Is Fertilizer Bad for Dogs? Lawn and Garden Chemical Safety

A green lawn and a blooming garden are great, but many lawn and garden products can be risky for curious dogs. Is fertilizer bad for dogs? Most standard lawn fertilizers cause mild to moderate stomach upset if eaten. But some fertilizers, especially organic types and those mixed with insecticides or weed killers, can be much more dangerous.

Why dogs eat fertilizer

Many fertilizers, especially organic ones, smell appealing to dogs. Dogs may:

• Eat granules from the lawn or a spilled bag
• Chew on open bags in the garage or shed
• Lick their paws after walking on a treated lawn

Types of fertilizer and their risks

Standard lawn fertilizers

Most contain nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Small amounts usually cause:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Drooling
• Belly discomfort

Eating a large amount can cause more severe stomach upset, and some products can lead to a blockage if a dog eats a lot of dry granules.

Bone meal and blood meal

These organic fertilizers are tasty to dogs. Bone meal can form a hard, cement-like mass in the stomach, causing a blockage. Blood meal can cause vomiting, diarrhea and, in some cases, pancreatitis.

Fertilizers with added chemicals

Some products combine fertilizer with:

• Insecticides, such as disulfoton (in some rose and flower products), which can be very toxic
• Herbicides (weed killers)
• Iron, which can cause iron poisoning in large amounts

Always read the full label.

Weed killers and other lawn chemicals

Many weed killers cause stomach upset if eaten. Pets should stay off treated areas until the product is dry or for as long as the label directs. Snail and slug baits and rodent poisons are much more dangerous. Our pet poison guide lists these and other hazards.

Signs your dog ate fertilizer

• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Drooling
• Loss of appetite
• Belly pain
• Lethargy
• Tremors or seizures, if the product contains insecticides
• Trouble breathing, in severe cases

What to do if your dog ate fertilizer

1. Remove your dog from the area and take away the product.
2. Check the label for ingredients, including insecticides, herbicides or iron.
3. Contact a vet or pet poison hotline, especially if your dog ate bone meal, blood meal, a combination product or a large amount.
4. Don’t make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.
5. Wipe your dog’s paws and mouth if they walked through or licked the product.

Our articles on what to do if your dog ate something at the park and dog vomiting once vs. multiple times can help you decide on next steps.

How to keep your dog safe

• Store bags in sealed containers, up high
• Water fertilizer in well, as directed
• Keep dogs off treated lawns until the label says it’s safe
• Choose pet-friendly products when possible, and still follow directions
• Clean up spills right away
• Wipe paws after walks on lawns you don’t know

Frequently asked questions

How long should my dog stay off a fertilized lawn?

Follow the label. Many products say to wait until the lawn is watered in and dry.

Is organic fertilizer safer for dogs?

Not always. Organic products like bone meal can be very appealing and cause blockages.

Lawn and garden questions? Ask a vet

Talk to a licensed vet 24/7, even on holidays, by chat, voice call or video call. Your first month is free with code FREEMONTH, then US $9.99/month, at NYPTeleVet.com. One membership covers up to 6 pets, and you can cancel anytime.

Our vets can’t prescribe medication, but they’ll tell you what’s likely needed and when an in-person visit is the next step.

Sources

• My Dog Ate Fertilizer, Now What?, PetMD
• My Dog Ate Fertilizer, Pet Poison Helpline
• Tips for a Pet-Safe Yard and Garden, ASPCA