[MacKirk]

Allo, and thank you. We have a large dog population, 9 of our own, 1 border and 3 fosters (curently). Ranging from 4 lbs to 85.

We are located in the south west and have been doing this for two plus years. Since the new year, a skin irritation has started to plauge the dogs that live here constantly. Ecoli has been sugested and the Vet thinks its likly bacterial.

The back yard is about 40-30 feet, feces are picked up daily. Grass is mostly dead from the heavy trafic.

The iritations are most concentrated in thier feet and undersides, or rear haunches.

>What can we use on back yard to disenfect without harming the dogs?

>What can we use indoors for same?

Already tried removing an inch of top soil and watering down remaing. Indoors have used anti bacterial/disefectant upon the floors.

>Any side thoughts on cause or solutions are appreciated.

 

[Willowy]

Is the soil extra alkaline in the area? Could be alkaline burns.

Do you rinse the disinfecting solution from the floors after washing? Could be a reaction to the cleaning stuff.

If it really is bacterial, I've heard that you can use bleach to kill the bacteria in the soil, but I'm not sure of the mixing ratios. Sorry. Has the vet done cultures to confirm a bacterial source? It actually sounds like a chemical reaction to me.

 

[agility collie mom]

1/2 cup bleach to a gallon of water to disinfect. I usually lime my yard once a year.

 

[MacKirk]

Is the soil extra alkaline in the area? Could be alkaline burns.

Do you rinse the disinfecting solution from the floors after washing? Could be a reaction to the cleaning stuff.

If it really is bacterial, I've heard that you can use bleach to kill the bacteria in the soil, but I'm not sure of the mixing ratios. Sorry. Has the vet done cultures to confirm a bacterial source? It actually sounds like a chemical reaction to me.

Tested the grouds PH.. using pool equipment.. 8.6 *yikes* How do we bring it back down? Considered watering, but with high clay base soil, it wont wash away, just sits in top soil till it evaporates.

Yes, rinsed with clear hot water after cleaning the floors.

Vet has not done a culture.. baterial suspecion was from visual only.

Thanks for starting us in right direction and for bleach/water ratio.

 

[cshellenberger]

VERY alkaline soil, you'll need to loosen the soil and add compost to it as well as Ferrous sulfate (iron) to acidify the soil, you can get a pellitized form at most home centers such as Lowes and Home depot. The most important thing is to get the soil LOOSENED UP and breaking up the clay. You may need to do this repeatedly over several weeks.

 

[hsieh]

you ever think of putting straw down on the dirt?

 

[MacKirk]

Went to Home depot.. Found "Ironite. Minearal Supplement" It contains ferrus sulfate, among its many ingrediants. Among its uses listed, ph balancing is not among them. Is this sufficient to the task?

On breaking up the heavy clay, is a tiller needed? Or would an airating roller work? Im thinking the roller will compact as much as it breaks.

Lime has also been sugested, but with its caustic nature, Im concearned about application.

 

[cshellenberger]

You DO NOT want lime!!! Lime is ALKALINE and will RAISE the PH. You want to Acidify and LOWER the ph.

I would use either a core aerator or a tiller, of course the tiller is going to be more effective, you also need to add ORGANIC matter, either compost or Peat to the soil, peat is naturally acidic and along with the Ironrite will bring the PH down. This will also encourage grass growth if you want it.

Sorry, but whomever you were talking to at HD is an idiot, I was a VA certified Master Gardener and Lowes' Live Nursery Specialist for five years.

Also, look and see if your HC Gypsum, Gypsum will help to break up the clay in your soil, it's nuetral so safe to use in conjunction with evrything else.

http://www.humeseeds.com/gypsum.htm

http://home.clara.net/tmac/urgring/faqsoil1.htm

 

[MacKirk]

Thanks.. the Lime didnt seam right.. havent been any bodies burried back there in 20 years or more *rolls eyes* .. Thanks for all the help thus far.. I will be sure to post results of your advice, if the Dogs dont pull an Animal Farm.