Spring brings immense joy and warmth as it allows your family to enjoy the outdoors. If you are a proud parent of a dog, it will also make your furry babies happy in the lawn. However, the primary concern of most homeowners is whether weed and feed are safe for dogs and for kids. The reason is kids and pets freely roam around in the lawn, and it's a task to keep them restricted indoors during fertilization. When the time to fertilize the lawn approaches, many homeowners look around for information regarding the safety of their pets and even kids. The reason is that fertilizers can be dangerous for dogs and kids. In this blog, we discuss if weed and feed are safe for dogs and tips to use it safely.
What is Weed and Feed?
It's a lawn care product which consists of herbicides and fertilizers. These chemical products surely keep the lawn healthy by keeping weeds away, but they can be harmful to pets. However, there are ways to protect the pets.
Tips to Use Weed and Feed Safely Without Affecting the Dog's Health?
Weed and feed won't pose a threat to your dog's health when used with utmost precaution. Here are the ways to use weed and feed safely:
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Carefully read the instructions mentioned on the weed and feed products.
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Follow the instructions given on the product to ensure pet safety.
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Adhere to the timeline before allowing pets on the lawn.
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Always opt for pet or dog-friendly weed and feed because pet-safe weed and feed is made to maximize the impact on weeds and have minimal or no harmful effect on pets.
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Keep pets away from the area where weed and feed is used. Wait until the lawn is completely dry.
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Water the lawn to ensure the chemical goes deep into the soil and reduces the chances of dogs coming into direct contact with the chemical on the grass blades.
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Once you are fully satisfied that the chemical is absorbed in the soil, leaving no residue behind, then allow your furry friend in the lawn.
Is Weed and Feed Safe for Dogs?
It is safe for dogs when the lawn is completely dry, and chemicals are soaked in the soil. However, when the soil is wet, it's not safe for dogs to enter the lawn as it can cause health hazards.
For How Long Should You Keep Dogs Away From Fertilized Lawns?
The duration for which dogs should be kept away from fertilized lawns depends on the type and quantity of fertilizer used and the environmental conditions under which it is used. For example, when liquid fertilizer is used, keep dogs away from the lawn until it dries(it can take up to 2 hours).
In the case of granular fertilizer, wait until it gets absorbed in the soil, which may take even up to 24 hours. Keep your dogs away from the lawn for 24 hours to avoid accidental ingestion. If you are unsure of the quantity and type of fertilizer used, it's advisable to wait for 24 hours and then allow dogs on the lawn.
What to Do When Pets Are Exposed to Weed and Feed?
Despite all the precautions, if your dog accidentally gets exposed to the chemicals, take appropriate action to safeguard their safety. Bring your dog indoors and gently bathe them with lukewarm water and shampoo to remove residue from fur, paws, and skin.
If you still notice any sign of distress, such as vomiting, difficulty in breathing, excess drooling, or seizures in your pet, take them immediately to a veterinarian. Once the doctor assesses the intensity of the situation, follow their guidelines and advise for better health of the pet. Bring a pet in the lawn only when the doctor advises to do so.
| Notes | Always wear gloves and protective clothes when handling dogs with chemicals on their fur. |
Conclusion
Whether weed and feed are safe for dogs or not depends on multiple factors, like the type of fertilizer used, its quantity, and environmental factors. The type of fertilizer helps you decide the duration for which dogs should be kept away from the lawn. The environment affects the time taken to dry fertilizer. Hence, consider all the points before using weed and feed in your garden.
