Weed and feed products allow homeowners to manage weeds and fertilize lawns simultaneously. These combination products contain herbicides to target unwanted plants and fertilizers to promote grass growth. For dog owners, this convenience introduces a significant safety concern: determining when the treated lawn is safe for pets to re-enter. Because dogs walk, play, and sometimes ingest grass on the lawn, understanding the risks and the necessary waiting period is crucial for protecting their health.
The Crucial Waiting Period
The time a dog must be kept off a treated lawn depends on the product’s formulation, specifically whether it is a liquid spray or a granular application. For liquid spray formulas, the chemicals absorb quickly. The lawn is generally considered safe once the product has completely dried, which can take two to six hours depending on weather conditions like humidity and temperature.
Granular weed and feed, which consists of small pellets, requires a longer waiting period, often 24 to 48 hours. These granules must be watered into the soil to activate and dissolve, moving the active ingredients off the grass blades. If a dog walks on the lawn before the granules disperse and the grass is dry, the chemicals can stick to their paws and fur. Always consult the manufacturer’s label for the most accurate timeline, as different active ingredients have varying absorption rates. If rain occurs shortly after application, the waiting clock may need to be restarted, as moisture can reactivate surface chemicals.
Understanding the Hazards in Weed and Feed
The hazards in these combination products stem from the herbicides and the fertilizer component. Herbicides, such as 2,4-D, can cause problems if ingested by a dog. The fertilizer component is often high in nitrogen salts, which pose a secondary risk.
Exposure occurs through two main routes: direct contact and ingestion. Contact with wet chemicals or undissolved granules can cause irritation or chemical burns on a dog’s paw pads and skin. Ingestion happens when a dog licks its paws or fur after walking on the treated area, or if it eats treated grass or residual granules. Ingesting high-nitrogen fertilizer salts can lead to severe gastrointestinal upset, resulting in vomiting, drooling, and diarrhea.
Safe Application Practices to Minimize Risk
Taking preventative steps during application is the most effective way to ensure pet safety. Before applying, check the weather forecast and avoid application if heavy rain is expected, as this can cause chemical runoff or prevent proper adherence to the soil. Calibrating the spreader correctly prevents over-application, which leaves excessive chemical residue on the lawn surface.
During application, thoroughly sweep up any granules that land on hard surfaces like sidewalks, driveways, or patios. Loose granules on these surfaces pose a high risk of paw contact and subsequent ingestion, as dogs frequently walk there. After the full waiting period, watering the lawn helps dissolve remaining surface chemicals and moves active ingredients deeper into the soil. All unused product and application tools must be stored securely in an area inaccessible to pets.
Emergency Steps Following Accidental Exposure
If accidental exposure occurs, dog owners must act quickly. If a dog walks on a wet or recently treated lawn, immediately remove the pet and thoroughly rinse their paws and coat. Washing the affected areas with a mild dish soap and lukewarm water helps remove chemical residue before the dog can lick it off.
After decontamination, the dog should be closely monitored for signs of toxicity. These symptoms can include:
- Excessive drooling
- Sudden vomiting
- Lethargy
- Tremors
- Difficulty breathing
If any concerning symptoms appear, or if ingestion is suspected, immediately contact a veterinarian or a pet poison control service. Having the product’s original packaging available is essential, as the medical professional requires the specific names of the active ingredients to determine treatment.