Why do dogs eat organic fertilizer

My Dog Ate Fertilizer, Now What?

When youre taking your dog for a walk and it runs onto a yard, you might notice a little sign sticking from the ground Keep Off Fertilizer. If youre concerned about your dog swallowing fertilizer, youre not alone.

Many pet parents worry about fertilizer ingestion. In fact, ingestion of fertilizer and garden products rank among the top 10 reasons pet parents call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.

Heres some useful information on why dogs should not eat fertilizer and what to do if you suspect your dog has done so.

Why is fertilizer toxic to dogs?

Most fertilizers contain varying amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, ingredients listed on the bag with numbers such as 5-10-10, meaning 5 percent nitrogen, 10 percent phosphorus, and 10 percent potassium.

In general, fertilizers have a low-level toxicity and symptoms are typically mild and limited to gastrointestinal irritation. However, when additional nutrients or additives are added to fertilizers, the potential for toxicity can increase. Here are some common additive ingredients found in fertilizers and the concerns associated with them:

Common Ingredients Added to Fertilizers	Concern for Dogs
Micronutrients including iron, sulfur, calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc, boron, manganese, and molybdenum	Typically, these will be in low concentrations in fertilizers, but the iron can be an issue if a large volume is ingested. The most common initial clinical signs of iron toxicity are vomiting, diarrhea, and anorexia.
Animal by-product meals (fish, bone, blood, and chicken feather meals)	Organic fertilizers will often contain animal by-products. Unfortunately, they smell and taste good to animals and may result in large ingestions. This may cause increased clinical signs such as vomiting and diarrhea, but also large amounts of bone meal can form a large, cement-like rock in the dogs stomach that can cause an obstruction and even require surgery. Severe inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) is also a possible consequence of ingestion.
Rose fertilizer (disulfoton)	Disulfoton is a highly toxic insecticide often included in rose fertilizer. About one teaspoon of 1 percent disulfoton could be lethal to a 55-pound dog. This ingredient is extremely dangerous.
Cocoa bean mulch	Cocoa bean mulch is made from the shell of the cocoa bean so dogs ingesting it can experience obstruction from the hulls themselves as well as chocolate toxicity.
Sewage-based (milorganite)	Fertilizers containing milorganite have a higher risk of toxicity with the potential for gastrointestinal signs, muscle pain, and stiffness.
Herbicides	There are over 200 active ingredients used as herbicides but most modern herbicides have a relatively low toxicity for dogs.
Pesticides and Insecticides	Some pesticides and insecticides are relatively harmless to mammals and cause only mild gastrointestinal irritation, if ingested. However, others containing ingredients such as organophosphates, carbamate, some pyrethroids, and more can be toxic to dogs and cause more severe clinical signs such as tremors or seizures.
Fungicides	Fungicides are chemicals that destroy fungus and their spores. They can range from non-toxic to toxic and identifying the specific ingredient in fertilizers is crucial to determining toxicity.
Corn Cobs	Corn, and subsequently corn cobs, are often used as filler in fertilizers. Any large pieces of debris such as mulch, hulls, rocks, or in this case corn cobs can create an obstruction in dogs resulting in the need for surgery. Due to the enticing nature of fertilizers to the dogs, it is recommended to remove any large chunks, pieces, or corn cobs seen in the fertilizer when spreading.
Anhydrous Ammonia	Anhydrous ammonia is typically found only in commercial fertilizers and often used on farms. However, it is highly corrosive, and contact can result in severe burns to skin, eyes, or mucous membranes.
Manure	While gross to think about, manure is a commonly found additive in fertilizers that is only slightly toxic to dogs. The main clinical signs are vomiting and diarrhea when ingested in large amounts.

Types of Fertilizer

Fertilizers typically come in three formssolid, liquid, and granular. None of these fertilizers should be ingested, even if they are labeled safe for pets. It is best to always store your fertilizers, and other lawn and gardens products, safely away from pets in sealed containers.

If a liquid product is applied to the yard, typically it is no longer toxic once dry, so it is best to keep your pet inside until the product is completely dry. Granular or solid formulation usually has a lower risk once spread across the entire yard, even if the pet were to lick its paws after running through the yard.

