Is Fertilizer Bad for Dogs? Symptoms, Risks, and Prevention

Is Fertilizer Bad for Dogs?

Fertilizer can be bad for dogs, particularly if ingested in large amounts or if it contains toxic additives like pesticides.

Mild exposure may cause vomiting and diarrhea, but fertilizers mixed with harmful chemicals can lead to severe reactions, including seizures and respiratory distress.

Ingredients such as herbicides, pesticides, iron, copper, zinc, and animal by-products can be dangerous, while organic options like cocoa bean mulch pose additional risks due to their theobromine content.

To keep your dog safe, prevent access to treated areas and opt for pet-friendly lawn care alternatives.

Routes of Fertilizer Exposure for Dogs

Understanding how your dog might come into contact with lawn fertilizers is crucial for prevention:

• Direct Ingestion: Dogs may accidentally consume fertilizer if it’s left unattended or if they dig into treated soil. Granular fertilizers, in particular, may look like food.
• Licking Paws: If your dog walks on freshly fertilized grass, they may later lick their paws, ingesting harmful substances.
• Contaminated Water: Fertilizer runoff can pollute water sources, and dogs drinking from puddles or potted plants watered with diluted fertilizer may ingest toxic chemicals.

To keep your dog safe, prevent access to treated areas, store fertilizers securely, and consider pet-friendly lawn care alternatives.

How Much Fertilizer Is Dangerous?

Determining how much fertilizer is dangerous for your dog depends on several factors, including the type of fertilizer, size of your dog, and amount of fertilizer ingested.

Type of Fertilizer

Liquid fertilizers can be particularly dangerous because they contain higher concentrations of nutrients and chemicals.

Even a small amount ingested directly from the container can be harmful.

Small ingestions of granular fertilizers may cause mild symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea but are unlikely to result in severe illness.

Larger doses can lead to more serious health issues, though.

Note also that animal-byproduct ingredients like blood meal or bone meal can be dangerous if ingested in large quantities due to their potential to cause pancreatitis in dogs predisposed to this condition.

Size of Your Dog

Smaller breeds (under 20 pounds) may experience serious health risks even with minor exposures. As such, any ingestion should be treated seriously.

Medium to large-sized dogs may tolerate slightly higher amounts without immediate symptoms, but large ingestions still pose risks.

Amount Ingested

As a general rule of thumb, if your dog consumes more than 0.5 grams of fertilizer per 2 pounds of body weight, you should consult your veterinarian immediately.

Smaller amounts may only cause mild gastrointestinal irritation.

Symptoms of Fertilizer Poisoning in Dogs

If your dog ingests fertilizer or comes into contact with it, you should be aware of the symptoms of toxicity so you can act fast.

These clinical signs include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Lethargy
• Excessive salivation
• Skin irritation

In severe cases involving toxic additives, you may notice additional symptoms such as:

• Tremors
• Breathing difficulties
• Seizures
• Loss of coordination

If you observe any of these signs after your dog has been exposed to fertilizer, you must seek veterinary assistance immediately.

What to Do If Your Dog Ate Fertilizer

Follow these steps for immediate action if you suspect your dog eats fertilizer:

1. Check the packaging for ingredients and any warnings. Knowing what type of fertilizer your dog consumes can help determine the toxicity.
2. Call your vet or a pet poison helpline—(855) 764-7661—for guidance even if your pet seems fine. And don’t try to induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by a professional.
3. Keep an eye on your dog for any signs of distress or unusual behavior, as some signs may not appear until hours after ingestion.
4. If advised, take your dog to the veterinarian for further evaluation and treatment.

Best Practices for Preventing Fertilizer Toxicity

Preventing lawn fertilizer toxicity is all about being proactive:

• All your lawn and garden products should be in sealed containers out of your dog’s reach. Avoid leaving bags open or unattended.
• When applying fertilizer, you should keep your dog indoors and restrict access to treated areas for at least 48 hours after application.
• Instead of commercial fertilizers that contain chemicals, look for fertilizers labeled as safe for pets. But keep in mind that even these should be used with caution.
• Familiarize yourself with common toxic ingredients found in fertilizers so you can make informed decisions if you suspect ingestion.

What Makes Lawn Fertilizer Safe?

Unfortunately, even though there are options that are considered safer than traditional fertilizers (some are even labeled as pet-safe), they can still be harmful if ingested in large amounts and in turn should be used with caution around pets.

These options are:

• Plant-Based Fertilizers: Products made from plant materials like alfalfa or soybean meal help enrich the soil without having harmful chemicals in their formula.
• Mulch Options: Instead of cocoa mulch, consider using shredded bark or grass clippings. If you’re dealing with weeds, be sure to check out our guide on the best mulch material for weeds.
• Fish Emulsion Fertilizer: Derived from fish waste, this organic option is less toxic than synthetic alternatives. However, your dog might find its smell attractive and be tempted to eat it.
• Seaweed Extracts: These natural fertilizers offer trace minerals beneficial for plant growth without posing any notable risks to pets. However, they can be harmful to dogs with thyroid issues.
• Homemade Compost: Compost made from kitchen scraps (excluding foods that are toxic to dogs) is a good alternative to chemical fertilizers. However, it may contain tremorgenic mycotoxins, which can cause neurotoxicity in dogs.

Fertilizer and Your Dog’s Health

While fertilizers are essential for maintaining a healthy lawn, they can pose serious risks to your dog if not handled properly, especially if ingested in large quantities.

Vigilance is key when caring for your lawn. You must store your fertilizers securely, monitor your pet closely after application, and educate yourself about the ingredients in the products you use.

A proactive approach will enable you to have a flourishing backyard while ensuring your furry friend remains safe and healthy.

If you’re looking for expert help with lawn care in the Midwest, with an emphasis on both aesthetics and safety, contact SunCo today. We can help you keep your lawn healthy and your pet safe.