Your Dog Ate Fertilizer: What Should You Do?

Fertilizers play a key role in keeping lawns and gardens lush but often contain chemicals that can be toxic to dogs. Whether through accidental ingestion or contact with treated areas, exposure to certain fertilizers can lead to serious health issues for pets. Understanding the risks, recognizing signs of toxicity, and taking proactive steps can help protect your pet’s health.

Fertilizers are typically composed of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK), which are crucial for plant growth but can harm a dog’s digestive system. The high concentration of these nutrients can lead to poisoning, causing serious health issues.

Additionally, many fertilizers contain pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides designed to eliminate pests and weeds but can be particularly dangerous to pets. Some fertilizers also contain iron, sulfur, calcium, and other micronutrients, which, in large quantities, can lead to toxicity, liver damage, and other severe health complications.

Immediate Steps to Take If Your Dog Eats Fertilizer

1. Remove the dog from the area – Prevent further ingestion by moving your pet away from the fertilizer source.
2. Collect product information – If possible, gather the fertilizer packaging or take a photo of the label to provide crucial information for the veterinarian.
3. Do not induce vomiting – Avoid inducing vomiting unless specifically instructed by a veterinary professional.
4. Rinse the mouth – Gently rinse your dog’s mouth with water to remove any residual fertilizer.
5. Contact a veterinarian immediately – Seek professional advice from your vet or a pet poison control hotline as soon as possible.

Symptoms of Fertilizer Poisoning in Dogs

Recognizing the symptoms early can help ensure timely treatment. Common signs include:

• Gastrointestinal distress – Vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling
• Lethargy – Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Breathing difficulties – Rapid or labored breathing
• Tremors or seizures – In severe poisoning cases
• Urination changes – Increased or decreased urination, blood in the urine
• Discolored gums – Pale or blue-tinged gums
• Loss of appetite – Refusal to eat or drink
• Abdominal pain – Signs of discomfort when touched around the stomach

Symptoms can vary depending on the type and quantity of fertilizer ingested, as well as the dog’s size and overall health. Some signs may appear immediately, while others could take several hours to manifest.

Types of Fertilizers and Their Toxicity Levels for Dogs

Understanding the different types of fertilizers can help assess risk levels:

• Organic fertilizers (compost, bone meal, blood meal) – Lower toxicity but may still cause gastrointestinal upset.
• Chemical fertilizers (NPK fertilizers, slow-release granules) – Moderate to high toxicity due to concentrated nutrients and additives.
• Fertilizers with pesticides (weed and feed products) – Very high toxicity; requires immediate veterinary attention.
• Iron-rich fertilizers (acid-loving plant fertilizers) – High risk of iron toxicity leading to liver and organ damage.
• Liquid fertilizers (concentrated liquid plant foods) – Quickly absorbed, leading to rapid onset of symptoms.

Should You Induce Vomiting If Your Dog Ate Fertilizer?

As veterinarian Veronica Higgs, DVM stated in the PetMD article:

“Do not induce vomiting at home unless you have been specifically instructed to do so by a veterinarian. If you think your pet ate fertilizer, or you saw it eat fertilizer, the best thing to do is to call your veterinarian to determine if our dog needs to be seen.”

Treatment of Fertilizer Toxicity in Dogs 

“If you see your pet eat fertilizer, call your veterinarian or veterinarian hospital immediately. They will collect a thorough history, including packaging and/or the detailed label ingredients. It may be easier to look the specific product up online so the vet can easily evaluate the ingredient list.

If your pet ate fertilizer within the past two hours and it was a large amount, your veterinarian may recommend inducing vomiting at the hospital as a means of decontamination. In severe cases, your pet may need to be hospitalized for IV fluids and additional therapy.

Severe cases include ingestion of fertilizer with highly toxic additives, potential for intestinal obstruction, or concurrent ingestion of toxic plants.

A complete blood count, serum blood chemistry, and urinalysis will likely be recommended for a baseline evaluation. Your veterinarian may also recommend abdominal X-rays to assess how much your pet ingested, as well as if there is an obvious obstruction.”

Long-Term Effects of Fertilizer Consumption

While many dogs recover fully with prompt treatment, some may experience long-term health effects such as:

• Gastrointestinal damage – Chronic digestive issues or food sensitivities.
• Kidney or liver damage – Potential for chronic organ dysfunction.
• Neurological issues – Tremors or seizures in severe cases.
• Respiratory complications – Ongoing breathing difficulties from inhaling fertilizer fumes.

Regular vet check-ups can help monitor and manage any lasting health concerns.