When controlling weeds around your outdoor space on areas such as driveways, patios and lawns, it’s tempting to reach for a weedkiller spray. However, it’s important to think about the safety of everyone who uses the outside, including pets and wildlife. Harmful chemicals can be picked up on paws or fur when your pet walks over treated ground or brushes past sprayed foliage, and is then ingested when your pet grooms itself. Chemicals can also be washed off plants or the ground by rain or hose water, and collect in puddles that pets and wildlife may drink from.
Having a lush, green, weed-free yard is the dream for many homeowners. But when you have pets who like to dig and play in the grass, using harsh chemical weed killers can be risky. The good news is there are several effective options for getting rid of weeds that won’t put your furry friends in danger. In this article, we’ll explore pet-safe methods and products for killing weeds, as well as design solutions to reduce the need for weed killers altogether.
Understanding the Risks of Weed Killers for Pets
Many common weed killing products contain chemicals that are toxic for pets Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup and many other weed killers, has been linked to cancer in humans and animals Even “eco-friendly” or “natural” herbicide products can cause issues if pets ingest or come into direct contact with them.
Dogs and cats who walk through lawns or gardens treated with weed killers can pick up residual chemicals on their paws and fur. When they lick or groom themselves they ingest the toxins. Studies have found significantly higher rates of bladder cancer in dogs whose owners treat their lawns with herbicides.
Cats are especially vulnerable since they groom themselves frequently Chemicals on their paws transfer to their mouths Young kittens and puppies are also more susceptible to the effects of weed killer exposure,
Bottom line: You’ll want to avoid using any weed killing product that contains chemicals known to be dangerous to pets. Stick to natural, non-toxic methods instead.
7 Pet-Safe Ways to Kill Weeds
Here are some safe, effective solutions for getting rid of weeds without putting your furry friends at risk:
1. Manual Weeding
Pulling weeds up by hand is the safest way to get rid of them. Use a hand fork or weed popping tool to remove the entire root system so they won’t grow back. It’s tedious work but highly effective. Combine hand weeding with mulching to stop new weeds from germinating.
2. Smothering
Cut off the weed’s supply of sunlight and it won’t survive. Use a thick 3-5 inch layer of mulch like wood chips or pine needles to block light and suffocate weeds. Avoid cocoa mulch, which is toxic to dogs. Alternately, lay down landscape fabric or cardboard to smother growth. Leave it in place 4-6 weeks.
3. Boiling Water
Pour boiling water directly on driveway or sidewalk weeds to scald and kill them instantly. It won’t affect the roots so you may need to repeat it, but it’s non-toxic for pets.
4. Horticultural Vinegar
Spray full strength horticultural vinegar on unwanted plants to kill them. Use caution – it’s non-selective, meaning it will damage any plant it touches. Avoid contact with skin or eyes and keep pets off treated areas until dry.
5. Corn Gluten Meal
This organic pre-emergent herbicide inhibits weed seeds from germinating. Apply in early spring before weeds sprout. It’s safe for kids and pets once dried. Must be reapplied annually.
6. Flame Weeding
Use a small propane torch to zap weeds. Wear protective gear and keep pets well away from the area while doing this. The flame kills weeds instantly on contact.
7. Goats
Goats will happily munch away at pesky weeds. Rent them to clear overgrown lots or keep a few goats as natural weed eradicators. They’ll also fertilize your lawn with manure. Just keep them away from ornamental plants and gardens.
Pet-Safe Lawn Care
In addition to controlling existing weeds, focus on lawn care practices that prevent new weeds from invading:
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Mow high (3-4 inches) to encourage deep grass roots that choke out weeds.
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Water deeply and infrequently to moisten soil 6-8 inches down. Shallow watering promotes weeds.
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Improve drainage in soggy areas where weeds thrive.
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Apply corn gluten meal in early spring to block seeds from sprouting.
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Top dress with a thin layer of compost. It feeds the grass so it stays thick and healthy.
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Dethatch and aerate annually to alleviate soil compaction.
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Overseed bare or thin spots where weeds can gain a foothold.
Pet-Friendly Gardening Options
If you want a weed-free landscape without using any weed killers, even natural ones, consider these pet-safe gardening alternatives:
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Gravel yards – Use attractive gravel and stone in place of grass. Add pathways, patios and flower beds.
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Paver patios – Install patios and walkways made of brick, flagstone or pavers. Leave a few areas open for planting.
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Rock gardens – Fill in spaces between boulders and stones with alpine plants. Use mulch to keep weeds at bay.
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Raised garden beds – Contained beds prevent digging pets from making a mess. Use hardware cloth at the bottom to keep pets out.
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Container gardens – Pots of flowers, vegetables and herbs can be clustered anywhere. Elevate them if needed to deter curious pets.
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Native plants – Choose low-maintenance native plants suited to your climate. They resist weeds and don’t need chemicals.
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Meadow gardens – Allow your yard to revert to a natural meadow ecosystem with wildflowers and grasses. You’ll attract bees, butterflies and birds.
The Last Resort: Pet-Safe Commercial Weed Killers
If you decide you must use an commercial weed killer product, do your homework to choose the safest option possible:
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Avoid products containing glyphosate, 2,4-D, dicamba, diquat dibromide or mecoprop-p. Opt for natural ingredients.
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Read labels carefully and follow all safety precautions. Only use as a last resort.
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Never use on windy days or before rain when chemicals could spread.
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Keep pets off treated areas until completely dry.
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Don’t allow pet on lawns until product fully absorbed into plants, usually 48 hours.
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Mix only as much as needed. Dispose of leftovers properly.
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Consider hiring a professional lawn service that uses pet-safe practices.
