Fertilizer ingestion is common in small animals. ASPCA Poison Control receives significant calls about pets eating lawn and garden products.
Many fertilizers contain bone meal, fish meal or blood meal. Some even contain corn or corn cobs as a filler. Pets, especially dogs, find the contents of fertilizers quite tasty. Often, theyll tear the bags open to ingest the contents.
Many pets also ingest fertilizers that were placed outside on the lawn or in flower beds, so owners need to be careful about not letting pets out when lawn treatments are being done, and make sure any preparation is completely dry before the pets go outside.
Most fertilizer ingestions cause mild GI upset and are not a huge concern, but some fertilizers contain herbicides or, rarely, insecticides.
Some pets will ingest such a large amount that food bloat or GDV are concerns. There can also be some muscle stiffness or soreness after ingestion. Finally, if the product is moldy, there may be tremors and seizures, if there were tremorgenic mycotoxins in the fertilizer.
As a dog owner, you want to make sure your furry friend stays safe and healthy. But sometimes accidents happen, like when your pooch gets into the fertilizer you just spread on the lawn If this occurs, you probably have some urgent questions like What are the risks? How much is dangerous? And, most importantly, what should I do now? This article will cover all you need to know about what happens if a dog eats fertilizer and how to respond
Understanding Fertilizer Ingestion
Before jumping into the specifics let’s review some key facts about fertilizer and dogs
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Fertilizer is commonly used on lawns and gardens. It provides nutrients to help plants grow. While it enriches soil, fertilizer contains chemicals that can be harmful if consumed.
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Dogs are attracted to the smell. Fertilizer has an intriguing odor that draws dogs in. They may eat it if given unsupervised access.
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Ingestion is relatively common. The ASPCA reports fertilizers and lawn/garden products are a top reason for pet poison calls. So if your dog got into some, you’re not alone.
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Risk depends on the type and amount Not all fertilizers are equally dangerous. Factors include ingredients, concentration, and how much the dog ate
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Symptoms can take time to show up. Your dog may seem fine at first but develop issues hours later. Observation is key.
Now let’s get into more details on risks, signs of a problem, and what to do next if your dog eats fertilizer.
Dangers of Fertilizer Ingestion
Many standard fertilizers have relatively low toxicity. Some common ingredients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium typically cause mild stomach upset at most if eaten.
However, risks increase with certain types of fertilizer containing extra additives. Here are some concerns:
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Iron – Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and appetite loss.
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Animal meals – Contain fats that may lead to pancreatitis. Also a risk for intestinal obstructions.
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Rose fertilizer with disulfoton – Very poisonous, as little as a teaspoon could potentially kill a medium-sized dog.
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Cocoa mulch – Contains compounds also found in chocolate, which is toxic for dogs.
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Anhydrous ammonia – Found in commercial fertilizers, causes severe burns.
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Pesticides/herbicides – Some contain chemicals like organophosphates which can be very dangerous.
The amount eaten also plays a big role. Large ingestions are more worrisome, especially right from the bag versus diluted across a lawn.
Recognizing Symptoms
If your dog ate fertilizer, keep a close eye out for any of these signs of a problem:
- Excessive drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lack of appetite
- Lethargy
- Stomach pain
- Rash or itchiness
Symptoms typically show up within 2-10 hours but can take even 24 hours to appear. If you notice anything abnormal, don’t wait to see if it resolves. Call your vet right away.
Immediate veterinary attention is especially crucial if your dog has symptoms like muscle stiffness, tremors, or seizures which can indicate pesticide/herbicide toxicity.
What To Do If Your Dog Eats Fertilizer
If you catch your dog ingesting fertilizer or have reason to believe they got into some, follow these steps:
1. Remove access – Safely take away any fertilizer they still have access to.
2. Check for symptoms – Note any signs of illness like vomiting or lethargy.
3. Call your vet – Even if no symptoms yet, give your vet a call for guidance.
4. Bring the packaging – Provide details about ingredients and amounts.
5. Take your dog to the vet – Most likely, they’ll advise bringing your dog in right away for evaluation and treatment.
6. Ask about inducing vomiting – Your vet may decide this is needed if ingestion was recent. Don’t induce vomiting at home.
The quicker you call, the better, even if you aren’t sure if or how much they ate. Never wait to see if symptoms resolve on their own.
Veterinary Treatment and Monitoring
At the vet clinic, the doctor will examine your dog and ask about any symptoms. Tests like bloodwork and x-rays may be recommended to check for internal issues.
