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Pets can come in contact with arsenic and lead in dirt. There is no immediate health risk, but long term, daily exposure can impact the health of your pets and your family. Pets can track contaminants from the soil into your home. Healthy Actions will make your home safer for your family and pets:

• Cover bare patches of dirt with a ground cover – grass, bark, mulch, or gravel.
• Wipe your pet’s paws and fur off when they come inside.
• Bathe your pet often.
• Give your pet their own bed.
• Vacuum and damp mop regularly (at least once a week) to clean up dirt and dust tracked into your home.
• Use a damp dust cloth to keep contaminants from being stirred up into the air.

Dogs that DIG!

If your dog digs, they could be coming in direct contact with arsenic and lead in dirt. Dirt gets on their paws and fur, and they can track it into the house. The arsenic and lead can get into their bodies and ours.

The Humane Society has excellent tips on why dogs dig and how to prevent it. Here are a few things you can try to minimize your dog’s digging desires:

• Get rid of your dog’s excess energy by:
  • Taking your dog on a brisk walk multiple times daily.
  • Play fetch to redirect behavior and energy.
  • Keep interesting toys around and alternate them regularly.
• Create a specific digging zone in your yard that has clean soil or sand and teach your dog to use this area only.
• Fill unwanted holes with gravel, or cover with chicken wire.