Choosing Pet-Friendly Lawn Care Products

As pet parents, we want nothing but the best for our furry companions, and that includes ensuring their safety in every aspect of their environment. One area that often gets overlooked is our lawn care routine.

In this guide, we’ll explore the importance of choosing pet-friendly lawn care products and provide you with all the tips and tricks you need to create a lush, green lawn that’s safe for your four-legged friends to roam and play on.

This is a deeper dive into selecting the right product, but if you haven’t read it already check out our 6 Steps to Pet Safe Lawn Care.

Understanding Pet-Friendly Labels

Before we dive into the world of pet-safe lawn care products, let’s first decode those labels. You’ll often come across terms like “pet-friendly,” “non-toxic,” and “eco-friendly.” But what do they really mean?

Pet-friendly labels typically mean that the product has undergone testing to ensure its safety with pets. Look for certifications from reputable organizations like the EPA or the ASPCA to ensure that the product meets stringent safety standards.

Non-toxic is not pet specific, but rather it is considered non-toxic for animals and humans alike. This is still a good fit to keep your pets safe.

Eco-friendly, on the other hand, makes no such statement about whether it is harmful to cats, dogs, or otherwise. Instead, it states that the product is environmentally safe which may be great for the planet, but who knows about your pets. Further research would be needed to ensure pet safety is included in the claim.

Harmful Ingredients to Avoid

Now, let’s talk about the stuff you want to avoid. Each of these has numerous potential side-effects and any ingestion should be taken seriously. Poison control centers are well-versed in dosage and toxicity in the event something does happen, after which you’ll be directed to the appropriate veterinary care option.

The four most common toxic compounds found in lawn care products:

Glyphosate, found in many weed killers or weed and feed products, can lead to upset stomach, nausea, salivation, as well as other neurological symptoms.
Nitrogen, usually in fertilizers or grass seed mixes, can also lead to upset stomach and similar symptoms, but can also be a precursor to nitrate poisoning which can lead to collapse.
Phosphorus, usually found in fertilizer products, has some similar symptoms as the earlier chemicals, but adds conditions such as urinary tract infections and kidney damage.
Potassium, also typically found in fertilizers, can cause gastrointestinal upset or even paralysis or cardiac abnormalities.

As you can see, these are commonly used chemicals, and if ingested or absorbed in the wrong quantities, have a profoundly negative immediate or lasting effect. Be sure to steer clear of products containing these harmful ingredients when shopping for lawn care supplies.

Natural Alternatives for Pet Safety

The good news is that there are plenty of natural alternatives to conventional lawn care products that are not only safe for your pets but also for the environment. Ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils can be powerful allies in your quest for pet-friendly lawn care options. These natural solutions are effective at controlling weeds and pests without posing any harm to your furry friends. Additional applications may be necessary for some solutions, but that is a price worth paying.

If you are interested in finding pet-safe weed killer recipes, the Internet is a big place! There are more than enough options for you to try out.

Researching Pet-Friendly Brands

When shopping for lawn care products it’s essential to do your homework. Identify brands that are committed to pet safety and transparency about their ingredients. If this is a core value of a lawn care company, they are usually proud of the fact. Online reviews and testimonials from fellow pet owners can also provide valuable insights into their own research, but they can’t replace you investigating for yourself. Don’t be afraid to reach out to manufacturers directly if you need to ask more detailed questions not already answered on their website or packaging. Lastly, the MSDS or Material Safety Data Sheet is required by any company producing potentially harmful products.

Some brands that stand out based on what others are saying include:

Sunday Pet Lawn, Mosquito Deleto, and others
Scott’s Natural Lawn Food
EarthWorks for Home line of dog-safe products
Espoma Organic All-Season Lawn Food

Application Tips for Pet Safety

Once you’ve selected your pet-friendly lawn care products, it’s time to put them to use. But before you break out the sprayer or spreader, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your pet’s safety. Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, and be sure to keep your pets away from treated areas until the product has dried or settled.

Consider applying products during times when your pets are less likely to be outside, such as early morning or late evening. Also, don’t forget to pick up any toys or things they regularly come into contact with before applying the treatment.