As a pet owner and lawn care enthusiast, it's essential to keep your furry friends safe while maintaining a lush and healthy lawn. According to Scotts Fertilizer, dogs can be exposed to fertilizer toxins if they ingest or come into contact with contaminated soil, grass, or water.
Make sure to keep your dog away from areas where Scotts Fertilizer has been applied until the product has been watered in and the grass has started to grow. This can take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours, depending on the type of fertilizer used.
If your dog does ingest fertilizer, it's crucial to act quickly. Scotts Fertilizer recommends contacting your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline immediately, as prompt treatment can make a big difference in your dog's recovery.
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What to Do If My Dog Eats Something
If your dog eats something it shouldn't, the first thing to do is stay calm. Don't try to guess what's best for your pet - that's what your veterinarian is for.
If you think your dog ate fertilizer, or you saw it eat fertilizer, call your veterinarian right away to determine if your dog needs to be seen.
Causes and Symptoms of Poisoning
Your dog can be exposed to fertilizer by simply walking across a lawn that has been treated. Some fertilizer residues can stay in toxic form for days to weeks.
A dog can be exposed to fertilizer in various ways, including:
- Iron
- Disulfoton (responsible for seizures and pancreatitis)
- Copper
- Zinc
- Phosphorous
- Ammonium (irritates skin and lungs)
- Sodium
- Calcium
- Potassium
Symptoms of fertilizer poisoning in dogs can range from mild to severe and may include dermal effects such as ulcers and redness on the skin, ocular signs like tearing and redness of the eyes, gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and abdominal pain.
What Is Poisoning?
Poisoning can occur from accidental ingestion of fertilizer products by your dog, which can contain harmful substances like herbicides, fungicides, and pesticides.
The effects of fertilizer poisoning can range from mild to severe, depending on the length of time of contact and how the poisoning occurred.
Complications can include oral burns, stomach irritation, or severe toxicities, as well as gastrointestinal tract ulceration and skin burns.
If you suspect your dog has eaten fertilizer, or if they're acting ill after exposure, take them to see a veterinarian right away.
Fertilizers used in gardens can be toxic to pets when ingested or exposed to the skin and mucous membranes.
In fact, some products can be fatal if ingested.
The average cost of treating fertilizer poisoning can range from $300 to $3,000, with an average cost of $600.
Causes of Poisoning
Fertilizers can be toxic to dogs if ingested or exposed to the skin and mucous membranes. Fertilizer residues can stay in toxic form for days to weeks.
A dog can be exposed to fertilizer by simply walking across a lawn that has been treated. Chewing on treated grass or licking the fur and feet after a dermal exposure can also cause toxic effects.
Some fertilizers contain additives that can be particularly hazardous to dogs. These additives include iron, disulfoton, copper, zinc, phosphorous, ammonium, sodium, calcium, and potassium.
Here are some common causes of fertilizer poisoning in dogs:
- Accidental ingestion of fertilizer
- Chewing on treated grass
- Licking the fur and feet after a dermal exposure
- Walking across a lawn that has been treated
It's essential to be aware of the potential risks and take precautions to prevent fertilizer poisoning in dogs. If you suspect your dog has eaten fertilizer or is showing signs of poisoning, seek veterinary attention immediately.
Treatment and Prevention
If your dog eats Scotts fertilizer, call your veterinarian or a veterinary hospital right away. They'll need to know the packaging and label ingredients to help your pet.
Your vet may recommend inducing vomiting at the hospital if your dog ate a large amount within the past two hours. This is a common decontamination method in severe cases.
Most dogs recover from eating fertilizer without complications, but it's crucial to determine the exact exposure of specific ingredients. Fertilizer toxicity is considered a low-risk condition.
Treatment of Toxicity
If your pet eats fertilizer, call your veterinarian or a veterinary hospital immediately. They will collect a thorough history, including packaging and/or the detailed label ingredients.
Your veterinarian may recommend inducing vomiting at the hospital as a means of decontamination if your pet ate a large amount of fertilizer within the past two hours.
