Many concerned dog owners wonder if lawn fertilizer can be toxic or even dangerous for dogs. We clarify which lawn fertilizer is suitable for dogs and cats and which one is better to keep your hands off.
The variety of lawn fertilizers is enormous: There are mineral or organic lawn fertilizers as well as organo-mineral fertilizers. The latter are divided into animal-based fertilizers and animal-free fertilizers, some of which are organic, such as our Plantura organic fertilizers. But which of these fertilizers are dangerous for pets and which are safe?
Which lawn fertilizers are unsuitable for dogs, cats & co?
Mineral fertilizers and especially lawn fertilizers with added weed killers should be avoided by pet owners. Your four-legged friend could ingest too much of it by deliberately nibbling on the s alty grains from the stalks after fertilizing. Or he has access to the packaging of the fertilizer. Young dogs in particular are often curious and will try almost everything. Unfortunately, because of their smaller mass, they can quickly become endangered.
Tip: You not only want to protect your pets, but also other creatures that creep and squeak in your garden? Our Plantura organic fertilizers are harmless to humans and animals and enable plants to grow strong and he althy - with the power of living soil.
Is mineral lawn fertilizer toxic for dogs and Co?
Unfortunately, the answer to this question is yes! The dog - and also the human - only has to consume a sufficiently large amount of it. For example, the lethal dose for potassium chloride, a common potassium s alt in mineral fertilizers, is about 85 grams for a 30-pound dog. That's the equivalent of just six level tablespoons.
Mineral fertilizers mainly contain the elements nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus in concentrated s alt form. These dissolve in the animal's digestive tract and cause symptoms of poisoning: the mucous membranes in the stomach, intestines and mouth are irritated and the hemoglobin in the blood can be impaired in its function, which can result in life-threatening oxygen shortages.
Symptoms of poisoning are: Strongersalivation, blood in stool, vomiting, shortness of breath, weakness and cramps
Is lawn fertilizer with weed killer toxic for dogs and co?
The same applies to lawn fertilizer with weed killer: It is definitely poisonous for pets and also for humans. The symptoms mentioned above as well as loss of appetite, restlessness or excitement, muscle tremors, impaired coordination or incontinence can also indicate poisoning with pesticides contained in some lawn fertilizers. In the worst case, such poisoning can lead to cardiac arrest.
What good lawn fertilizer is safe for dogs?
Mainly organic lawn fertilizers are safe for dogs and other animals. Although they also contain nutrient s alts, these are packed in organic matter and are thus equally diluted. When it comes to animal-based organic fertilizers, it should be noted that all carnivorous pets love to eat them! Blood meal, bone meal and ground slaughterhouse waste smell all too tempting for the four-legged friends and are often eaten. In addition, animal lovers in particular do not really like the idea of distributing ground animal body parts in their garden. For this reason, when dogs and cats are free to roam the lawn, a pet-free, primarily organic lawn fertilizer is a better choice.
We at Plantura rely exclusively on animal-free, primarily organic fertilizers in organic quality. Therefore, our primarily organic Plantura organic lawn fertilizer is sustainable, animal-friendly all round and also ensures he althy soil life and thus the best conditions for the plants growing in it. If you want to make your lawn winter-proof, our Plantura organic autumn lawn fertilizer with an extra portion of potassium ensures a frost-hard lawn.
Extra tips for fertilizing the lawn with dogs & Co:
- Mow the lawn deep before fertilizing - this way the fertilizer grains fall deep between the stalks and cannot easily be reached by pets.
- Keep fertilizers out of the reach of animals and children.
- Use animal-free lawn fertilizer without castor meal: In the event of production errors, this can contain highly toxic ricin, which is fatal to humans and animals even in small doses.
- Animal-free, primarily organic fertilizers such as our Plantura organic fertilizers are not only completely harmless for dogs, cats, rabbits, chickens, guinea pigs and all other animalsdarlings. They also revitalize soil flora and fauna, resulting in better plant growth.