Are you a pet owner who loves taking care of your lawn? If so, you might be wondering whether lawn fertilizers can be harmful to your furry friends. In this article, we’ll explore which lawn fertilizers are pet-friendly and which ones you should avoid.
Key Takeaways
The Variety of Lawn Fertilizers
When it comes to lawn fertilizers, there are various options available. You can choose from organic fertilizers, mineral fertilizers, and even organic-mineral fertilizers. However, not all of these fertilizers are safe for your pets.
Which Fertilizers Are Harmful to Pets?
It’s important for pet owners to steer clear of mineral fertilizers, especially those with added weed killers. These types of fertilizers contain salty granules that can easily be ingested by your pets. Curious dogs, in particular, may even try to get into the bags of fertilizers, putting themselves in danger.
If you want to protect not only your pets but also the other creatures that reside in your garden, consider using pet-friendly and organic fertilizers. For example, check out the range of Plantura organic fertilizers. These fertilizers are safe for both humans and animals, promoting an active soil life and enabling your plants to grow strong and healthy.
Are Mineral Lawn Fertilizers Toxic?
Yes, mineral lawn fertilizers are toxic to both pets and humans. The high concentration of potassium chloride found in these fertilizers can be lethal to dogs, with a lethal dose of about 85 grams for a 30 kg dog. It’s essential to be aware of the symptoms of poisoning, which include heavy salivation, blood in the stool, vomiting, shortness of breath, weakness, and cramps.
Lawn Fertilizers with Weed Killer
Lawn fertilizers that contain weed killer are also toxic to pets and humans. The symptoms of poisoning are similar to those mentioned earlier, including loss of appetite, restlessness, agitation, muscle tremors, decreased coordination, and even incontinence. In extreme cases, this type of poisoning can lead to cardiac arrest.
Pet-Friendly Lawn Fertilizers: A Better Choice
To ensure the safety of your pets, it’s best to use lawn fertilizers that are largely organic. While these fertilizers still contain nutrient salts, they are incorporated into organic matter, resulting in lower concentrations. It’s important to note that carnivorous pets may be drawn to organic animal-based fertilizers, such as blood meal and bone meal. It’s best to opt for animal-free, primarily organic, and pet-friendly lawn fertilizers.
At Plantura, we prioritize the well-being of both animals and the environment. That’s why our lawn feed is made with a large proportion of organic ingredients and without any animal-derived components. Our Plantura Lawn Feed not only promotes a healthy soil life but also provides optimal conditions for plant growth. Additionally, our pet-friendly Plantura Autumn Lawn Feed, enriched with potassium, ensures a frost-hardy lawn during the winter months.
Extra Tips for Fertilizing Lawns with Pets
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when fertilizing your lawn with pets around:
- Mow the lawn before fertilizing to ensure that the granules fall deep between the blades of grass, making it more difficult for pets to reach them.
- Always keep fertilizers out of the reach of animals and children.
- Choose animal-free lawn fertilizers without castor bean meal, as this ingredient can occasionally contain ricin, a highly potent toxin.
- Consider using primarily organic fertilizers, like the Plantura organic fertilizers, which are not only safe for dogs, cats, rabbits, chickens, guinea pigs, and other animals but also revitalize the soil and promote better plant growth.
In conclusion, by choosing pet-friendly lawn fertilizers and implementing a few precautions, you can have a beautiful and safe lawn for both your pets and your family to enjoy. For more information, visit the Ames Farm Center and discover the best products for your lawn and garden needs.
