[bbgrl2]

I just found out I have rust spores on my lawn, I am going to try to get them taken care of ASAP, but wondering if they are dangerous to my dogs? Any one know?:-?

[Lunareclipse]

I don't know. I am sure Corky/Max will research when she pops on. She loves researching things. I think she would have made a great lawyer.

[CorkyMax]

Thanks for the compliment Luna!---- But I had no luck finding anything on this. Since I didn't find anything saying it was dangerous to dogs, I am assuming it isn't but I wouldn't want my dog eating it just the same! Are you concerned because it is just touching the rust or is the dog actually eating it? The dog just touching the rust would not bother me too much.

I did find this info on rusty grass though: Rust


Rust gets its name from the orange, "rusty"appearance it gives leaf blades. Most commonly effecting ryegrasses and Kentucky Bluegrass, rust tends to flourish in conditions of: morning dew, shade, high soil compaction, and low-fertility. The best way to check for rust problems is by taking a white tissue or paper towel and rubbing a few grass blades through it. If an orange color remains, then it's usually rust.


The best prevention for rust is to aerate your lawn, water well in the morning hours, reduce shade to grass, mow more frequently and bag grass clippings; follow a fertilization schedule to help increase the amount of nitrogen levels in your lawn.

If Rust has been a problem in the past, mow frequently and remove clippings from lawn. There was also info on what 'chemicals' to use to help get rid of this but I will not put that info here as I am pretty sure THAT would not be good for the dog!!

While searching this I came across something else I had never heard about--Somebody mentioned that hollyhock roots are dangerous for a dog to eat! And I have lots of these in my backyard where my Cocker Spaniel is all the time. I don't think he will ever try to eat this but some dogs might as evidently this person's dog did. I will go get that person's comment ---Be right back!

Here are the comments:
I just wanted to let you know that hollyhock is extremely toxic/poisonous to dogs. Perhaps it is only toxic during the growing season, but not during the winter dormant season. My dog ate a root again today that about killed him. Just thought you would want know. (e-mail reference).

A: Thanks for the information. I'm glad your dog is all right. On matters like this, all I have are a few references, which are research-based and documented by veterinarians or the Poison Control Center. I would suggest ripping out the hollyhock because dogs can be very good companions and loveable to boot, but most are not very bright about learning from bad past experiences, such as chasing cars!

Q: I love hollyhocks, but I have three dogs that dig up the roots and eat them during the winter months. I didn't pay much attention until this morning, when one of the dogs had some kind of a fit. I was wondering if the roots are like a vitamin supplement during the winter, but have a nerve toxin during the spring. Thank you so much for any help you can give me. (e-mail reference)

A: None of my poisonous plant books list hollyhock as having any toxic principles, but that doesn't mean they are harmless. It could be there have been no reported cases of poisoning from this species. I would contact a veterinarian at New Mexico State University's Extension Service to see if he or she can provide you with additional information.

[bbgrl2]

No she is not eating it, just makes her paws turn orange I've been wipping them off when she comes in. I found the same information on the internet, makes sense since my yard has been flooded for most of the summer and now just dried up. I am looking for a new house so I won't have the flooding problems or rust problems any more! Thanks for your help though!