The advantages of fertilizer in your garden and on your lawn seem obvious: it can promote plant growth, it enriches the soil with nutrients, and it is a simple way to maintain a healthy lawn.
You may not be aware that some of the wonderful advantages have a price: there are fertilizers available on the market that can seriously hurt your pet and jeopardize their health. We can help if you’re unsure of which fertilizers are suitable for use around dogs. We’ll discuss the dangers some fertilizers pose to your pet, provide a number of safe substitutes, and respond to some frequently asked questions about the effects of toxic fertilizers on dogs.
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Although it might surprise you, some lawn fertilizers can be harmful to dogs. As well as common organic fertilizer nutrients in large amounts or high concentrations, like nitrogen, iron, and potassium, cocoa mulch and rose fertilizer can be extremely harmful.
Although it is made of cocoa bean shells that are toxic to dogs, cocoa mulch is a popular addition to gardens because it provides the soil with a wealth of benefits and nutrients. Dogs are more likely to consume cocoa mulch because of its alluring aroma, which puts them at risk of developing a condition resembling chocolate poisoning.
You should be aware of the distinction between the common definition of fertilizer and the legal definition before we examine these 5 alternatives to fertilizer.
The broad definition of fertilizer is basically any addition to soil that boosts its fertility and availability of nutrients. Legal requirements mandate minimum levels of nitrogen, phosphate, and potash for fertilizers sold on the market.
Although in no way required, these alternatives will add beneficial and healthy nutrients to your soil.
Diagnosis of Fertilizers Poisoning in Dogs
Bring your pet to the vet to check for toxicosis if you believe they may have come into contact with fertilizer. When exposed to basic fertilizer, the symptoms may primarily be gastrointestinal and may go away in a day or two. It is always best to bring the container or product leaflet with you when bringing your pet in for a checkup so the doctor can confirm the product’s ingredients.
The situation might become more urgent if the fertilizer contains pesticides, fungicides, or herbicides because they can have much more harmful side effects. Depending on the type of fertilizer, the veterinarian will base the diagnosis on clinical signs (vomiting, dermal ulcers) and may want to perform additional urinalysis and blood testing to check toxicity levels or to look for signs of secondary illnesses like pancreatitis. For example:
Most fertilizers contain varying amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (potash) as indicated by the three numbers on the packaging (i.e., 30-10-10). They may also contain iron, copper, zinc, cobalt, boron, manganese and molybdenum, some of which may be toxic in large concentrations. Additionally, fertilizers may also contain herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides which increases the risk of poisoning. While small ingestions of fertilizer may only result in mild stomach upset, larger ingestions can result in severe poisoning from the iron, nitrogen and other chemicals. Large ingestions of meal-based fertilizers may also form a concretion in the stomach resulting in a bowel obstruction or severe and painful inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).
Contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline for advice on how to treat your dog or cat if you believe they were exposed to fertilizer.
How long should dogs stay off fertilized grass?
After 48 hours, most or all of the fertilizer should be absorbed into the lawn, making it safe enough for pets to walk on the grass. Until then, pets should stay off fertilized grass for at least 1 to 2 days.
Consider fertilizing your lawn gradually if you live in a small area and your dog needs to go outside during the one- to two-day window. Fertilize one half and let your dog roam on the other, but keep an eye on them closely and leash them if necessary. Fertilize the other half after 48 hours, then let your dog revert to the first half you fertilized.
FAQ
What happens if your dog eats fertilizer?
Fertilizers can result in burns on the skin, ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract, and vomiting in addition to breathing issues. Take your dog to the vet right away if you think they may have eaten fertilizer or if they seem sick after you’ve just used it in your garden.
How long is fertilizer toxic to dogs?
When a dog is outdoors, owners should keep them on a leash or under close supervision until the fertilizer is completely dry. Most fertilizers are deemed safe for pets to roam freely after 48 hours.
Can plant fertilizer hurt dogs?
Most fertilizers for plants are just a combination of nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium. If used properly, these organic substances typically have no negative effects on our pets. However, if consumed in large quantities, they can seriously harm your dog’s digestive system and result in vomiting and diarrhea.
Is granular fertilizer harmful to dogs?
Large-scale ingestion of granular fertilizer or drinking of an undiluted mixture by your dog or cat can result in drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive crying, lethargy, breathing difficulties, seizures, and occasionally even death.