If ingestion was within the past couple hours, they may induce vomiting to purge the stomach contents. In severe cases, hospitalization for IV fluids and intensive treatment may be required.
Your vet will base specific treatment on factors like what fertilizer was ingested and in what amount, timing, and any symptoms present. With prompt care, most dogs recover fully without lasting effects.
Prevention Tips
To help keep your dog safe from fertilizer in the future:
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Store all fertilizer and lawn/garden chemicals securely out of reach.
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Never leave products unattended in the yard or an open spreader.
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Consider switching to pet-safe fertilizers and gardening products.
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Follow all label instructions carefully, including for how long to restrict pet access after application.
While eating fertilizer is relatively common in dogs, vigilance and smart prevention can help avoid this scary scenario. But if it happens, now you know what to expect and how to get prompt veterinary care. Staying informed is key to keeping your canine companion happy and healthy.
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Fertilizer ingestion is common in small animals. ASPCA Poison Control receives significant calls about pets eating lawn and garden products.
Many fertilizers contain bone meal, fish meal or blood meal. Some even contain corn or corn cobs as a filler. Pets, especially dogs, find the contents of fertilizers quite tasty. Often, theyll tear the bags open to ingest the contents.
Many pets also ingest fertilizers that were placed outside on the lawn or in flower beds, so owners need to be careful about not letting pets out when lawn treatments are being done, and make sure any preparation is completely dry before the pets go outside.
Most fertilizer ingestions cause mild GI upset and are not a huge concern, but some fertilizers contain herbicides or, rarely, insecticides.
Some pets will ingest such a large amount that food bloat or GDV are concerns. There can also be some muscle stiffness or soreness after ingestion. Finally, if the product is moldy, there may be tremors and seizures, if there were tremorgenic mycotoxins in the fertilizer.
We have lots more on this subject:
Fertilizers and Pesticides Poisoning in Dogs – Symptoms & Causes
FAQ
What should I do if my dog eats fertilizer?
Contact your veterinarian and Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 for first aid advice if your dog was exposed to fertilizer.
What does fertilizer poisoning look like in dogs?
Concern for Dogs
Typically, these will be in low concentrations in fertilizers, but the can be an issue if a large volume is ingested. The most common initial clinical signs of iron toxicity are vomiting, diarrhea, and anorexia. “Organic” fertilizers will often contain animal by-products.
How long is fertilizer toxic to dogs?
A dog can be exposed to fertilizer by simply walking across a lawn that has been treated. Some fertilizer residues can stay in toxic form for days to weeks.
What do I do if my dog eats dirt with fertilizer?
If you see your dog eating dirt from a lawn that may have been treated with pesticides or fertilizer, call the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 immediately. There is a fee for calling either of these helplines, but you will be advised on whether or not your dog needs immediate medical care.
What if my dog ate fertilizer?
If your dog ate fertilizer, the first thing to do is to try to determine how much and what type of product it consumed. Next, it is important to verify which specific ingredients were present in the product (such as iron or disulfoton). It is helpful to have the packaging (or what is left of it) from any product your pet ingested.
Can fertilizer make a dog ill?
These can cause stomach upset, drooling, vomiting, and even more serious health issues depending on the amount eaten and the type of fertilizer. It’s key to understand that while not all fertilizers will make your dog seriously ill, it’s best to treat any ingestion as a potential emergency.
How long does fertilizer toxicity last in dogs?
Be sure to mention any possible concurrent toxicities such as toxic plants or mold when discussing your pet’s fertilizer ingestion with your veterinarian. Clinical signs are usually mild and occur within 2 to 10 hours after ingestion. Symptoms typically resolve after 12 to 24 hours.
What are the symptoms of fertilizer poisoning in dogs?
Some common symptoms of fertilizer poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and difficulty breathing. If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog after they have ingested fertilizer, it’s important to seek veterinary care immediately.
What happens if a dog eats 5 ml of fertiliser?
For liquid fertilisers, the risk of impaction is lower, but the same calculation applies – 5ml of fertiliser should mean a call to the veterinarian. The first symptom of fertiliser toxicity that you will probably see in your dog is gastric disorder. Vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling and nausea are all the first symptoms of a problem.
Can pets eat fertilizer?
It is best to always store your fertilizers, and other lawn and gardens products, safely away from pets in sealed containers. If a liquid product is applied to the yard, typically it is no longer toxic once dry, so it is best to keep your pet inside until the product is completely dry.