At Grover Turf Care, we love playing outside with our dogs as much as anyone. But one question we often hear from our customers is, “Will this fertilizer be safe for my pets?”
It’s true that common garden products may contain substances harmful to pets if ingested. Knowing how to choose a lawn fertilizer safe for pets, when it’s safe for pets to return to treated areas, and appropriate actions in emergencies ensures their safety.
Grover Turf Care offers reliable fertilization and turf management services in Knoxville, safe for kids and pets. Contact us today to get started.
What’s Harmful to Pets in Fertilizer
Knoxville is known for being pet-friendly, and you’re likely not the only one in your neighborhood with a furry friend out in the yard. But is putting down fertilizer safe for your pets?
Many off-the-shelf fertilizers and soil amendment products contain natural, relatively harmless ingredients meant to replenish your soil with the proper nutrients for lawn health. Unfortunately, they may also contain toxic substances such as:
- Herbicides
- Pesticides
- Fungicides
For this reason, ingesting fertilizers, particularly in large quantities, can spell trouble for pets.
Meal-based fertilizers, such as bone meal or blood meal, are often touted as organic and safe, but even these can present dangers. Dogs may find these meals appealing due to their odor, leading to potential overconsumption and subsequent gastrointestinal issues or even pancreatitis.
Symptoms of fertilizer poisoning in dogs include:
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Difficulty breathing
If you suspect your pet has ingested fertilizer, it’s best to call your veterinarian.
Once a fertilizer dries, however, it’s generally safe for your pets to be on your lawn. This is because the potentially harmful chemicals have been absorbed into the soil and grass, and your dog is unlikely to ingest a large quantity.
To safeguard your pets in Knoxville, take precautions such as:
- Keeping lawn products securely stored
- Supervising your dog in the yard
- Promptly addressing any signs of poisoning
- Using lawn fertilizers safe for pets
Lawn Fertilizers Safe for Pets
When seeking a lawn fertilizer safe for pets in Knoxville, it’s important to prioritize formulations labeled as pet-friendly and, preferably, certified organic. Organic fertilizers commonly incorporate ingredients that diminish the likelihood of harm to pets. Regardless of the chosen type, it’s important to meticulously read the label and ensure the treatment dries before your pet goes on the lawn.
Pet-friendly fertilizers increase absorption speed to reduce the waiting period for pets to safely roam the lawn. However, it’s important to acknowledge that even these formulations can pose risks if ingested excessively.
As a good rule of thumb, you should wait at least 24 hours and water your lawn once after applying a fertilizer application to make sure your pets don’t ingest anything harmful.
Once drying is complete, most pet-friendly fertilizers are considered safe. Just be sure to adhere to package instructions regarding the duration of pet exclusion from treated zones. To further mitigate risks to your pet in Knoxville, securely store fertilizers in air-tight containers. This prevents unintended pet access, reducing the chance of ingestion or exposure.
You can also choose products bearing the OMRI label. It provides an added assurance of safety for your pet, indicating suitability for certified organic production.
By adhering to these guidelines and taking necessary precautions, pet owners can maintain a lush lawn while prioritizing the well-being of their furry companions.
Trust Grover Turf Care for Your Lawn Fertilization in Knoxville
Grover Turf stands out as a trustworthy choice for lawn fertilization in Knoxville and the surrounding area. We offer fully organic lawn care as well as a golf course approach to ensure your lawn thrives in a healthy, nutrient-rich environment while naturally deterring invasive plants. Our commitment to safety extends to your entire household with lawn fertilizer safe for pets.
Unlike national turf care companies, we tailor our organic weed control methods to suit East Tennessee’s climate and biodiversity, guaranteeing the best results for your lawn. Located in West Knoxville, Grover Turf Care serves neighborhoods like Sequoyah Hills and Hardin Valley.
Fertilizers may include both benign and harmful components, ingestion of which can result in serious symptoms such as tremors and seizures in pets. Secure storage and supervised outdoor activities are essential for pet health and safety. Grover Turf Care provides dependable organic fertilization services in Knoxville, emphasizing lawn fertilizer safe for pets and environmental welfare.
