Pupkeeper
Caution

Lawn fertilizer and dogs: what to do

Usually mild, but some fertilizers are dangerous. They can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and some contain iron, insecticides or bone meal.

If your dog ate or touched this, call your vet or a pet poison line now

United States

Poison lines in other countries: United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, France, JM, PR, Singapore, Switzerland, TT, VI

United Kingdom

Canada

Australia

New Zealand

Belgium

France

JM

PR

Singapore

Switzerland

TT

VI

Find an emergency vet

Lawn fertilizer and dogs: key facts

Verdict
Caution · Call your vet or a poison line
What it can do
Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, hunched posture from belly pain and weak or wobbly back legs. All 8
What to do now
Call your vet or a pet poison line now. All steps
Sources
Pet Poison Helpline, ASPCA. Reviewed 9 October 2026.

What to do now

  1. Call your vet or a pet poison line now.
  2. Keep your dog off the treated area and away from the bag.
  3. Have the product label ready when you call.

Symptoms to watch for

  • Drooling
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Hunched posture from belly pain
  • Weak or wobbly back legs
  • Tremors
  • Trouble breathing
  • Muddy-colored gums

Why

Fertilizers contain nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium and may also contain iron, weed killers or insecticides. Bone meal and blood meal can form a hard mass in the stomach.

Sources

Guide reviewed 9 October 2026. Page updated 7 November 2026.

General information from the sources above, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call your vet.

Related in the guide