Is Lawn Fertilizer Safe For Dogs? Will It Harm My Dog Bad?

When it comes to fertilizing your lawn, there are many options available. You can choose between organic or synthetic fertilizers; there are even pre-mixed solutions for convenience. However, a common concern arises: Is lawn fertilizer safe for dogs?

Typically, lawn fertilizers contain essential nutrients that promote plant growth. However, these same nutrients can be toxic to dogs if ingested in large quantities. But how can you determine if your lawn fertilizer is safe for your dog? What ingredients in fertilizers are toxic to dogs? And where can you find pet-safe lawn fertilizers?

Today, we’ll guide you on identifying toxic lawn fertilizers for pets, explaining what constitutes a safe fertilizer for dogs, and providing tips on keeping dogs safe when applying fertilizer to your lawn. Let’s dive in!

Is Lawn Fertilizer Safe For Dogs?

Generally, traditional lawn care fertilizers are not safe. Frequently, fertilizers use synthetic ingredients and chemicals that can pose a higher risk due to their concentrated chemical contents (N-P-K), leading to various health issues in dogs. Fertilizers are often combined with weedkillers (herbicides), pesticides, fungicides, insecticides, and snail bait. Depending on the component, these components make fertilizers unsafe and toxic for dogs and other pets if ingested or inhaled in large or small quantities. For instance, by their very nature, pesticides are poisonous—their purpose is to kill insects and animals. Fertilizers typically come in solid, liquid, and granular forms. None of these types of fertilizer should be ingested or inhaled.

Is Lawn Fertilizer Bad For Dogs?

Lawn fertilizer chemicals have come under tremendous scrutiny in recent years and have been blamed for harming and even causing deaths in dogs.^[1],[2]

Dogs are particularly vulnerable because they tend to roll around in the grass and dig in the dirt. You may not realize that your dog could ingest harmful chemicals whenever they enjoy a romp in the backyard.

Many pet-friendly fertilizer brands have banned pesticides and certain fertilizer ingredients, halting the dangers of their use and misuse. These decisions are not random; a study by the National Cancer Institute found that dogs were two times more likely to develop lymphoma if their owners used a popular herbicide on their lawns four or more times a year.^[3]

Some fertilizers contain dangerous herbicides like organophosphates, which can cause symptoms in dogs such as tremors, seizures, and abnormal heart rates.

Can Lawn Fertilizer Harm Dogs?

Fertilizers can be harmful and toxic to dogs, but it depends on the ingredients that make up the fertilizer. The most common components in lawn fertilizers can be broadly categorized into macronutrients, micronutrients, and other possible additives. Here’s a breakdown of these components and their toxicity analysis.

Micronutrients

The three primary nutrients required for plant growth are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are typically the main ingredients in most fertilizers.

Nitrogen, Phosphorus, & Potassium (N-P-K)

Fertilizers contain one or more essential elements, benefiting your lawn in various ways. When used correctly, nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium generally do not pose a risk to our pets. However, if consumed in significant amounts, they can be harmful.

Secondary Nutrients

Micronutrients

These are needed in smaller quantities but are still essential for the balanced growth of the lawn. Common micronutrients in lawn fertilizers include:

Other Additives

Many fertilizers include weed and other pest control chemicals that are highly toxic to dogs. If your fertilizer contains any of the items listed below, you should avoid it.

How to Keep Dogs Safe After Lawn Fertilizer Application

Ensuring the safety of your dogs during and after the application of lawn fertilizer involves implementing effective strategies to prevent accidental exposure.

The key to avoiding fertilizer poisoning in dogs is to adhere to product instructions, waiting periods, and securing your dog to prevent contact with the fertilizer during its application and immediately afterward. Here are some key measures to keep in mind:

Symptoms of Fertilizer Poisoning In Dogs

If your dog has ingested or inhaled fertilizer, here are some symptoms it could experience.

Serious Symptoms

Dogs that eat a substantial amount of fertilizer instead of accidentally ingesting it from the lawn can suffer much more serious symptoms. There are three types of symptoms for severe poisoning cases, including central (peripheral), muscarinic (parasympathetic), and nicotinic (neuromuscular and neural).

Central Symptoms

• Anxiety
• Coma
• Convulsions
• Agitation
• Involuntary movements of the tongue
• Loss of voluntary movement
• Uncontrollable repetitive movements
• Impaired digestion
• Nerve pain and tingling
• Numbness
• Sweating
• Respiratory distress
• Restlessness

Muscarinic Symptoms:

• Breathing trouble
• Decreased heart rate (bradycardia)
• Diarrhea
• Dilated pupils
• Excessive salivation
• Frequent urination
• Gastric cramping
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Slow reflexes
• Vomiting
• Watery eyes

Nicotinic Symptoms

• Cramping
• Muscle weakness
• Paralysis
• Respiratory paralysis
• Twitching muscles
• Weakness

What Should I Do If My Dog Reacted Badly to Fertilizer?

If your dog reacts badly to a fertilizer, it’s important to call your veterinarian if your dog is experiencing any of the symptoms listed above or if you’re concerned about your dog’s condition.

Dogs showing severe symptoms, such as blood in their vomit or stool, difficulty breathing, weakness, or collapse, should be taken to the veterinarian immediately.

What Lawn Fertilizer Is Safe For Dogs?