The bigger risk is if the dog gets into the entire bag or spreader full of fertilizer. Always follow the manufacturers specific instructions on applying the fertilizer and the period of time before the yard can be accessed. As a rule of thumb, keep pets off the yard for 48 hours after applying fertilizer.

How Much Fertilizer Does it Take to Poison a Dog?

Typically, only mild toxicity results if the fertilizer has been properly diluted, or if a pet parent uses ready-to-use fertilizer according to label and manufacturer's directions. Symptoms are limited to mild gastrointestinal irritation. Toxicity from traditional fertilizers with low concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium is low.

The risks of fertilizer poisoning become higher when the dog gorges itself on large quantities when there is free access to a bag of fertilizer and/or if the fertilizer contains additives (see chart above). Determining what ingredients are present in the fertilizer ingested by your pet is crucial for determining toxicity.

While the biggest concern for fertilizer toxicity is your dog gaining access to an entire bag or full spreader, it is also important to think about any possible plants your pet may have ingested if it was eating fertilizer off the ground, or in flower beds. This is a list of common poisonous plants to dogs.

Additionally, fertilizers can become moldy, and the mold can cause tremorgenic toxicity, meaning you can see vomiting, lack of coordination, tremors, and even seizures. Be sure to mention any possible concurrent toxicities such as toxic plants or mold when discussing your pets fertilizer ingestion with your veterinarian.

Symptoms of Fertilizer Toxicity in Dogs

Clinical signs are usually mild and occur within 2 to 10 hours after ingestion. Symptoms typically resolve after 12 to 24 hours. The clinical signs of fertilizer toxicity in dogs may include:

If concurrent toxicity with additives (see chart above), you may notice additional clinical signs including:

• Muscle pain or stiffness

• Uncontrolled urination or defecation

• Irritation to the skin, eyes, or mucous membranes

• Disorientation or loss of balance

• Tremors or seizures

What should I do if my dog eats fertilizer?

If your dog ate fertilizer, the first thing to do is to try to determine how much and what type of product it consumed. Next, it is important to verify which specific ingredients were present in the product (such as iron or disulfoton). It is helpful to have the packaging (or what is left of it) from any product your pet ingested.

Gather as much information as possible and call your veterinarian to discuss whether your pet needs to be seen. You can also call the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 for more help in determining if your pet needs to go to an emergency room.

Should I induce vomiting if my dog ate fertilizer?

Do not induce vomiting at home unless you have been specifically instructed to do so by a veterinarian. If you think your pet ate fertilizer, or you saw it eat fertilizer, the best thing to do is to call your veterinarian to determine if our dog needs to be seen.

Treatment of Fertilizer Toxicity in Dogs

If you see your pet eat fertilizer, call your veterinarian or veterinarian hospital immediately. They will collect a thorough history, including packaging and/or the detailed label ingredients. It may be easier to look the specific product up online so the vet can easily evaluate the ingredient list.

If your pet ate fertilizer within the past two hours and it was a large amount, your veterinarian may recommend inducing vomiting at the hospital as a means of decontamination. In severe cases, your pet may need to be hospitalized for IV fluids and additional therapy.

Severe cases include ingestion of fertilizer with highly toxic additives, potential for intestinal obstruction, or concurrent ingestion of toxic plants.

A complete blood count, serum blood chemistry, and urinalysis will likely be recommended for a baseline evaluation. Your veterinarian may also recommend abdominal X-rays to assess how much your pet ingested, as well as if there is an obvious obstruction.Prognosis of Fertilizer Toxicity in Dogs

Most dogs recover from eating fertilizer without any short- or long-term complications. However, depending on the fertilizer additives (or possible complications such as an obstruction or ingestion of a toxic plant) your pet may need more aggressive therapy. Fertilizer toxicity is typically considered a low risk, but care should be taken to determine the exact exposure of specific ingredients.

Prevention of Fertilizer Toxicity in Dogs

As with most toxicities, prevention is the key! Dogs are drawn to the odors in fertilizer and will often eat large amounts if they can gain access to the bag. Do not leave any lawn and garden product in easily accessible places such as on the floor of a garage, in the yard unattended, or in an unattended spreader. The best way to prevent fertilizer toxicity in dogs is to keep all lawn and garden products in a safe and secure area that is inaccessible to your canine friend.

