Treatment includes: Rarely, with massive ingestions, pumping the stomach (i.e., gastric lavage) may be necessary to get the product out of the stomach. Moreover, pet-friendly fertilizers are a great option that will certainly reduce the wait time required to let your pet roam freely on your lawn. Hey, we are Canine Bible. Is lawn fertilizer harmful to dogs? While we provide information resourced and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. The answer is no. These products are often highly palatable to dogs; they smell gross, but good to dogs, and so they may tempt a massive ingestion (e.g., dogs ingesting several pounds of bone meal directly out of the bag). [4]Other slow-releasefertilizers are coated with plastic resin or sulfur-based polymers. If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian -- they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets. Citrus fertilizer is likely to be no more dangerous to your dog than any other fertilizer, but if your dog drinks or eats citrus fertilizer you should call your vet or pet poison helpline with the information on the back of the packet to be sure. Citrus fertilizer varies in composition quite widely, but usually has a roughly equal amount of nitrogen and potash, and less phosphorus (20-10-20 or 8-2-10). If the fertilizer contains herbicides, fungicides, or pesticides the situation may become more urgent because the toxic effects of fertilizer containing these additives can be much more severe. In fact, despite being derived from plant and animal byproducts, organic fertilizer can still harm pets. While commercial fertilizers may provide nutrition for plants, they contain harmful chemicals which are toxic to dogs. Also, dogs can be susceptible to the smell of nitrogen fertilizer, so keeping them away from the area while applying it is important. Toxic Plants. I have a dog and there is no way I would have my lawn fertilized. In other words, a 20lb dog should definitely visit the vet if they eat just a teaspoon of fertilizer. Carbamates and organophosphates can result in more serious, life-threatening clinical signs such as: Again, these more dangerous types are rarely seen on the market nowadays but, when in doubt, make sure to keep the garage door locked and these fertilizers out of reach!Organic fertilizers (e.g., meals)Surprisingly, the more dangerous types of fertilizers are organic fertilizers. Organic fertilizer made from meals like bone . A 10-10-10 formula is considered an all purpose . Thankfully, the EPA has limited the availability of these latter, more dangerous types of products. Have a cat? For some dogs, eating things they shouldnt appear to be a life goal! 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Other treatment steps could include medication to increase urine output and bowel movements, gastroprotectants for stomach issues, poison absorbents, and topical medicines for skin irritation. These include azalea, rhododendron, oleander, lily of the valley . This nitrogen can erode during spring rains and pollute your streams and ponds. This Popular Peanut Butter Ingredient Could Kill Your Dog, Metaldehyde Poisoning: the Dangers of Snail and Slug Bait. Scotts EZ Seed Dog Spot Repair is a good solution for repairing bare spots. Typically, lawn fertilizers contain essential nutrients for plant growth. Many dogs like to eat grass, and if he nibbles on fertilizer-treated grass, he will be exposed to the fertilizer's toxins. Heres What to Do, Answered by Dr. Joanna Woodnutt, MRCVS (Vet), Lymphadenopathy (Lymph Node Inflammation) in Cats: Symptoms, Causes & Care, Dramamine For Dogs: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects. Prepare for the unexpected by getting a quote from top pet insurance providers. If your dog eats some grass that had fertilizer applied to it, it rarely leads to serious poisoning; that said, more serious signs can be seen when the product is directly ingested (i.e., right out of the bag). Aside from the accidental ingestion of a product that the pet finds palatable, chewing on treated grass or licking the fur and feet after a dermal exposure can cause toxic effects. Some of the additives that may be present in fertilizer are: If you suspect that your pet has come in contact with fertilizer, bring them to the veterinarian to determine the level of toxicosis. It also contributes to various diseases like West Nile virus, malaria, and cholera Advertisement Most importantly, keep your dog safe this summer by keeping these garden and yard poisons out of reach! Fertilizers used in our gardens to enhance the beauty and growth of our plants can be very toxic to our pets when ingested or exposed to the skin and mucous membranes. With synthetic fertilizer if you buy a 10-10-10 you know what 30% of what is in the package is, while the other 70% is not regulated and can in many cases is the cheapest thing they can buy to fill out the bag. Dogs are often keen to eat large amounts of fertiliser if they are given half a chance. (You can unsubscribe anytime). Many products on the market claim to be safe for pets when it comes to lawn fertilizer. Pet Safe Lawn Care Laytonsville Veterinary Practice When you use 10-10-10 fertilizer on your plants, it helps them grow better and produce more fruit or flowers than they would without it. Milorganiteis safe for children andpetswhen used as directed and stored out of their reach. These organic compounds usually cause no harm to our pets if they are used properly. Additionally, CanineBible.