Dog Ate Fertilizer — What Now?

If your dog ate fertilizer, you may feel worried and uncertain about what to do next. Fertilizer products can be tempting for dogs because of their smell, but they are not meant to be ingested and can pose risks. The seriousness depends on the type of fertilizer, the amount consumed, and your dog’s size. Since fertilizer ingestion can lead to illness, it’s important to contact your veterinarian right away. At Schertz Animal Hospital, our team is ready to help. Call us at (210) 659-0345 if your dog has eaten fertilizer so we can guide you on the next steps.

 

 

Why Dogs Eat Fertilizer

Dogs are naturally curious, and sometimes their noses lead them into trouble. If a dog ate fertilizer, it may have been because the product smelled like food or contained ingredients that seemed appetizing.

Smell and Taste

Many fertilizers contain bone meal, blood meal, or fish products. These scents attract dogs and can make them want to taste or eat the granules, even though they are unsafe.

Curiosity and Boredom

Dogs explore with their mouths. If they see you spreading fertilizer on the lawn, they may decide to investigate. A bored or unsupervised dog may also dig into a bag of fertilizer in the garage or shed.

Lack of Awareness

Dogs don’t recognize fertilizers as harmful. While you know it is a chemical lawn care product, your dog only sees something interesting that smells good.

What’s in Fertilizer That Can Harm Dogs

If a dog ate fertilizer, the potential danger depends on what is in the product. Fertilizers are designed to nourish plants, not animals, and contain compounds that dogs should not consume.

Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium

These three nutrients are the most common components in fertilizers. In large amounts, they can irritate your dog’s stomach and intestines.

Added Chemicals

Some fertilizers include herbicides, pesticides, or fungicides. These added chemicals increase the risk of poisoning if ingested.

Organic Fertilizers

While “organic” sounds safe, organic fertilizers often contain bone meal, blood meal, or manure. Dogs may eat these eagerly, but they can still cause stomach upset, blockages, or pancreatitis.

Symptoms That May Appear After Your Dog Ate Fertilizer

If your dog ate fertilizer, you may notice signs of illness soon afterward. The severity of symptoms depends on the type of fertilizer and the quantity consumed.

Gastrointestinal Issues

Dogs often vomit or have diarrhea after eating fertilizer. They may also drool excessively, lick their lips, or refuse food.

Abdominal Pain

Fertilizers can irritate the digestive tract, causing belly pain, restlessness, or a hunched posture.

Lethargy and Weakness

Some fertilizers contain iron or other minerals that can make dogs very tired or weak.

Tremors or Seizures

In rare cases, if a dog ate fertilizer containing pesticides or fungicides, neurological symptoms like tremors or seizures may occur.

What to Do If Your Dog Ate Fertilizer

When you realize your dog ate fertilizer, the most important step is to contact a veterinarian right away. Fertilizer ingestion is a medical concern that requires professional attention.

• Call Schertz Animal Hospital at (210) 659-0345 to report the situation.
• Provide details about the fertilizer, including the brand name, ingredients, and how much you think your dog ate.
• Follow your veterinarian’s instructions carefully.

Do not attempt to treat your dog at home. Different fertilizers cause different reactions, and only a veterinary professional can decide the right course of action.

How Veterinarians Respond When a Dog Eats Fertilizer

When you bring your pet to Schertz Animal Hospital, our team will assess your dog’s condition and decide on the best approach. Each case is unique, depending on the fertilizer involved and your dog’s health.

Physical Examination

Your veterinarian will check your dog’s heart rate, breathing, hydration level, and overall comfort.

Laboratory Testing

Bloodwork or urine testing may be needed to see if toxins or chemicals have entered the bloodstream.

Supportive Care

Your dog may receive fluids to stay hydrated, medications to reduce nausea, or monitoring to watch for complications. Your veterinarian’s main goal is to keep your pet stable and safe while addressing the effects of fertilizer ingestion.

Preventing Fertilizer Ingestion in the Future

Pet owners often ask how to stop this from happening again. If your dog ate fertilizer once, they may try it again, so prevention is key.

• Secure Storage: Keep all lawn care products in a sealed container in the garage or shed. Make sure your dog cannot chew through the packaging.
• Yard Precautions: When you spread fertilizer on your lawn, keep your dog indoors or on a leash until the area is safe. Follow the product’s instructions about when it is safe for pets to return to the grass.
• Choose Pet-Safer Products: Some fertilizers are labeled “pet-friendly.” While no product is completely harmless if eaten in large amounts, pet-safe fertilizers may reduce risks.

Why Quick Action Matters When a Dog Ate Fertilizer

If your dog ate fertilizer, time matters. The sooner you act, the better chance your veterinarian has to minimize the effects. Waiting to see if symptoms worsen can put your dog at greater risk. Even if your dog seems fine at first, fertilizer ingestion can cause delayed issues that show up hours later. Taking quick action also gives you peace of mind. By contacting Schertz Animal Hospital, you will know that your dog is being evaluated by professionals who can handle the situation safely and effectively.

Protecting Your Dog’s Health with Professional Support

If your dog ate fertilizer, the experience can feel overwhelming. You want your pet to be safe, and the best way to achieve that is by working with a trusted veterinary team. At Schertz Animal Hospital, we are committed to helping pets in emergencies like this. Call us at (210) 659-0345 if you suspect your dog ate fertilizer or if you have any concerns about your pet’s health. Acting quickly helps protect your pet and gives them the care they need.