When your dog gets into something they shouldn’t, like fertilizer, it can be a scary moment. You want to make sure they’re safe and get the right help fast. That’s why we’re here to talk about what you should do if your dog ate fertilizer. It’s important to act quickly and know the steps to take to ensure your dog’s safety. Call us at Bayshore Veterinary Hospital in Holmdel, NJ, at (732) 671-3110 if you’re still worried or need more information after reading this. Our team is ready to answer your questions or set up an appointment to check on your dog.
Fertilizer might seem harmless because it’s used all over our gardens and lawns. However, for dogs, it can be dangerous if they eat it. Fertilizers can have chemicals and other ingredients that are not safe for your dog to ingest. Depending on how much is eaten and the type of fertilizer, these can make you sick to your stomach, drool, vomit, and even have more serious health problems. It’s important to know that not all fertilizers will make your dog very sick, but any time they do, it’s best to treat it as an emergency.
Fertilizer can be toxic to dogs if ingested, so it’s important to understand the risks and know what to do if your dog gets into this common household product. This article covers the potential dangers of dogs eating fertilizer, what symptoms to look out for, and how to respond in an emergency situation.
Understanding Fertilizer Toxicity
Many types of fertilizer contain chemicals that can cause toxicity in dogs if eaten, especially in large amounts Ingredients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron, pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides may be present, some of which are more toxic than others
While small ingestions of properly diluted fertilizer rarely lead to serious issues, eating fertilizer directly from the bag poses a higher risk. The nitrogen in fertilizers can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle tremors, and seizures. Herbicides and pesticides can also be very dangerous.
Additionally, when fertilizer is moldy, the mold itself can release tremorgenic mycotoxins leading to lack of coordination, tremors, and seizures. So moldy fertilizer raises toxicity concerns beyond just the ingredients.
Signs of Fertilizer Poisoning
Look out for these common symptoms if you suspect your dog has eaten fertilizer
- Excessive drooling and vomiting
- Diarrhea or bloody stools
- Abdominal pain
- Lack of appetite
- Lethargy
- Increased body temperature
- Muscle tremors or seizures
- Skin irritation or rash
The time it takes for symptoms to appear depends on the type and amount ingested. Often signs start within 2-10 hours but can show up right away or be delayed for over 24 hours.
What To Do If Your Dog Eats Fertilizer
If you catch your dog eating fertilizer or showing any symptoms, take these steps:
- Safely remove them from the fertilizer to avoid further ingestion.
- Check for symptoms and monitor them closely in case they develop later.
- Identify the fertilizer product if possible to determine toxicity risks.
- Call your vet or animal poison control immediately for guidance.
- Bring the fertilizer package and any vomit or stool samples to the vet appointment.
- Do NOT induce vomiting at home unless specifically instructed by your vet.
Seeking Prompt Veterinary Care
It’s crucial to get veterinary care right away if fertilizer poisoning is suspected. Your vet will examine your dog for symptoms and may run tests like bloodwork, urinalysis, and x-rays.
They can also identify if any dangerous ingredients are present by looking at the fertilizer’s label. Treatment depends on the severity of the poisoning and may include:
- Inducing vomiting to remove the toxin
- Giving medication to control vomiting and diarrhea
- Intravenous (IV) fluids to prevent dehydration
- Medications to treat seizures if they develop
- Hospitalization for monitoring and supportive care
Surgery could even be required if a bowel obstruction or severe stomach irritation occurs. So don’t wait to call your vet, as timely treatment is vital for the best outcome.
Preventing Future Fertilizer Poisoning
To avoid any scary fertilizer exposures in the future:
- Store all fertilizer tightly sealed and completely out of your dog’s reach, even if you have to keep it in a locked shed or garage.
- Never transfer fertilizer into food containers.
- Apply products only when your dog is not present and keep them off treated areas until dried.
- Opt for pet-safe organic fertilizers when possible.
- Pick up any visible pieces of fertilizer granules, pellets, or spikes from the lawn.
- Supervise your dog when outside in fertilized areas of the yard.
By understanding the risks of dogs ingesting fertilizer and responding properly, you can help prevent serious poisoning and keep your four-legged friend safe. Monitor your dog closely if they get into this common household product and call your vet right away if you have any concerns.
Summary
- Fertilizers contain potentially toxic chemicals and additives that can harm dogs if eaten.
- Look for symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and tremors or seizures.
- Immediately contact your vet or animal poison control if fertilizer was ingested.
- Treatment depends on the amount eaten and ingredients involved but can include decontamination, medications, IV fluids, and hospitalization.
- Always store fertilizer securely out of your dog’s reach and supervise them in treated areas to prevent accidents.
What to Do Immediately
Taking the fertilizer away from your dog should be the first thing you do if you catch them eating it. Then, keep an eye on your dog to see if it shows any signs of being sick, like throwing up or diarrhea, acting tired or confused, or changing the way it normally acts. They might not seem sick at first, but later on they might start to feel bad, so keep a close eye on them. Next, give us a call at Bayshore Veterinary Hospital. What should you do next? Our team can tell you if your dog needs to see a vet right away.
When to Call the Vet
You might wonder when it’s time to call the vet after your dog has eaten fertilizer. The answer is, it’s better to call right away. Even if you don’t know how much they ate or if the fertilizer is dangerous, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you can, have the fertilizer package with you when you call so you can tell the vet what’s in it. This information can help us decide how urgent the situation is and what treatment your dog might need.
Fertilizers and Pesticides Poisoning in Dogs – Symptoms & Causes
FAQ
What do I do if my dog eats fertilizer?
What happens if my dog eats dirt with fertilizer?
How long after fertilizer is it safe for dogs?
Can yard fertilizer hurt dogs?
What happens if a dog eats fertiliser?
For the most toxic fertilisers, or in the case of large intakes, you may also experience abdominal pain, stiff walking, weakness or seizures. If your dog has abnormally coloured gums, seizures or difficulty breathing, take it to the veterinarian as soon as possible. My dog ate fertiliser – what should I do?
Can a dog eat a lot of fertilizer?
Dogs who have consumed a small amount of fertilizer might be back to normal in a day or two, but pets who have ingested significant amounts of a fertilizer such as blood meal or rose bush fertilizer where there could be iron, organophosphate, copper, or ammonium for instance, the recovery can be more difficult.
What happens if a dog eats organic fertilizer?
Common symptoms of fertilizer ingestion in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, and seizures. If you notice any of these signs, contact a professional immediately. 3. What should I do if my dog eats organic fertilizer?
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.
Why does my Dog Eat fertilizer?
For others, it’s a medical disorder called cock. Whatever camp your dog falls into, there is a high chance that he will eat something he shouldn’t at some point! Fertiliser is sometimes eaten by the most sensitive dogs if they walk through it and then lick it from their cushions.
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.