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The spring and summer months are a great time to be a dog. Warmer weather means more outdoor time, especially for owners with fenced-in yards or long ropes that allow them to go outside and sniff around to their hearts’ content. However, not every aspect of the warm season is good for a dog.
To keep lawns healthy, most homeowners will employ materials potentially hazardous to a dog’s health - weed killers, pesticides, and fertilizers.
If you’re a dog owner planning to fertilize your lawn this spring, you probably want to know how to keep your dog safe while you work to keep your lawn growing strong. With that in mind, let’s look at the dangers fertilizers can pose, what to watch out for, and determine how long you should keep your dog off the lawn after fertilizing.
There are several different ingredients contained in common fertilizers that are dangerous to dogs, including:
This is just a small sampling of the ingredients found in common fertilizers. Fertilizer, which means plenty of potentially hazardous ingredients fall outside this list. While some fertilizers are generally safer than others, keeping your pet safely away during application is always a good idea - and for a sustained period afterward.
You shouldn't be surprised if your dog sometimes eats grass and vomits. Most do that occasionally as a way to treat an upset stomach, and it would take more than a few mouthfuls of grass clippings to cause harm. However, if your dog snacks on freshly treated grass, especially before the fertilizer has settled, even a small amount could expose them to harmful chemicals. Symptoms like drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, or acting off-balance may signal exposure and should prompt a call to your vet.
In general, the safest fertilizers for dogs are those that boast natural ingredients and steer clear of the harsh chemicals that might be good for your lawn but are bad for your dog. However, remember that these fertilizers also tend to be more attractive to dogs looking for an outdoor snack, which could lead to ingesting large amounts of fertilizer and lead to an upset stomach - or worse. Even if your fertilizer is pet safe, it’s best to wait until it is fully absorbed into the soil before letting your pup out.
After you’ve finished working on your lawn, proper cleanup and storage are just as vital as careful application. Any granules or product that spill onto sidewalks, driveways, or patios should be promptly swept up - not hosed away. This prevents curious pets from licking residue and helps keep our waterways a bit cleaner, too.
When storing fertilizers, weed killers, or other lawn care products, always keep them well out of reach of both pets and children. Ideally, products should be secured in a locked shed, cabinet, or a sturdy storage bin with a tightly fitted lid. Make sure storage areas are dry, well-ventilated, and inaccessible to prying paws or little hands. If you’ve opened a bag or container, seal it tightly after each use; manufacturers like Miracle-Gro, Espoma, and BioAdvanced often include resealable packaging, but if not, placing them in a secondary, pet-proof container is a safer bet.
Vigilance with cleanup and storage not only keeps your furry family safe, but also helps you avoid any surprise “snack” incidents in the future.
The short answer is: most "weed and feed" products are NOT safe for dogs if ingested or while the lawn is wet. Proper application and waiting time are critical to minimize risk. However, the danger level varies significantly based on the product's ingredients.
Scotts weed and feed are unsafe for dogs while the lawn is still wet. Dogs should be kept inside while applying Scotts weed and fed until completely dried. Once it has dried, the lawn should be safe for your furry friends.
It should be noted that Scotts offers some different options for fertilizer, including natural lawn food, which is less dangerous to dogs.
TruGreen is a popular lawn care company that uses several different chemicals to keep your lawn green and weed-free after an application from TruGreen pets and children should steer clear of the yard until all applications have completely dried.
Now that you understand the general categories of risk, here are the specific chemical names you should look for on the product label. If you see these, you must be extra cautious.
If your dog has been exposed to or ingested these chemicals, watch for the following signs. If you see any of them, contact your veterinarian immediately.
This is an emergency. Act quickly and calmly.
If you accidentally spill weed and feed or any fertilizer on hard surfaces like your driveway or sidewalk, it’s important to act quickly. Sweep up the granules or powder right away - don’t rinse them away with water. This simple step helps protect your pets, neighborhood wildlife, and local waterways by preventing these chemicals from getting washed into storm drains or running off into streams when it rains. Always dispose of the collected material according to the instructions on the product label or at your local hazardous waste facility.
Taking this extra minute keeps both your pets and the environment a little bit safer.
You don't have to choose between a green lawn and your dog's safety. Consider these alternatives:
Routine feeding plays a big role in maintaining a lush, pet-resistant lawn. For most grass types, applying fertilizer about four times a year - once in early spring, late spring, summer, and fall - helps build thick, resilient turf that can handle excited paws and backyard zoomies.
Sticking to a seasonal schedule gives your grass the nutrients it needs through all stages of growth. This not only promotes dense root systems but also helps patchy areas recover after heavy pet traffic. If you live in an area with dramatic seasonal shifts or unusual grass types, check with a local horticulturalist or your county extension office for tailored recommendations.
Regular, well-timed fertilization creates a healthier lawn - one that resists wear, weeds, and damage from your four-legged family members.
If dog-spotting on your lawn feels like a never-ending game of “connect the dots,” you’re not alone. Fortunately, a few easy habits can help both your grass and your pup coexist in harmony.
Start by designating a specific area of your yard as your dog’s potty spot. Choose a section that’s out of the main footpath - perhaps behind some shrubs or in a mulched corner - and lead your pup there consistently for bathroom breaks. Use positive reinforcement: treat rewards, extra pats, or a favorite toy can make this new routine stick. Over time, your dog will begin to associate that designated zone with “business time,” dramatically reducing damage elsewhere.
In addition, diligent lawn care makes a difference. Water down any freshly marked spots promptly to dilute the high concentration of salts before they burn the grass. If a bald patch does appear, rake the area loose, overseed (try a seed blend suited to heavy use - brands like Pennington and Jonathan Green offer sturdy options), and keep the soil moist for best results.
Ultimately, a little training and quick action can help keep both your dog and your lawn happy - no one has to give up their favorite stretch of turf.
Dog urine can be tough on your grass, leaving behind those all-too-familiar brown or bare patches. But don’t worry - you can absolutely restore those spots and prevent further damage with a few simple strategies:
With a little care and smart lawn practices, your grass can bounce back - and stay green - even with a lively dog in the family.
The length of time your pet should be kept off the grass after fertilization can vary depending on your fertilizer. Liquid fertilizer, for example, only needs to be left alone until it dries. Depending on environmental conditions and the application amount, this will likely take at least two hours but can be more.
Granular fertilizer, on the other hand, must be allowed to soak into the soil for a longer period to avoid ingestion. That means waiting at least 24 hours before letting your dog onto a fertilized lawn.
If you’re uncertain what fertilizer was used or want to play it safe, waiting 24 hours is your best bet to protect your pup. However, if your dog starts to show signs of illness, such as dizziness or vomiting, even if it’s been more than 24 hours after fertilization, contact your local veterinarian as soon as possible.
