I’ve been a dog owner for nearly half my life. My first dog, an Australian kelpie named Patchy, was with me for over ten years and taught me how to be responsible for another living being.
Having a pet is great, but sometimes it can be difficult dealing with the aftermath of something like lawn fertilizer poisoning (or any other type of accidental ingestion).
You might find yourself asking questions like “is lawn fertilizers harmful to dogs?” or “how long does it take for lawn fertilizer to kill a dog?”.
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| Lawn care chemicals can be harmful to pets, especially dogs. |
| Certain ingredients in fertilizers and pesticides have been linked to cancer in pets. |
| Symptoms of pet poisoning from lawn care chemicals can include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, seizures, and trouble breathing. |
| To protect your pets from lawn care chemicals, consider using organic or natural alternatives. |
| Safe alternatives to lawn care chemicals include compost, mulch, and non-toxic pest control techniques. |
In this article we’ll cover all those questions plus more! We’ll also show you how much does a bag of fertilizer cost at Home Depot and Lowe’s?
Can Lawn Fertilizer Cause Cancer In Dogs?
Yes, lawn fertilizer can cause cancer in dogs. There are several types of cancer that are caused by lawn fertilizer and they include skin cancer, rectal cancer, bone cancer and brain tumors.
The most common types of cancer caused by lawn fertilizer are skin cancer, rectal cancer and bone cancer.
Skin Cancer: Skin cancers are the most common type of dog cancers caused by exposure to chemicals in fertilizer on your lawn. These include basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs).
BCCs develop under the surface of the skin but SCCs penetrate into deeper layers before reaching the dermis where they can become invasive if left untreated.
“As our article discussing the potential dangers of lawn fertilizers highlights, some chemicals can even cause seizures in pets like dogs. To learn more about specific ingredients to avoid, check out our guide on does lawn fertilizer cause seizures in dogs?.”
Is Lawn Fertilizer Harmful To Dogs?
The short answer is yes. The long answer is a little more complicated. The chemicals in lawn fertilizer can cause cancer in dogs if they ingest enough of it over a long period of time.
This happens when the dog eats grass that has been treated with fertilizer and then ingests small amounts of that grass while it’s eating other foods or treats throughout the day.
The resulting symptoms are similar to those you’d see with any type of poisoning: vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration, to name just a few; but because these chemicals are so potent and toxic for your pet’s system, even one ingestion can have serious consequences (including death).
If you think your dog has eaten some fertilizer from your yard recently, there’s no need to panic aside from getting immediate medical attention for them at an animal hospital or clinic near where you live (or calling an emergency line like Pet Poison Helpline), there are some things you can do yourself at home until help arrives:
What Are The Symptoms Of Lawn Fertilizer Poisoning In Dogs?
The signs and symptoms of lawn fertilizer poisoning in dogs are consistent regardless of what type of fertilizer was ingested. The most common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy.
Additional signs may include loss of appetite, weakness and irritability. Changes in behavior are also possible depending on the amount ingested by your dog.
“If you’re a pet owner, you know that accidental poisoning from eating something toxic is always a possibility. Our article discussing whether sheep can eat lawn clippings offers some insight into safe foods for pets. Check it out for more information and tips on avoiding accidental pet poisoning.“
How Long Does It Take For Lawn Fertilizer To Kill A Dog?
The amount of lawn fertilizer that a dog ingests is also important. The more fertilizer ingested, the faster it will kill.
It can take anywhere from a few hours to several days for lawn fertilizer poisoning to cause death in dogs depending on the type of fertilizer and how much was eaten by your pet.
What Is The Antidote For Lawn Fertilizer Poisoning In Dogs?
If your dog eats fertilizer, take him to the vet immediately. Lawn fertilizer can be harmful to dogs and cause vomiting, lethargy or even death if not treated quickly enough.
Call your vet or animal poison control hotline first before attempting any home remedies unless you are absolutely certain they will help (and even then it’s best to double check with the vet).
What Should I Do If My Dog Eats Grass Treated With Fertilizer?
If your dog eats grass treated with fertilizer, the first thing you should do is call your vet and bring them to their office as soon as possible.
If it’s not possible for you to get there immediately, then pick up the dog and bring it with you or induce vomiting at home if need be.
Bring a sample of the grass along with you so that your vet can analyze it and determine what type of fertilizer was used.
How Much Does A Bag Of Lawn Fertilizer Cost At Home Depot And Lowe’s?
