How to Choose Pet-Safe Weed Killers

Cats and dogs are curious by nature and will sniff or lick the chemicals you spray on your lawn. That’s why you need to know how to choose pet-safe weed killers.

Rather than worry about an emergency trip to the vet, we’ll tell you how to select the safest weed killers for your lawn.

Contents:

• What to Look for in a Pet-Safe Weed Killer
• Learn Which Ingredients are Pet-Safe
  •  Look for Certified Products
  •  Avoid Toxic Ingredients
• How to Make Your Own Pet-Safe Weed Killer
• FAQ

What to Look for in a Pet-Safe Weed Killer

Many weed and grass killers contain toxic chemicals, which can cause serious harm to your pet. Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine found that using lawn chemicals, like glyphosate, increases a dog’s chance of developing cancer by up to 70%.

When looking for a pet-safe weed killer, pay close attention to the labels and check the active ingredients, certifications, types of weeds the product treats, and whether it’s a weed killer or weed preventer. Even if a product is labeled as “organic” or “pet-safe,” you still need to check what’s in it.

Learn Which Ingredients are Pet-Safe

Some ingredients commonly found in animal-friendly herbicides include:

• Strong vinegar: Contains 20% or more acetic acid.
• Corn gluten meal: A by-product of cornstarch manufacturing.
• Herbicidal soap: A fast-acting weed killer that takes care of most weeds.
• Citric acid: A weak acid produced by citrus fruits.
• Sodium chloride: More commonly known as salt, it dehydrates plants.
• Clove or lemon oil: Essential oils derived from clove trees or lemon skin.

Look for Certified Products

If a product says it’s certified, do a little research and verify the organization or governing body that issued the certification. Some reputable organizations include  Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) and California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF), which are private, non-profit groups.

Avoid Toxic Ingredients

You should avoid using any chemical weed killers containing:

• Glyphosate (phosphonomethyl glycine): Possibly a canine carcinogenic, causes nausea and vomiting.
• 2,4-D (dichlorophenoxyacetic acid or trimec): Affects a pet’s respiratory and nervous systems.
• Sethoxydim: In high doses, it causes anemia in dogs.
• Carbon tetrachloride: Affects the pet’s liver, kidneys, and central nervous system.
• Chloroform: Causes lethargy. Long-term exposure damages a dog’s liver and kidneys.
• Sodium arsenite (Arsenic): Affects the pet’s circulatory system and kidneys.
• Ammonium aulfamate (Ammate herbicide): Affects a pet’s eyes and respiratory system.
• Borax (sodium tetraborate decahydrate): Affects a pet’s eyes, respiratory system, liver, and kidneys.

Several companies like Get Sunday, Preen, Green Gobbler, and Dr. Kirchner specialize in effective pet-safe weed killers that won’t harm your grass or flowers.

How to Make Your Own Pet-Safe Weed Killer

You can make several homemade weed killers and avoid exposing your dog or cat to harsh chemicals. Make sure your homemade weed killer doesn’t contain anything that could harm your pet. Safe options include:

• Salt and dish soap: Both work well mixed with water and used as a spray. Keep the solution off your grass and flowers because it also kills them.

• Boiling water: This will kill the weeds but not prevent seeds from germinating.

• Sugar mixed with chili pepper: This mixture will kill weeds and flowers.

• Essential oils: Lemon oil and clove oil are excellent weed killers mixed with vinegar.

• Mulch: Use mulch around your flower beds to prevent weeds from germinating.

• Tarps and weed barriers: Lay these down before planting your flower beds to prevent weeds.

FAQ

1. What are the symptoms of weed killer poisoning in pets?

The signs to watch for include:

• Seizures
• Convulsions
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Burns or rashes around the nose or mouth
• Gastric problems
• Uncontrolled drooling 

If your pet displays these symptoms and you suspect they were exposed to toxic chemicals, contact your vet immediately.

2. How long should I wait to let my dogs on the lawn after applying a weed killer? 

Wait at least 24 hours to make sure the product has completely dried before letting your kids, cats, and dogs play on it. Watering your lawn the next day will help the products dissipate.

3. What do I do after spraying weed killer to keep my pet safe?

Wait a couple of days and pull up the pesky weeds. Make sure you get the root. If the roots are intact, the weeds can grow back. Wait at least two days after applying weed killer to mow. 

4. Are there any downsides to pet-friendly weed killers?

Yes. They don’t work as quickly, can be less effective on certain weeds, and vinegar-based solutions can increase the salt levels in your soil.

5. How do pet-safe weed killers work?

Most ingredients like vinegar, salt, and soap, dry out the plant, and corn gluten meal prevents seeds from sprouting.
Got a yard full of weeds but little time to get rid of them? We can help you find an eco-garden pro or lawn care professional who can handle the problem while you and your furry friend relax.

Main photo credit: Pxhere