IsLawn Fertilizer SafeFor Dogs? Will It Harm My Dog Bad?

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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, well 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. Lets dive in!

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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 poisonoustheir 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. Heres 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

• Calcium (Ca): Important for cell wall structure and growth, contributing to the overall strength and health of the grass. It is usually safe, but excessive ingestion can lead to problems, especially in dogs prone to calcium oxalate stones.
• Magnesium (Mg): Central component of chlorophyll, necessary for photosynthesis and energy transfer. Generally safe in small amounts; however, large doses can lead to magnesium overdose, affecting neurological and muscular functions.
• Sulfur (S): Helps in chlorophyll formation and protein production, enhancing plant growth and resistance to stress. Safe in minimal quantities, typically found in fertilizers, but can irritate the respiratory tract if inhaled in powdered form.

Micronutrients

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

• Arsenic
• Lead
• Mercury
• Iron
• Cadmium
• Sodium
• Calcium
• Copper
• Zinc
• Ammonium (irritates skin and lungs)
• Disulfoton (responsible for seizures and pancreatitis)
• Boron
• Cobalt
• Disulfoton
• Manganese

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.

• Herbicides (i.e., organophosphates, 2,4-D)
• Fungicides
• Pesticides (i.e., carbamates)
• Cocoa mulch
• Insecticides
• Snail bait

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:

6 Ways to Make Lawn Fertilizer Safe For Dogs

Adhere to guidelinesEvery fertilizer product comes with specific instructions regarding application rates, methods, and safety precautions, including advice on how long to keep pets off the lawn post-application.Understand the productSome fertilizers may have longer waiting periods due to their formulation or the inclusion of pesticides and herbicides, which can be more harmful to pets. Familiarizing yourself with the product details can help you take appropriate safety measures.Apply fertilizer carefullyEnsure the fertilizer is evenly distributed and strictly adhere to the recommended application rates. Over-application poses environmental risks and increases the potential hazard to your pets.Waiting periodsThese are critical for ensuring the fertilizer has been absorbed into the soil, significantly reducing the risk of exposure to your pets. Waiting periods can vary, so following the products recommendations is essential. To avoid pet poisoning, it is recommended that your pets stay off the lawn until the fertilizer is absorbed into the soil.Secure the areaBefore applying fertilizer, ensure your dogs are indoors or in a secure area away from the lawn. This precaution prevents them from coming into contact with the fertilizer both during its application and immediately afterward.Water the lawn after applicationWatering helps the fertilizer absorb into the soil more quickly, reducing the likelihood of your dog coming into contact with the granules or chemicals.

Symptoms ofFertilizerPoisoning InDogs

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

• Ulceration in the gastrointestinal tract
• Redness on the skin
• Breathing difficulties
• Tearing and redness of the eyes
• Excessive blinking
• Vomiting
• Burns on the pads (if your pet walked through in your fertilizer application)
• Licking or chewing on feet
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy and sleepiness
• Abdominal pain
• Coughing
• Sneezing

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, its important to call your veterinarian if your dog is experiencing any of the symptoms listed above or if youre concerned about your dogs condition.

Cant reach your vet? Contact thePet Poison Helpline at 1-855-764-7661or chat live with a veterinary professional viaour online vet chat or video chat support (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

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 pets 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 certifiedwhen choosing lawn products.

However, its 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 youre 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?

The best place to get pet-safe lawn fertilizer is online. Read our best pet-safe grass fertilizer reviews above to find the option that meets your needs.

We searched for pet-safe lawn fertilizers atHome Depot and Lowes, but options were limited, and some didnt even mention the word pet on the label, so we chose to avoid them. Many products on the market claim to be safe for pets regarding lawn fertilizer. However, it is important to research before applying any product to your lawn.

IsNitrogenFertilizer 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, its crucial to handle, use, and store organic fertilizers with the same level of caution as you would with inorganic fertilizers to ensure your dogs safety.

IsSlow-ReleaseFertilizer 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, its 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.

• Beagles
• Scottish Terriers
• Shetland Sheepdogs
• West Highland White Terriers
• Wirehair Terriers

Frequently Asked Questions

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

IsLawn Fertilizer SafeFor Dogs? Conclusion

While lawns and gardens are great places for dogs to play and relax, its 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

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

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