Pet owners often struggle to keep their furry friends safe, especially in the backyard. When it comes to the use of grass seed and fertilizer, pet owners may be concerned about potential risks. While the use of grass seed and fertilizer can help maintain a healthy and lush lawn, pet owners may worry that it could potentially be harmful to their beloved dogs. In this blog post, we will explore whether grass seed and fertilizer can be hazardous to dogs, as well as provide advice on how to keep your pet safe if you decide to use these products. We’ll discuss the potential risks, as well as provide tips on how to use grass seed and fertilizer in a safe and responsible manner. With the right information, pet owners can enjoy a beautiful lawn without putting their pet’s health at risk. So, let’s dive in and start exploring the topic of grass seed and fertilizer and whether they can be harmful to dogs.
It’s crucial to shield your dog from exposure to things that could potentially make it sick in a time when pets are often treated like members of the family. Due to their poisonous nature, pesticides and fertilizers used in gardens and landscaping present a risk to dogs. Because your dog spends a lot of time in your yard and on the grass, it’s critical to comprehend the dangers of using lawn fertilizers.
The most important thing is to lock your garage, keep your dog on a leash or under supervision when outside, and make sure to store lawn and garden products in secure containers to keep your dog safe this summer.
These organic “meals” are frequently used as fertilizer ingredients, soil amendment products, or as deer, rabbit, and wildlife deterrents. These products may tempt a massive ingestion because dogs frequently find them to be highly palatable, despite their unpleasant smells (e g. , dogs consuming multiple pounds of bone meal straight from the bag) Gardeners frequently combine organic fertilizers with other, riskier fertilizers or chemicals (e.g. g. , the carbamates or organophosphates present in some vintage rose fertilizers, spring bulbs, etc. ), resulting in dual poisoning with another product. Meals can cause gastrointestinal irritation when consumed (e g. , vomiting, diarrhea, etc. bone meal coagulating into a large concretion the size of a bowling ball, foreign body obstruction, or even severe pancreatitis (i e. , inflammation of the pancreas). Treatment includes:
If in doubt, lock the garage door and keep these fertilizers out of reach even though these more hazardous varieties aren’t commonly found on the market anymore. g. , meals) Surprisingly, organic fertilizers are the most hazardous types of fertilizers. Most pet owners opt for organic products because they want to use “safer” ones around their animals. In general, organic fertilizers are “natural” fertilizers made from leftover byproducts from the agriculture or meatpacking industries. Examples include:
What if my dog was poisoned by mulch or fertilizer? If you suspect that your dog may have been exposed to something poisonous, contact your veterinarian or emergency veterinarian immediately. When in doubt, call ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. They may be able to instruct you on how to induce vomiting and whether or not there is a poisoning risk.
Depending on how much cocoa mulch is consumed, the severity of clinical symptoms from chocolate poisoning will vary; typically, one or two licks or bites won’t be a problem. However, for the first few weeks, be sure to keep the mulch out of your dog’s reach. Exposure to sun, heat, and rain reduces the risk of poisoning over time, and the smell of chocolate quickly goes away.
Even after waiting 48 hours, applying more fertilizer than recommended can potentially harm pets. If you don’t follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying the fertilizer, the grass might retain the residue for a long time. Pets quickly ingest the residues by licking them off of their fur and paws. If you are unsure of the application amount, speaking with a qualified landscaper for specific fertilizing instructions is the best way to stay safe.
Granular fertilizers are among the simplest to apply correctly and uniformly. The tiny pellets are clearly discernible as you spread them across the blades of grass. When the entire lawn is thoroughly watered, the fertilizer is forced into the soil. 24 hours after the last time you noticed granules on the grass blades, let pets back onto the lawn. A full day gives the water time to evaporate and the fertilizer time to soak deeply into the soil.
Wait until two days or 48 hours have passed after the fertilizer application to ensure the lawn is completely free of any leftover fertilizer residue. Granules or liquid fertilizers are already deeply rooted in the soil at this point, so if it’s sunny during this time, it’s simple to see that the water used with the fertilizer has evaporated. Although you might need to apply fertilizer more frequently and allow more drying time after a rainy period, rainy days after application help move the fertilizer even deeper into the soil.
Amy Rodriguez has been writing professionally since 2010, and she successfully grows cacti, succulents, bulbs, carnivorous plants, and orchids at home. She has a degree in electronics and more than ten years of experience, and she uses her passion for technology to help people grow their gardens while continuing her education through college courses and gardening endeavors.
Particularly for your pets, your lawn is an extension of your house. However, because fertilizing the lawn is a common task during this season, springtime brings the risk of illness for pets. Any excessive fertilizer consumption results in symptoms ranging from nausea to seizures. When it is safe for a pet to walk on the grass after fertilization, refer to the instructions on the package.
FAQ
Is grass seed with fertilizer safe for dogs?
Most grass seed will not harm your dog or cat if they eat it on its own, but most veterinarians advise looking for grass seed that is not heavily chemically treated. The type of fertilizer you decide to use on your lawn is where the real safety concern lies.
How long after fertilizing can I let my dog out?
When a Fertilized Lawn Is Safe for Dogs & Pets. Dogs and other animals take pleasure in playing and running through the grass just like kids do. But it’s also advisable to restrict their use of the lawn for 24 to 72 hours after fertilizing.
Will grass fertilizer hurt my dog?
Effects of Fertilizers on Dogs and Cats If your pet ingests commercial lawn fertilizer, it may result in some serious health problems, including abdominal pain, excessive drooling, vomiting, discolored gums, bowel obstruction, difficulty breathing, cardiac arrest, and even inflammation of the liver and pancreas.
Is it okay if dogs eat grass seed?
Although grass seeds that make it into the stomach can be digested, it is still possible for them to pierce the digestive tract and enter nearby tissues and organs, spreading the infection and allowing it to spread to other parts of the body.