In severe cases, your pet may need to be hospitalized for IV fluids and additional therapy, especially if the fertilizer has highly toxic additives or there's a risk of intestinal obstruction.
A complete blood count, serum blood chemistry, and urinalysis will likely be recommended for a baseline evaluation to assess your pet's overall health.
Abdominal X-rays may also be recommended to assess how much your pet ingested and if there's an obvious obstruction.
Most dogs recover from eating fertilizer without any short- or long-term complications, but it's essential to determine the exact exposure of specific ingredients.
Prevention of Toxicity
Prevention of toxicity is crucial in keeping your furry friends safe. Keep all lawn and garden products in a safe and secure area that is inaccessible to your canine friend.
Dogs are drawn to the odors in fertilizer and will often eat large amounts if they can gain access to the bag. Don't 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.
By following these simple precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of toxicity in your dog.
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Lawn Safety and Pet-Friendly Options
Lawn fertilizers can be toxic to pets if ingested, causing serious health issues like abdominal pain, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. If your pet consumes commercial lawn fertilizer, it could lead to bowel obstruction, cardiac arrest, and even inflammation of the liver and pancreas.
Keep your pets off any area of the lawn that has been recently fertilized, allowing at least 1-2 days for the fertilizer to absorb into the lawn before letting your pets back on it.
Pet-friendly fertilizers are available, but they still require caution. Always read the package instructions to confirm when you can safely let your pet onto the treated area.
Commercial lawn fertilizers often contain substances such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, herbicides, and pesticides, which can harm pets if ingested or inhaled.
Here are some pet-friendly lawn care solutions to consider:
- Natural or organic fertilizers: Opt for fertilizers labeled as natural or organic, but be cautious and read the labels to verify the ingredients.
- Consult lawn care professionals: Professional lawn care services can provide guidance and services tailored to create a pet-friendly lawn.
- Pet-proofing measures: Secure lawn care products in safe storage areas and create a pet-free zone when applying fertilizers.
- Timing is key: Apply commercial lawn fertilizers when your dog will be indoors for an extended period, and water your lawn thoroughly after application to help the fertilizer soak in.
By taking these precautionary measures, you can enjoy a beautiful lawn without compromising your dog's safety.
Lawn Hazards
Commercial lawn fertilizers can contain substances like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, herbicides, and pesticides, which can harm pets if ingested or inhaled.
Dogs might ingest these chemicals by licking their paws after a fresh fertilizer application, which can lead to more serious health issues.
Ingesting a substantial amount of fertilizer can cause severe symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and, in extreme cases, more serious conditions.
Long-term exposure to certain types of fertilizers could potentially lead to chronic health conditions, such as an increased risk of cancer in Scottish Terriers exposed to herbicide-treated lawns.
Dogs are curious creatures and might decide a bag of fertilizer is a new snack if they stumble upon it.
If your pet consumes commercial lawn fertilizer, it could cause serious health issues like abdominal pain, excessive drooling, vomiting, discolored gums, bowel obstruction, difficulty breathing, cardiac arrest, and even inflammation of the liver and pancreas.
Allow at least 1-2 days for the fertilizer to absorb into your lawn before letting your pets back on it, depending on the weather.
Here are some key lawn hazards to be aware of:
- Chemical Composition: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, herbicides, and pesticides
- Contact Irritation: paws or skin irritation
- Ingestion Risks: vomiting, diarrhea, and more serious conditions
- Long-term Exposure: chronic health conditions, like cancer
Frequently Asked Questions
How long to wait after fertilizing a lawn to let a dog out?
Wait at least 24-72 hours after fertilizing your lawn before letting your dog out, allowing the fertilizer to absorb into the soil. Watering the lawn beforehand can also help ensure your dog's safety.
What if my dog eats Scotts turf builder?
If your dog ingests Scotts Turf Builder, seek immediate veterinary attention as it can cause serious health issues
Sources
- Fertilizers Poisoning in Dogs - Symptoms, Causes, ... (wagwalking.com)
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org)
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org)
- fertilizer poisoning (aspcapro.org)
- Is Lawn Fertilizer Safe for Dogs? Uncovering the Green Truth (terra-lawn-care.com)
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