The Bottom Line
A healthy green lawn and gorgeous gardens are possible without exposing your pets to dangerous weed killers. Natural, non-toxic methods like hand weeding, mulching and mowing high provide effective control. If weeds pop up occasionally, spot treat with pet-safe products like horticultural vinegar or corn gluten meal. With smart lawn care and landscaping tailored to your climate and needs, you can keep your yard weed-free and your pets safe.
Which pet-friendly natural weedkillers available to buy?[image id=”92501″ size=”landscape_thumbnail” align=”none” title=”Organic, home-made weedkillers – vinegar and baking soda. Getty Images” alt=”Organic, home-made weedkillers – vinegar and baking soda. Getty Images” classes=””] Organic, home-made weedkillers – vinegar and baking soda. Getty Images
There are several natural ingredients used in pet-friendly weedkillers, which can be used to kill annual weeds and the top growth of perennial ones. Although these are ‘natural’ products, keep pets off treated areas until the spray has dried.
Acetic acid is the active ingredient of vinegar and is available as ready-to-use weedkiller spray such as RHS Glyphosate Free Weedkiller, WeedKil Glyphosate Free Weedkiller and Ecofective Weed and Moss Killer. Acetic acid is effective at controlling annual weeds, but only kills the leafy growth of perennials, not the roots. Note that vinegar bought for culinary use isn’t sufficiently strong to use as an effective weedkiller.
Pelargonic acid is found in pelargoniums – better known as geraniums – and is a fatty acid that destroys the cell walls of the leaves. In Neudorff’s Weedkiller, it is combined with maleic acid hydrazide which is a growth regulator.
How can I control weeds without chemicals?[image id=”67499″ size=”landscape_thumbnail” align=”none” title=”Hand weeding” alt=”Hand weeding” classes=””] Hand weeding
There are a number of ways to tackle weeds that are completely pet-safe:
- Hand weeding. A range of weeding tools include long and short-handled hoes, and weeding knives. On a dry, breezy day, hoe off weeds by slicing them off at the soil’s surface and they’ll quickly die
- Weed burners. Electric or gas-powered weed burners are portable heat guns that burn off weed growth and are particularly good for tackling weeds in paving cracks, driveways and patios. Slow to use, so only really practical for small areas
- Pressure washing of hard surfaces gets rid of small weeds and moss, as well as clearing residues of soil and organic matter that would provide seed beds for weeds
- Boiling water – simply pour over to kill leaf growth (although it won’t kill the roots of perennial weeds like dandelions)
- Catch weeds before they seed. The old saying of “one year’s weeding is seven year’s seeding” holds true
- Quickly picking off seed heads before they spread will save hours of work later on
- To clear ground for planting, the easiest way to kill all weeds is to cover the soil with a light-excluding material for at least 12 months. Use weed control fabric, black polythene, thick cardboard or old carpet, weighing down the edges to keep out light
Non Toxic Human/Pet safe weed killer
FAQ
What kills weeds but is safe for pets?
Please try this, it really works : 1/2 Gallon Apple Cider Vinegar, 1/4 Cup Salt, 1/2 tsp Dawn Dishwashing Liquid. Mix in a spray bottle and spray the weeds. Safe for pets and it works. I tried this and after one application they were dying. 2 days later they were dried up.
Does vinegar kill weeds permanently?
A homemade vinegar solution can effectively kill younger weeds, but is not a permanent solution for tougher weeds, unless you are diligent about reapplying and soaking the roots. Horticultural vinegar can be more of a long-term solution because it kills the root after a couple applications.
How long after spraying weeds is it safe for pets?
The general rule of thumb is to keep your dog inside for at least 48 hours after a chemical lawn treatment.Feb 28, 2025
Does vinegar, Epsom salt, and Dawn really kill weeds?
This popular three-ingredient DIY weed killer—of vinegar, Epsom salts, and Dawn dish soap—doesn’t work, and it’s not safe for your garden. (via Southern…
Does just for pets kill weeds?
The “Just For Pets” all-natural weed killer boasts a fast-drying formula that will not harm animals. This pet-friendly herbicide relies on a combination of common ingredients, including vinegar, citric acid, salt, clove oil, and lemon juice. Be careful where you spray it though because it will kill any greenery it touches!
How do you get rid of weeds in dogs?
Your pets will be grateful. You’ll need one cup of powdered borax, 2 gallons of warm water, and a sealed container to keep the potent weed killer in. Add the borax to the water and stir it thoroughly. Mash any clumps of powdered borax to dissolve them.
Is there a pet-friendly weed killer?
There are a lot of pet-friendly weed killer products available. There are also lots of weed killers you can make yourself. Here are some examples of both. Doctor Kirchner Natural Weed & Grass Killer. This product is made from ocean salt water and is free from harmful chemicals. You don’t need to mix it and it should be safe for pets.
Is weed killer Safe for pets?
Their weed killer spray contains only natural and organic ingredients including acetic acid, citric acid, salt, clove oil, and lemon juice. Because there are no chemical nasties contained in their weed killer, pets are safe to roam over areas that it has been applied to just as soon as it has dried.
Will homemade weed killer kill weeds?
Although the above homemade pet-friendly weed killers are quite effective in eliminating weeds and other pesky critters as well, they are not without their risks. Yes, they won’t harm your pets or children, but they will just as quickly kill your rose bushes and rhododendrons as they would the crabgrass and ivy.
Can dogs eat weed killer?
Dogs can mistake gardening products for toys, says Whitmer, and when “playing,” they can ingest unsafe weed killers. To prevent this, pet owners should store their weed killers in an unreachable spot for animals and away from food sources. Help! I Think My Cat Drank Antifreeze. What Do I Do Next?