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. It usually comes with the ground, dried fish as well fish, blood, and bone. Their ingredients break down quickly and dont persist in the environment. However, they are thankfully poorly absorbed, and usually cause gastric upset such as drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. These organic minerals usually cause no harm to our pets if they are used properly. Depending on the length of time of contact and how the fertilizer poisoning occurred, complications can include oral burns, stomach irritation, or severe toxicities.The accidental ingestion of fertilizer by your dog means that they have eaten a product that can possibly contain harmful substances (herbicides, fungicides, and pesticides) in addition to the compounds (phosphorous, iron, nitrogen . Most tomato fertilizers are liquid formulations and have an N-P-K of around 4-2-6. Blood and bone fertilizer is a type of organic fertilizer that contains you guessed it! determine what is toxic to a particular pet. For liquid fertilizers, the risk of impaction is lower but the same calculation applies 5ml of fertilizer should mean a call to the vet. Canine patients can recover from a fertilizer poisoning; if the effects and secondary complications were extensive, more recovery time may be needed. itchy skin. Its not hard to see why dogs might like to eat this fertilizer! Contents [ show] 10-10-10 fertilizer (or triple 10 fertilizer) is a synthetic fertilizer that combines equal amounts of 10% nitrogen, 10% phosphorous, and 10% potassium, the 3 plant macronutrients referred to as NPK. soil amendments, bone meal, blood meal, feather meal, plant food, potash. How long would it take for a dog to show signs of poisoning? How to Neutralize Dog Urine Odors 5 Proven Methods! But one question often arises: Is lawn fertilizer safe for dogs? Fertilizers with large amounts of iron can also cause iron toxicity, which can show symptoms days after the fertilizer is first ingested. The most important thing is to make sure its not a fertilizer that has more dangerous products in it some may contain iron, which can result in iron poisoning, and less common types may contain very dangerous insecticides such as carbamates or organophosphates. Additionally, CanineBible.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links.CanineBible does not intend to provide veterinary advice. Although many fertilizers are specially packaged for plants like roses, tomatoes or trees, an all-purpose, well-balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 is effective, eliminating the need for many individual types. The amount of fertilizer in your potting soil will be minimal. Here are some of the most common questions about fertilizers and dog safety for dog parents. Benefits, Pros, Cons & Risks, Dog Allergy Testing Cost: How Much Will You Pay? For example, a 10-pound (4.5 kg) dog can tolerate approximately 0.5 g/kg of nitrogen-based fertilizer or 2 g/kg of phosphorus-based fertilizer. This grassy space should be a safe place for your dogs and cats to run and a comfortable area for your kids to play. As more and more chemicals are used, the levels of toxic chemicals found in our drinking water continues to rise at an alarming rate. Tremors and convulsions may occur if the substance is consumed straight from the bag. Because of the huge variety of products, its always a good idea to phone poison control or your veterinarian if your dog has ingested Miracle-Gro. Is fertilizer poisonous to dogs? If you suspect that your dog has eatenfertilizer, or if you have recently used the product in your garden and your dog is acting sick, you should take them to the vet immediately. They may be able to instruct you on how to induce vomiting and whether or not there is a poisoning risk. If your dog has abnormal-colored gums, seizures, or difficulty breathing, you should take them to a vet as soon as possible. However, these same nutrients can be toxic to dogs if ingested in large quantities. Products containing heavy metals may pose a hazard . One teaspoon of fertilizer contains about 1 gram (0.035 oz) of nitrogen. What are those toxic ingredients in fertilizers for dogs? It passes into the soil where it is absorbed by the plant roots and kills the weeds. Dogs: Dogs may get attracted to the smell of the Miracle-Gro potting soil and fertilizer. If your dog ingests large amounts, symptoms and complications may be more serious. Fertilizers can be toxic to dogs, but just how toxic depends on the type of fertilizer. Upon inspecting the label, we didnt see any pet-friendly reference, so its safe to assume Vigoro fertilizer is inappropriate for dogs. In this case, you'll need to act fast and know what to do. Fertilizers used in our gardens to enhance the beauty and growth of our plants can be very toxic to our pets when ingested or exposed to the skin and mucous membranes. Featured Image: Criniger kolio, Shutterstock, The 20 Most Beautiful Dog Breeds A Complete Guide. A second exposure may result in a longer treatment process, with less than favorable results for your furry buddy. The second factor to consider is the type of 10-10-10 fertilizer. These organic "meals" are widely utilized as soil amendment products, fertilizer components, or