The Hidden Dangers of Weed Killers: Protecting Our Dogs, Our families, and Our Future
At Hound and Howl, we’re passionate about protecting your pets — and our beautiful island home. But many everyday products, like chemical weed killers, pose serious risks not just to our dogs, but to our soil, our hillsides, and our waterways.
A few shocking facts
- Studies in the UK found glyphosate residues in over 30% of bread samples, proving how deeply it infiltrates our environment — from fields to food to the ground our dogs walk on.
- Glyphosate, the main ingredient in Roundup, has been classified as probably carcinogenic to humans by the World Health Organisation. Dogs exposed to sprayed areas are at risk through paw absorption, sniffing the ground, or even grooming themselves afterwards.
- Weed killers have also been linked to a steep decline in pollinators, like bees and butterflies, which threatens the very ecosystems that support life on our island.
On the Isle of Man, we are proud to be part of the UNESCO Biosphere — the only entire nation in the world to hold this title. That means we all share a responsibility to protect our incredible hills, plantations, rivers, and coastline. When chemical weed killers seep into our soil and waterways, they cause long-term damage, threatening not only wildlife but future generations.
Don't be misled by "Pet-Safe" claims
Many weed killers branded as "pet-safe" are only safe once the product has fully dried — and even then, they can leave behind residues that build up in your dog's system over time. "Pet-safe" doesn’t always mean non-toxic — it often just means "safe enough" by outdated standards.
There is a better way
Natural alternatives like vinegar-based sprays, boiling water, mulching, and hand weeding are safer options. They nurture the soil, protect our rivers, and keep our dogs — and all island life — free from hidden toxins.
By choosing natural methods, you're helping to protect your dog's long-term health, support the biodiversity of our hills, plantations, and countryside, and keep our rivers, beaches, and coastal waters clean. Taking care of the land beneath our feet protects everything that lives on it — including us.
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