Lawn fertilizer is a mixture of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium that helps balance out the nutrients in your lawn to make it greener and healthier.
Fertilizer can be purchased at home improvement stores such as Home Depot and Lowe’s. Prices vary depending on brand but typically range from $5-$10 per bag.
What Is The Most Common Type Of Cancer In Dogs?
The most common types of cancer in dogs are:
Skin Cancer: Skin cancers can appear anywhere on a dog’s body, including the inner parts of their tail and feet. If you notice any lumps or bumps on your dog that don’t go away for longer than two weeks, it’s best to get them checked out by your vet immediately.
Rectal Cancer: Rectal cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow along the lining of the rectum (the lower end of your dog’s digestive tract). It is more common in older dogs than younger ones and affects both male and female dogs equally.
The good news is that rectal cancer can often be treated successfully; however if left untreated it may spread throughout other organs in the body causing further damage to other organs such as the liver or lungs.
Bone Cancer: This type of cancer affects joints such as elbows or hips where bones meet together with tendons attached inside them.
Brain Tumors: The brain has many functions including thinking skills like memory and decision-making abilities which makes this type scary since it could cause seizures if left untreated for too long without treatment options available readily available today thanks modern medicine so don’t hesitate getting help right away if there’s anything unusual happening with how he acts like behaving strangely behavior changes suddenly not sleeping well acting disoriented etc
“For some people, mowing the lawn can cause annoying allergy symptoms. If you’re experiencing sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes after lawn care activities, you may have a grass allergy. Learn more about potential allergens in lawn care routines by reading our guide on can mowing the lawn cause allergies?“
What Causes Skin Cancer In Dogs?
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in dogs, accounting for about 85 percent of all canine tumors. According to the ASPCA, about 25 percent of all dogs will develop skin cancer at some point in their lives.
This type of cancer usually appears on areas of your dog’s body that are frequently exposed to sunlight (such as his belly), but it can also occur on other parts of his body where there isn’t much hair coverage (such as around his eyes or ears).
How Do I Know If My Dog Has Skin Cancer?
You should be able to tell if your dog has skin cancer by looking at him. If he has a mole that looks different than the others, you should bring it to the attention of your veterinarian, who will examine it further with a microscope.
There are many types of cancers that can affect dogs’ skin and tissues, so if your dog does have something wrong with his body, make sure you take him for regular checkups so that any potential problems can be detected early on and treated accordingly.
How Can I Prevent Skin Cancer In Dogs?
Skin cancer is a common problem for dogs, but it’s often preventable. One of the best ways to keep your dog’s skin healthy is by brushing her regularly and cleaning her ears.
You should also avoid sunburn by keeping your dog out of direct sunlight and applying sunscreen to exposed areas like the nose and belly, since these areas have thin skin that doesn’t protect against sun exposure as well as other parts of the body (like paws).
Sunblock is not recommended for dogs because it can cause sunburns even on cloudy days if it gets into their eyes or mouth; better options include wearing sunglasses or a hat when going outdoors during daylight hours.
“When it comes to lawn care, the way we cut grass can have an impact on our lawn mowers. Cutting wet grass can potentially damage your mower, so it’s important to follow maintenance best practices. To learn more about the effects of wet grass on mowers and preventative tips, check out our article on can wet grass break a lawn mower?.”
What Causes Rectal Cancer In Dogs?
Rectal cancer is the most common type of cancer in dogs, with an average of 40% of all canine cancers occurring there. It affects the rectum and anus, which are part of the digestive system. The disease is caused by a virus called feline leukemia virus (FeLV).
The majority of dogs that develop FeLV are between 5 and 10 years old, with symptoms appearing after 18 months. The virus can spread to other parts of the body such as bone marrow or lymph nodes.
How Can I Prevent Rectal Cancer In Dogs?
You can prevent rectal cancer in dogs by keeping them lean and active. Feeding your dog a healthy diet rich in protein is important for keeping the dog’s weight down.
You should also give them plenty of exercise and make sure they are getting enough rest throughout the day. Don’t let your dog become overweight, as it can increase their risk of developing this type of cancer.
Limit the amount of red meat you feed them, since it contains more fat than other types of meat (like chicken). Similarly, try not to overfeed your dog with treats that contain carbohydrates they may have some nutritional value but also tend to be high in calories like sugar or grains.
