. Soil-less potting mixtures also employ the hulls and husks from peanuts, rice and coconuts.
However, it turns out that the best way to clean contaminated soil is to grow plants that have evolved mechanisms for decomposing and removing toxic residue from soils. These plants are called hyperaccumulators because they are able to take up 100 times more metals and petrochemicals than other plants.
One of the ways to biologically remediate soil is by planting various plants that release substances through their roots which support the existing microorganisms in the soil in removing the contaminants. This is a process of phytoremediation called rhizosphere biodegradation.
The biggest concern by far in soil used for home gardening is heavy metals, particularly lead, cadmium and arsenic (1). Heavy metals are concerning because while they do not have immediate effects, the buildup of these metals in your body can result in negative health effects over time.
It's best to use potting mix for any indoor plants. Use one that gives your plant roots the preferred air, moisture and nutrition balance it needs. Soil from the outdoors is heavy and is best used for outdoor gardening.
A large number of other human bacterial infections have been suggested to occur from exposure to soil. These include Salmonella enterica, Campylobacter spp., Escherichia coli (food-born gastrointestinal disease), Legionella spp. (pneumonia; Legionnaires' Disease), Mycobacterium leprae (leprosy), Shigella spp.
Soil-transmitted helminths refer to the intestinal worms infecting humans that are transmitted through contaminated soil (“helminth” means parasitic worm): Ascaris lumbricoides (sometimes called just “Ascaris“), whipworm (Trichuris trichiura), and hookworm (Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus).
"To many gardeners, potting mix may seem harmless, but it can actually be very dangerous unless the correct procedures are followed," Dr Sutton said. "Most people who breathe in the bacteria do not become ill. The risk of disease is increased with age, smoking, and in people with weakened immune systems."
Potting soil is any gardening media that is composed of dirt. It could be completely dirt or it is mixed with other soil-less materials. It is usually used for filling in low spots in a raised bed. Potting mix is an entirely soil-less garden medium.
Though it can be tempting to touch garden soil with our bare hands, especially if you're engaging in some kind of mindfulness activity, it's not highly encouraged. The soil may be contaminated with parasite larvae, fungi, bacteria, and chemical remnants that may enter your skin if you have cuts or open wounds.
If your work involves handling garden soils, compost and potting mixes, you need to be aware of the possible risk of contracting Legionnaire's disease. It's a lung condition with symptoms similar to pneumonia.
To ensure that your medium is clear of bacteria and illnesses, disinfect it with hydrogen peroxide. To do this, just sprinkle some hydrogen peroxide in your organic potting mix.
Dr McAnulty said you can do a couple of things to protect yourself from ingesting bacteria from the potting mix. "Put on a face mask and wear gardening gloves before you open the bag of potting mix and handle the contents," Dr McAnulty said.
As well as garden soil, potting soils and soil amendments can pose risks. Supposedly sterilized animal bye-products used in potting mixes gave been found to contain Salmonella.
The first symptom of cutaneous (skin) sporotrichosis is usually a small, painless bump that can develop any time from 1 to 12 weeks after exposure to the fungus. The bump can be red, pink, or purple, and usually appears on the finger, hand, or arm where the fungus has entered through a break in the skin.
Roundworm or Toxocara cati, are prolific egg producers and are estimated to produce as many as 24,000 eggs per day. So once these worms get indoors, it's difficult to get rid of them. Indoor gardeners should also be aware that 15% of commercial potting soil contains roundworm eggs.
You may be surprised to learn that gardening also puts pregnant women at risk for a toxoplasmosis infection, because the parasite can happily reside in soil.
Giardia is found on surfaces or in soil, food, or water that has been contaminated with feces (poop) from infected people or animals. You can get giardiasis if you swallow Giardia germs. Giardia spreads easily and can spread from person to person or through contaminated water, food, surfaces, or objects.
Address: 747 Lubowitz Run, Sidmouth, HI 90646-5543
Phone: +99513241752844
Job: Design Supervisor
Hobby: Digital arts, Lacemaking, Air sports, Running, Scouting, Shooting, Puzzles
Introduction: My name is Delena Feil, I am a clean, splendid, calm, fancy, jolly, bright, faithful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
