Is Plant Food Toxic to Dogs and What to Do

Plant food can be toxic to dogs, and it's essential to know what to look out for. Some plant foods contain toxic compounds like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms.

If your dog ingests plant food, monitor them closely for signs of illness. If you suspect your dog has eaten plant food, contact your veterinarian immediately.

The severity of the symptoms depends on the amount and type of plant food consumed. In some cases, the symptoms may be mild, while in others, they can be severe and even life-threatening.

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If your dog ingests fertilizer, it can cause vomiting or diarrhea, regardless of the amount.

Most household plant fertilizers contain chemicals like nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, which can irritate the mouth and gums if ingested.

Chemical poisoning in dogs can also lead to muscle tremors, swelling, and seizures, so seek veterinary assistance straight away if you notice any of these symptoms.

If your dog eats fertilizer, it's essential to wash its mouth out with water after contacting your vet.

Storing fertilizers in a secure, inaccessible location can prevent your dog from getting into them.

You can reduce the risk of your dog eating fertilizer by using dog-friendly fertilizers.

Here are some key things to remember when using fertilizers around your dog:

Dogs can ingest bone meal and blood meal fertilizers in various ways, including eating them straight from a bag or digging in the garden where they've been mixed with other fertilizers. This can lead to serious health issues.

Dogs may be attracted to the smell of fish and feather meals added to the mixture, increasing the risk of ingestion. Bone meal can even form into a cement-like ball in your dog's stomach, requiring surgery for removal.

If you suspect your dog has eaten a large amount of bone meal or blood meal, take them to the vet without delay. Even if they're not showing signs of illness, a veterinary visit is recommended to check for possible complications.

To help your vet diagnose the issue, be prepared to answer questions such as how long ago your dog ingested the fertilizer, what symptoms they're showing, and how they gained access to the product. Providing this information, along with physical signs, will help the vet determine the best course of action.

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Dogs may ingest large quantities of blood and bone meal straight from a bag. This can happen if the bag is left open or if the dog is not kept away from the area.

They can also dig in the garden because they smell the additives and then ingest other fertilizers that you have mixed in as you garden. This is especially true if the garden is near their living space.

Fish and feather meals may be added to the mixture, increasing the attractive odor for pets. This can make it even more tempting for dogs to dig and ingest the fertilizers.

Bone meal can form into a cement-like ball in your dog's stomach, requiring surgery for removal. This is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.

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. This is a significant risk for dogs that are attracted to the garden.

Moldy fertilizers and meals can cause illness due to mold poisoning and bacteria. This can happen if the fertilizers are old or have been left out in the rain.

Here are some common causes of plant food poisoning in dogs:

Iron toxicity in dogs can be a serious issue, especially if they ingest large quantities of iron-rich fertilizers.

Iron is a common micronutrient found in fertilizers, often present in small amounts. However, it can still cause problems if ingested in large quantities.

Symptoms of iron toxicosis in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, and anorexia. If you suspect your dog has ingested iron-rich fertilizer, it's essential to act quickly.

To prevent iron toxicity, store iron-rich fertilizers safely in a garage and closed containers. Keep your dog out of the yard during application and 47 hours afterward.

By following these simple precautions, you can minimize the risk of iron toxicity in your furry friend.

Treatment for bone meal and blood meal fertilizers poisoning in dogs depends on the severity of symptoms and how much was consumed.

Symptoms such as pancreatitis, a condition that can range from moderate to severe, are a big concern in cases of poisoning. Pancreatitis can develop particularly if your pet has an underlying illness.

Antinausea medication, gastroprotectants, antiemetics, and fluids for dehydration are part of the treatment protocol for excessive iron intake, pancreatitis, and ingestion of bone meal and blood meal.

In some instances, the veterinary team may induce vomiting and attempt gastric lavage to try and flush out the blood meal, but bone meal is not easily removed from the stomach.

Fortunately, most cases of bone meal and blood meal fertilizers poisoning are not complicated and can be resolved with supportive care.

Gastrointestinal problems are often the extent of the symptoms, but if your dog was diagnosed with pancreatic issues, there will be additional instructions upon release from the hospital.

Dietary modification and medication may be required for dogs with pancreatic issues, and dogs who have had surgery for an obstruction will require rest and be limited in activity until recovery is complete.

Explore further: Food for Dogs with Pancreatitis

Some plants are toxic to dogs, even if you're using plant food on them.

Sago palms, for example, contain a toxin that can cause liver failure in dogs if ingested.

Oleander is another plant that's highly toxic to dogs, and even small amounts can be fatal.

Dogs may also be tempted to nibble on plants like castor bean, which contains a toxin that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

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Eucalyptus is a brightly colored, yet toxic plant that can cause severe reactions in dogs. Consuming just a few leaves can lead to excessive drooling, vomiting, depression, and weakness.

It only takes a small amount of eucalyptus to create a severe reaction, including loss of appetite, diarrhea, colic, depression, and weakness.

Consuming eucalyptus can also cause intense vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and tremors.

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Tomato plants are more than just a tasty source of fresh produce. They can be toxic to dogs if ingested.

The plant itself is toxic to dogs, and if consumed, it can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms. Hypersalivation, severe upset stomach, depression, weakness, dilated pupils, and a slow heart rate are all possible.

Unripe tomatoes are particularly hazardous, so it's essential to keep an eye on your furry friends around tomato plants.

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Cocoa mulch is a luxury choice for flower gardens and classy landscaping projects, but it's not suitable for dog owners. It's made from the shells and hulls of the cocoa bean and contains theobromine, the same substance that causes chocolate poisoning.

The smell of cocoa mulch is said to last at least a month after spreading it, which can be tempting for dogs. If you have dogs, it's best to keep cocoa mulch in closed containers and safe locations, away from their reach.

You can also apply cocoa mulch in areas where dogs can't enter, such as flower beds surrounded by fences or the backyard/front yard when separated by a gate. However, this may not be practical for everyone.

If you have dogs, it's better to opt for shredded bark, hay, or other less palatable and toxic mulch options. These alternatives are safer for your furry friends.

Here are some tips to keep your dog safe from cocoa mulch:

Moldy plants can be a real problem, especially if you're not careful. Some plants, like the Peace Lily, can develop mold due to overwatering, which can lead to root rot and even kill the plant.

The English Ivy is another plant prone to mold, often growing mold on its leaves and stems if it's not properly watered or ventilated.

Moldy plants can release spores into the air, causing respiratory issues in people with weakened immune systems. In severe cases, it can even trigger allergic reactions.

If you notice mold on your plants, it's essential to act quickly to prevent the mold from spreading and causing more harm.

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If you're using plant food around your home, it's essential to keep it out of reach of your furry friends.

Some plant foods contain high levels of nitrogen, which can be toxic to dogs if ingested in large amounts.

Even if your dog only licks a small amount of plant food, it can still cause harm.

For example, if you have a dog that weighs 20 pounds, even a small amount of plant food can be toxic.

Other household hazards, such as fertilizers and pesticides, can also be poisonous to dogs.

It's crucial to store these substances safely and securely to prevent accidental ingestion.

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