While some lawn and garden products contain chemicals that pose a risk to our four-legged friends, many brands offer 100% pet-safe options. These pet-safe fertilizers are made from all-natural, non-toxic ingredients, ensuring you never have to compromise between maintaining a beautiful green space and your pet’s safety. Pet-safe fertilizers eliminate your pets’ exposure to harmful chemicals. Additionally, opting for pet-friendly fertilizers can significantly reduce the waiting time before letting your pet roam freely on your lawn.

One easy way to determine whether a particular lawn fertilizer is likely to be safe is to look for “signal” words on the label, such as “pet-safe,” “non-toxic,” “organic,” and “EPA” certified when choosing lawn products.

However, it’s important to remember that even “pet-friendly” products can pose risks to your pets. Despite a quicker drying and absorption process, keeping your pet away from the treated area during and immediately after application is best to ensure their safety. Always read the package instructions carefully before allowing your pet to enter the treated area.

Consider natural lawn care alternatives if you’re concerned about using chemical lawn products. Using compost or bone meal as fertilizer and corn gluten to control weeds are effective natural fertilizing options that can help your lawn thrive without chemical treatments.

Where to Buy Pet-Safe Lawn Fertilizer?

Is Nitrogen Fertilizer Safe For Dogs?

Nitrogen is a common ingredient in many lawn fertilizers. These organic compounds generally do not harm dogs, provided they have been absorbed by the soil before your dog resumes roaming around your lawn.

The primary risk to dogs from nitrogen fertilizer arises through ingestion, whether directly from the bag or by licking their paws after walking on a treated lawn. Such exposure can lead to nitrogen poisoning in dogs, manifesting symptoms that vary from mild gastrointestinal upset to severe conditions like tremors, seizures, and systemic failure. Beyond ingestion, dermal exposure is also a concern; contact with nitrogen fertilizers can irritate dogs’ skin or cause dermatitis, particularly in those with sensitive skin or allergies. Additionally, inhalation of dust or particles from granular nitrogen fertilizers can lead to respiratory irritation in dogs, highlighting the range of risks these substances pose to canine health. Also, dogs can be susceptible to the smell of nitrogen fertilizer, so keeping them away from the area while applying it is important.

Is Organic Lawn Fertilizer Safe For Dogs?

Organic fertilizers should be used with caution. Although often regarded as more natural and thus safer for people and animals, caution is essential when applying any type of fertilizer, including organic ones. This caution is particularly important for organic fertilizers, as dogs may be attracted to their scent, given that these products are made from plant or animal byproducts such as manure, guano, dried and powdered blood, ground bone, crushed shells, finely pulverized fish, phosphate rock, and wood.

While these organic products are generally safe for plants, they can pose risks to dogs if ingested. Consumption of large amounts of these materials can lead to digestive irritation or bowel obstruction, potentially incurring significant veterinary expenses.

Therefore, it’s crucial to handle, use, and store organic fertilizers with the same level of caution as you would with inorganic fertilizers to ensure your dog’s safety.

Is Slow-Release Fertilizer Safe For Dogs?

Slow-release fertilizer is designed to gradually release nutrients, benefiting plants by minimizing the risk of nutrient burn and promoting uniform growth. However, caution is warranted with some slow-release fertilizers, as they may contain chemicals harmful to dogs if ingested. For instance, certain slow-release fertilizers use prills or pellets coated with urea-formaldehyde, a substance the EPA has identified as a potential carcinogen in animals.^[4] Additionally, other slow-release fertilizers may be coated with plastic resin or sulfur-based polymers, which can also be toxic to dogs in significant quantities. These materials can cause irritation and burns upon skin contact. Therefore, it’s crucial to use slow-release fertilizers carefully around dogs, ensuring they are kept away from treated areas to prevent accidental ingestion or contact.

Is Lawn Fertilizer Safe For Puppies?

Most commercial lawn fertilizers are toxic to puppies. Even if your puppy is not technically allergic to them, make sure your pup is not exposed to them. 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. Puppies are also more likely to eat or lick any on the grass, so be extra cautious in not exposing your puppy to fertilizers.

Most Toxic Lawn Care Chemical For Pets (Video)

Breeds Prone to Fertilizer Allergies

 Some breeds tend to be more susceptible to fertilizer allergies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most common questions about fertilizers and dog safety for dog parents.

Is Lawn Fertilizer Safe For Dogs? Conclusion

While lawns and gardens are great places for dogs to play and relax, it’s important to remember they can also have hazards such as chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Remember that your lawn is an extension of your home, especially if you have dogs. This grassy space should be a safe place for your dogs and cats to run and a comfortable area for your kids to play.

Hire a professional to apply lawn chemicals if you can. When using lawn chemicals yourself, read the label carefully, follow the directions, be aware of the effects of exposure, and do not overapply. Repeated exposure to lawn chemicals and improper handling can make them dangerous, so wear personal protective equipment. After the product is applied, the label will indicate when it is safe for dogs to re-enter the area. 

We strongly recommend using pet-safe lawn fertilizers to minimize all risks associated with fertilizing your lawn.

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Sources

Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process and product review methodology to learn more about how we fact-check, test products, and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

1. WYFF News 4
2. DMV360
3. NYT 
4. Environmental Protection Agency