Is granular lawn fertilizer safe for dogs?

Author: Adelbert Bartoletti  |  Last update: Thursday, August 14, 2025

Granular Fertilization and Your Pets After granular fertilizer, as well as pre-emergent herbicide applications that come in granular form, it's usually best to wait until granular products have been completely absorbed before letting children and pets back on there. This usually takes about 24 hours.

Can dogs go on lawn after granular fertilizer?

Granular Fertilizer

It is usually when there are pellets on patios, driveways, and walkways that pets will be interested in licking. Once you can no longer see the pellets, wait 24 hours. After this time, check the lawn to ensure no granules are still present. If there are none, your dog can go back on the lawn.

Is granular fertilizer toxic to dogs?

All lawn fertilizers are safe for dogs. Lawn fertilizers contain nitrogen, phosphorus and potash (potassium) as well as a few trace minerals and except for nitrogen which is in the air, all of these are ingredients in commercial dog food. They are all safe even to ingest or breathe.

How long until dogs can go on fertilized lawn scotts?

You can let your dog back on the lawn right after applying Scotts® Turf Builder® Lawn Food, unless you choose to water immediately afterward. In that case, allow the lawn to dry before letting the dog out on it to help prevent the particles from being tracked back into the house.

What fertilizer is safe around dogs?

Any kind of organic fertilizer may pass as pet-friendly. But if you want to double down on safety, go for those that are EPA-certified. If you want to use the most popular all-in-one option, a lot of homeowners swear by Milorganite.

Veterinarian reveals most toxic lawn chemical for pets

Is Scotts fertilizer bad for dogs?

Scotts weed and feed are unsafe for dogs while the lawn is still wet. Dogs should be kept inside while applying Scotts weed and fed until completely dried. Once it has dried, the lawn should be safe for your furry friends.

What fertilizer is best for lawns?

Best Overall Lawn Fertilizer: Milorganite Slow Release Nitrogen Lawn Fertilizer. The best fertilizer for grass, overall, is Milorganite Slow Release Nitrogen Lawn Fertilizer. This grass fertilizer is wonderful for promoting healthy grass, trees, shrubs, and flowers.

Is TruGreen granular fertilizer safe for dogs?

Greetings! The chemicals are all liquids and are diluted prior to application. After a service, TruGreen advises customers to allow the application to dry before families and pets resume enjoying their lawns.

How long after granular fertilizer should I water?

At Master Lawn, we typically say to wait 24 hours before watering your lawn after fertilizing. But it is important to make sure that it does receive a good watering session soon after that 24 hour waiting period. Watering helps the fertilizer to activate and to break down and begin feeding nutrients to the lawn.

Can dogs eat grass that has been fertilized?

If your dog eats some grass that had fertilizer applied to it, it rarely leads to serious poisoning; that said, more serious signs can be seen when the product is directly ingested (i.e., right out of the bag).

What happens if a dog eats grass seed?

Mouth & throat – look for symptoms of coughing, gagging, retching or struggling to eat or swallow. Potential damage includes inflammation of tonsils or internal tissue damage to internal organs that may require surgery.

Can kids play on a fertilized lawn?

A good rule of thumb here is to allow 24 hours after rainfall or irrigation has watered in the fertilizer before letting kids or pets play on the lawn.

Does pelletized lime hurt dogs?

So, while lime likely won't cause your dog to become seriously ill, it's not a good idea to spread pellets and then let your dog run free. Lime dust, in any form, may cause lung, skin and eye irritation, and it should be fully integrated into the soil before anyone — human or animal should use the lawn.

How long does granular fertilizer last in the ground?

Simply using a wet or dry fertilizer makes a difference. Liquid fertilizers can last for 2 to 6 weeks. Granular fertilizers typically have a slow rate of release and a life span of 2 to 5 months.

How long after spraying the yard can dogs go out?

Any type of chemical can leave particles behind that may stick around for longer than you think. Studies show that even though most weed killer bottles say that you and your pets should keep off sprayed lawns for only 6 to 24 hours, chemical residue can linger on surfaces for up to 48 hours after application.

Should I apply granular fertilizer before or after mowing?

Liquid fertilizers are ideal for a quick nutrient boost but require waiting before mowing. Granular fertilizers offer a longer-lasting effect and are best applied a few days after mowing. Lawn Mowing Tips: Keep your grass at a healthy height – typically 2-3 inches tall after you mow.

How long before dogs can go on fertilized grass?

When a Fertilized Lawn Is Safe for Dogs & Pets. Like children, dogs and other pets also enjoy playing and running through the grass. But after fertilizing, it's also best practice to limit their use of the lawn for 24-72 hours.

Does rain wash away granular fertilizer?

Heavy Rain Immediately After Fertilization: Heavy rain, on the other hand, can wash away the fertilizer, preventing your grass from benefiting from the nutrients. In some cases, the fertilizer may disperse unevenly across your lawn, leading to irregular growth or even scorching.

When not to apply lawn fertilizer?

When Should You NOT Fertilize Your Lawn?
  1. Don't fertilize when it's winter or early spring. Your lawn needs an extended period to recover from the cold weather. ...
  2. Don't fertilize when it's raining. ...
  3. Avoid fertilizing your lawn in the sweltering heat. ...
  4. Don't fertilize without knowing your grass type.

Is granulated fertilizer safe for dogs?

The answer to that is no, regardless of synthetic or organic. The few granules that may be seen may cause a little indigestion if consumed by your K-9, but they would need to eat the entire lawn's worth and then some in order to cause concern.

How long to keep pets off the lawn after TruGreen?

When can families and pets return to serviced areas? After a service, TruGreen advises customers to allow the application to dry before their families and pets can resume enjoying their lawns. Depending on weather conditions, the drying process usually takes from 1-2 hours.

How long can granular fertilizer sit on a lawn before watering?

A granular fertilizer application can be watered in immediately after application. In fact, the product could even be applied in the rain if it were functionally possible!

What month should I fertilize my lawn?

As a general guideline, Californian homeowners should fertilize their cool-season lawns in early spring (March), then again in May, then from September to October.

What fertilizer turns grass dark green?

Nitrogen is the key element in achieving a dark green lawn.

It aids in chlorophyll production (the pigment responsible for providing grass with its deep green hue) and also promotes vigorous growth. In most turf fertilizers, nitrogen is the first of three numbers on the label.

Is 10-10-10 a good fertilizer for lawns?

If you're looking for a versatile and all-inclusive fertilizer to give your lawn a healthy boost, 10-10-10 fertilizer may be just what you need. This formula is designed to deliver balanced nutrition to your lawn, with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

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