Fertilizers and Pet Safety
As the weather warms up and gardens come to life, many households start using fertilizers to promote healthy lawns, flowers, and vegetables. But while these products can work wonders for your plants, they can also pose serious health risks to your pets if not used with caution.
What Are Fertilizers Made Of?
Most commercial fertilizers contain a combination of three primary nutrients:
Nitrogen (N) – promotes leaf growth
Phosphorus (P) – supports root development
Potassium (K) – enhances overall plant health
These are often listed as N-P-K ratios on the bag. Fertilizers may also include additives like iron, zinc, or herbicides and pesticides for weed or insect control.
Some “natural” or organic fertilizers may contain ingredients such as:
Bone meal
Blood meal
Feather meal
Fish emulsion
While these may sound safer, they may still be dangerous to pets.
How Pets Get Exposed
Pets are curious by nature. They may:
Walk or roll in freshly treated soil or grass
Lick their paws after contact
Dig into bags or spilled products
Chew on plants or grass treated with fertilizer
Ingest organic fertilizers that smell and taste appealing (like bone meal)
Even small exposures can lead to mild symptoms, but large ingestions or certain products can result in serious poisoning.
Signs of Fertilizer Toxicity in Pets
Symptoms depend on the type and amount ingested but may include:
Drooling
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Lethargy or restlessness
Muscle tremors or stiffness
Difficulty walking or seizures (in severe cases)
Pancreatitis, especially with high-fat organic fertilizers
Products that combine fertilizer with herbicides or pesticides carry additional risks and may cause neurological issues or severe gastrointestinal upset.
What to Do If You Think Your Pet Was Exposed
If your pet has ingested or come into contact with fertilizer:
Rinse off paws and fur with mild soap and water if there is visible product on the coat or skin.
Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a veterinarian.
Call animal poison control center (ASPCA Animal Poison Control: 888-426-4435).
Provide the product packaging or name if available to help determine toxicity risk.
Preventing Fertilizer-Related Emergencies
Store all gardening products in a pet-proof area.
Follow label instructions carefully and apply only the recommended amount.
Keep pets off treated areas until the product is fully absorbed or watered in—this may take several hours or more, depending on the type.
Opt for pet-safe alternatives when available, and still use caution with natural options.
Final Thoughts
Fertilizers are beneficial to our gardens, but they’re not risk-free for our pets. As a veterinarian, I’ve seen firsthand how even common household items can lead to unexpected emergencies. With some awareness and planning, you can keep your yard thriving—and your pets safe.