as deer, rabbit and wildlife repellants. They also contribute to increased pollen production which is a known allergen. Bumble bees are incredibly effective pollinators of tomato plants, vibrating their bodies as they move from flower to flower, releasing a substantial amount of pollen as they go. However, this answer is based on customer testimonials, and the company doesnt label this product as safe for pets. Depending on the length of time of contact and how the fertilizer poisoning occurred, complications can include oral burns, stomach irritation, or severe toxicities. Though most lawn fertilizers state they are safe once they are dry, puppies may still be more susceptible to fertilizer poisoning than adult dogs due to their not fully developed immune system. With a degree in Education and a love for writing, Nicole aims to share her and others' expert knowledge with pet lovers worldwide with Hepper. Most liquid fertilizers are made with NPK, which stands for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Most fertilizers typically contain one or more of these elements. None of these types of fertilizer should be ingested or inhaled. The content of this page is not veterinary advice. If ingested directly from the bag, the results can include tremors and seizures. Canine Bible is reader-supported. burning sensation on the skin. One of the key ingredients in Scotts fertilizer is Iron (Fe). Keep herbicide- or pesticide-containing products in locked cabinets. For example, if iron is present, in addition to bloody diarrhea there can be liver damage, kidney damage, and heart problems. holds close to her heart. Scoots Weed & Feed Turf Builder aresafe for petswhen used according to the product label. General purpose fertilisers contain the nutrients nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous, often listed as NPK on packaging. But, how do you know if your lawn fertilizer is safe for your dog? Bone meal can form into a cement-like ball in your dog's stomach, requiring surgery for removal; Gardeners often mix blood and bone meal with fertilizers for their rose bushes; disulfoton is an ingredient in rose bush fertilizer which is extremely toxic; Moldy fertilizers and meals can cause illness due to mold poisoning and bacteria However, it is essential to use the fertilizer properly and keep your dog away from the treated area until the fertilizer has had a chance to soak into the ground. Keep fertilizer bags locked away since dogs might try to get into them. In general, the smaller the dog, the less it can tolerate before it becomes toxic. Fertilizers can be toxic to dogs, but just how toxic depends on the type of fertilizer. However, they can cause a lot of damage to your dogs intestinal tract if ingested in large quantities causing vomiting and diarrhea. Most types of mulch are benign, but can result in a foreign body if your dog ingests them. Thankfully, these elements are generally non-toxic. Most fertilizers contain a mixture of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium - the amounts are usually listed on the back as the N-P-K ratio. My Dog Drank Antifreeze! That can mean that you're killing your earthworms and other microbial life. dogs, or other family pets will like to play on grass. The majority of plant fertilizers are simply a mix of nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium. FertilizersDuring the spring and fall, homeowners often use fertilizers to spruce up their lawn. Canine Bible is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Hire a professional to apply lawn chemicals if you can. You can choose from organic or synthetic fertilizers, and you can even buy pre-mixed solutions. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. I don't think he was eating the food just tearing the plastic top. Is nitrogen lawn fertilizer harmful to dogs? 7. However, the potting soil actually complicates matters. If your dog is at risk of dehydration, fluids may be given via a drip. Ingestion of any amount, other than trivial quantities, is likely to cause gastric upset. This doesnt affect rankings. talk to a vet online for advice >. This is a big subject and there is no easy answer, but for our sake please consider a more natural and less toxic plan for your lawn. Is fertilizer harmful to dogs? Some types of blood meal are also fortified with iron, resulting in iron toxicity. Remember that your lawn is an extension of your home, especially if you have dogs. While soil tests are ideal, our extremely wet climate dictates that we could lime twice a year heavily and still not get the correct ph. Lescoweed and feedfertilizerscontain herbicides, which are unsafe fordogs, as are all chemical herbicide products. These are typically the main ingredients in fertilizers. For the more toxic fertilizers, or in the case of large ingestions, you may also see abdominal pain, stiff walking, weakness, or seizures. Lets get started! Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. The components of fertilizer are mostly natural elements and generally non-toxic like phosphorous, potash, and nitrogen, while some contain insecticides. . The three primary nutrients required for plant growth are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Lawn fertilizer chemicals have come under tremendous scrutiny in recent years and have been blamed for harming and even deaths in dogs.[1],[2].