FAQ

12
DR. EARTH® GARDENING GUIDE
Organic gardening materials (fertilizers, composts and
insecticides) pose little health risk to your pets, because they are
plant-based or animal-based. Because many of us want to harvest
the most produce we can, we may try to completely control all
insects, especially when we see pest damage to our crops. Think
about the consequences of your actions. Is it worth harvesting all
of a crop if you run the risk of poisoning your pets?
Get peace of mind, knowing that not everything you apply to
your garden will harm your pets or your family. If you must apply
an insect control, choose the least toxic, environmentally friendly
option. For example, diatomaceous earth or citrus sprays are
excellent for controlling fleas and ticks in the garden where pets
may play or run. These sprays are effective, have minimal side effects
and are the least toxic pest control option for organic gardeners. (Do
not confuse the diatomaceous earth used in swimming pools with
the one you need to control insects in your garden.) Botanical
sprays are effective as biological controls.
Remember: Never over apply.
Even safe alternatives to
chemical pesticides are
broad-spectrum killers
that can affect beneficial
insects. Spare all the non-
destructive life you can,
because biodiversity is the
most important principle in
growing a healthy garden.
Why an Organic Garden is Safer for Pets
Lawn and garden chemicals pose the biggest
threat to your pets, so avoid them. Reach for safe
alternatives.. Always store chemicals out of reach
of pets and kids. A locked garage or storage shed
is best for storing potentially harmful substances.
If you must kill or control insects, here are
some alternatives to chemical spraying. Try
to wash off the leaves and vegetables with a
strong blast of water. If the problem persists, try
soap and water or other organic methods. Soap
and water are safe for getting rid of soft-bodied
insects such as aphids. Add a teaspoon of dish
soap to a gallon of water and use it in a garden
sprayer. The soap is an irritant to many insects
and can help break down the protective barrier
of their external skeleton.
Mowing the lawn can also pose a threat to
pets. Pebbles or sticks can fly in the air as the
mower cuts the grass and strike a pet. This could
cause your pet great pain and discomfort not to
mention an expensive visit to the veterinarian.
Always read product labels for anything you
use. (This practice goes beyond pet safety
and garden materials. You should adopt this
philosophy with everything you buy.) Keep your
pets inside or at a safe distance when you apply
any treatments, even organic ones, to your lawn
or garden.
Before you plan your garden, visit the “hard
goods” section of your nursery for treatments
that address potential hazards to pets. With a
little planning, you and your pets can have a safe,
beautiful and nutritious garden that will be a joy
to everyone.
Common Sense Pet Safety
Meet our
little girl, Mini
13
We do not have two divisions in our company:
we do not sell chemicals out of one hand and organics
out of the other just to increase the bottom line.
Our founder, Milo Shammas, created every product
through a labor of love. His attention to detail and
craftsmanship is truly old-world. Our pursuit of
high-quality, small-batch style motivates us to craft
organic products for all the right reasons - products
that we are proud to use ourselves.
We believe that these tenets are what separate
a great company - one with the highest ethical
standards, like Dr. Earth® - from a large corporation.
These corporations are everywhere and are easy
to spot by their unwavering focus on profits, and
only profits - with no regard for the health risks the
products they offer might deliver.
Dr. Earth® is proud to say “Organic products
are all we have ever made.” How many other
companies can say the same thing?
We are a trusted brand with a clean track
record in the organic community. Don't
be misled by large corporations who buy
small, wholesome organic companies to
conceal their dirty track record.
ETHICAL
DESIGNING A
PET SAFE
GARDEN
ANIMAL HEALTH
PET SAFETY IN THE GARDEN