Having a lush, green lawn is the dream for many homeowners. But caring for your lawn often means using fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides. The problem is that many of these chemical products can harm your pets. As a dog owner, you want to nourish your grass while also keeping your pup safe. The good news is that it is possible to have both a flourishing lawn and a healthy dog by using a dog safe weed and feed product.
What is Weed and Feed?
Weed and feed products combine fertilizer and herbicide in one application. The fertilizer feeds the grass helping it grow thicker and fuller. The herbicide kills weeds like dandelions and clover, stopping them from invading your lawn. While weed and feed makes caring for your yard easier, you need to take precautions when using these products if you have pets.
Are Weed and Feed Products Safe for Dogs?
Most commercial weed and feed products contain chemicals that are harmful to dogs. The main concerns with weed and feed are
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Fertilizer can irritate a dog’s paws and skin. Dogs who walk on treated grass can get it stuck on their paws and fur. When grooming, they ingest the particles and chemicals.
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Herbicides like 2,4-D, MCPP and dicamba are toxic if consumed. Dogs who nibble grass treated with weed and feed can become ill.
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Weed and feed stays on the surface of grass blades for 48 hours before watering it in. During this time, it remains a hazard.
For these reasons, it’s crucial to keep dogs off treated grass until the weed and feed has fully dried into the soil. Choose a product made for lawns with pets if using a chemical weed and feed. Then be sure to keep dogs away as directed on the label.
Top 3 Dog Safe Weed and Feed Products
If you want to keep your pet safe but still care for your lawn, use one of these dog safe weed and feed options:
1. Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed 3
- Contains pet safe herbicides 2,4-D, Mecoprop & Dicamba
- Also includes controlled release fertilizer
- Keep pets off treated areas for 48 hours before watering in
2. Espoma Organic Weed Preventer Plus Lawn Food
- Uses corn gluten meal for natural pre-emergent weed control
- Contains fertilizer from bone meal, feather meal & potassium sulfate
- Safe for pets immediately after application
3. Dr. Earth Super Natural Lawn Fertilizer with Probiotics
- Features natural fertilizer ingredients like alfalfa meal and kelp
- Includes corn gluten meal to prevent weed growth
- Non-toxic and safe around pets
Using Weed and Feed Safely Around Dogs
Even dog safe weed and feed products need to be applied carefully:
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Read all label instructions before application. Follow re-entry periods for pets.
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Apply on a calm, dry day to prevent spreading. Sweep any granules from sidewalks and driveways.
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Consider leashing dogs when first allowing them back on treated grass. Monitor to ensure they don’t eat grass.
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Bathe dogs who may have residues on paws before allowing them inside.
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Store all lawn products locked away and out of reach of pets.
Organic Fertilizer and Weed Control Options
Skip the chemicals entirely by taking an organic approach to caring for your lawn:
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Use corn gluten meal as a natural pre-emergence weed control.
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Choose an organic fertilizer like Milorganite or Dr. Earth.
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Pull weeds by hand or spot treat with natural weed killer recipes.
Organic options like these allow you to fertilize and manage weeds without endangering your pet. With smart lawn care, you can keep your yard green and your dog safe.
Is lawn fertilizer safe for dogs?
There are several different ingredients contained in common fertilizers that are dangerous to dogs, including:
- Herbicides â Common herbicides, like 2,4-D, tend to be mildly or moderately toxic to pets, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness.
- Bonemeal â While not dangerous in small amounts, animal by-products like bone mass can be dangerous in large amounts, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and even obstructing a dogâs stomach.
- Pesticides â Insecticides can cause chemical burns on pet paws and skin and inhibit enzymes in the central nervous system
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 â and for a sustained period afterward.
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 â Â or worse. Even if your fertilizer is pet safe, itâs best to wait until it is fully absorbed into the soil before letting your pup out.
Is Scotts weed and feed safe for dogs?
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.
5 Pet Safe Lawn Fertilizers and Weed Killers
FAQ
Is there any weed and feed safe for dogs?
The good news here is that Scott’s Weed and Feed Fertilizer is fairly non-toxic to dogs particularly if swallowed in small amounts. So the chances are that Lady will be OK. That said, it is possible that some dogs might perhaps suffer a mild transient bout of vomiting or diarrhoea.
How do I get rid of weeds without harming my dog?
Vinegar works well as pet friendly weed killer. All you need to do is spray the vinegar on the plants that you wish to kill. For some tougher weeds, you may need to reapply the vinegar several times before the plant completely dies.
Is Scotts Weed and Feed safe for dogs to walk on?
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.Feb 28, 2025
How long should dogs stay off the lawn after weed and feed?
Like children, dogs and other pets also enjoy playing and running through the grass. But after fertilizing, it’s also best practice to limit their use of the lawn for 24-72 hours.