What Causes Bone Cancer In Dogs?
Bone cancer is a type of cancer that affects the bones. It’s rare in dogs, with only about 1% of all cancers diagnosed as bone tumors.
Bone tumors are usually caused by metastatic tumors that have spread to the bones from another part of the body, such as the breast or prostate gland; however, they can also result from genetic mutations in dogs who inherit these conditions from their parents.
The most common signs of bone cancer include:
- Limping or lameness
- Painful joint movement (such as difficulty climbing stairs) and/or lameness when walking normally
- Jaw pain
- Loss of appetite due to nausea or lack of interest in food
How Can I Prevent Bone Cancer In Dogs?
It’s important to keep your dog active and healthy so they can avoid excess weight, which is a major risk factor for bone cancer.
Exercising your dog by taking it for daily walks or running will help them burn off some calories and stay slim. If you know that your dog has been eating a lot of food lately and are worried about obesity, speak with your veterinarian about how best to monitor their weight.
You should also feed your dog a balanced diet including vegetables, meat, fruit and grains to ensure they get all of the nutrients they need from their meals.
Avoid giving them large amounts of sugary treats as these will provide unnecessary calories without any nutritional benefit for their body – especially since dogs have very different digestive systems from humans!
What Causes Brain Tumors In Dogs?
Brain tumors are very rare in dogs, but they do occur occasionally. The most common type of brain tumor in dogs is a glioma (which means “glue”).
Gliomas can be benign or malignant, depending on how fast they grow. The second most common type of brain tumor in dogs is a meningioma (“men-in-jee-oh-mah”), which develops from the meninges that cover the brain and spinal cord.
“As our article highlighting the potential dangers of lawn fertilizers discusses, it’s important to avoid overusing these products to prevent damage to grass and possible health hazards for pets. If you’re looking for alternative lawn fertilizers and tips, our guide on can you burn your lawn with fertilizer? provides safe and effective tips for lawn care.”
Conclusion
Lawn fertilizer is a common household product that can be used to improve the look of your yard. It is made up of different types of fertilizer, which are added to soil to encourage growth and increase its fertility.
However, it can also have negative effects on animals if they accidentally ingest it or come into contact with it while playing outside. If you have any concerns about whether or not this product could harm your dog, contact your veterinarian immediately!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to learn more about lawn care chemicals and pet safety:
Our Weed Killers and Fertilizers are Harming Our Dogs: This article from Lucky & Lady discusses the dangers of common lawn chemicals and how they can impact our pets. Learn more about this important topic at luckyandlady.com.
Canine Cancers Linked to Lawn Care Chemicals: This eMagazine article takes a deep dive into the research linking lawn care chemicals with cancer in dogs. Check out emagazine.com to learn more about this critical issue.
EarthTalk – Can Yard Chemicals Cause Cancer in Dogs?: This article from Kiowa County Press offers a helpful Q&A format to answer common questions about yard chemicals and pet safety. Learn more about the research and steps you can take to protect your furry friends at kiowacountypress.net.
FAQs
What are some common lawn care chemicals that can harm pets?
Common lawn care chemicals that can be harmful to pets include fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and rodenticides. These chemicals contain toxic ingredients that can cause health problems or even death in pets if ingested.
What are some symptoms of pet poisoning from lawn care chemicals?
Symptoms of pet poisoning from lawn care chemicals may include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, seizures, loss of appetite, and difficulty breathing. If you suspect your pet has been poisoned, seek veterinary care immediately.
How can I protect my pets from lawn care chemicals?
To protect your pets from lawn care chemicals, consider using organic or natural alternatives that are safe for pets. You can also keep your pets inside when applying chemicals to your lawn, and always follow product instructions carefully.
Can lawn care chemicals cause cancer in pets?
Research suggests that some lawn care chemicals may be linked to cancer in pets. Chemicals commonly found in fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides have been associated with increased risk of bladder, lymphoma, and other types of cancer in dogs and cats.
What are some safe alternatives to lawn care chemicals?
Safe alternatives to lawn care chemicals include natural fertilizers like compost and mulch, as well as non-toxic pest control methods like companion planting, handpicking pests, and introducing beneficial insects. Consult with a landscaping professional to learn more about safe lawn care options for pets.
For 15 years, Hellen James has worked in the gardening industry as an expert and landscape designer. During her career, she has worked for a variety of businesses that specialize in landscaping and gardening from small firms to large corporations.