Is Crabgrass Preventer Safe For Dogs?
If you have a dog, it’s important to keep your lawn healthy and free of weeds. But you should also make sure that any lawn care products you use won’t hurt your pet. Crabgrass can quickly take over a lawn, leaving bare spots that look bad. Crabgrass preventer helps stop this weed before it starts. Is it safe to use if your dogs like to play and relax on the grass?
What Is Crabgrass Preventer?
Crabgrass preventer, which is sometimes called pre-emergent herbicide, is a weed killer that stops crabgrass and other annual weeds from growing. It has man-made chemicals in it that stop newly planted weed seeds from growing and spreading. When used early in the spring, before crabgrass grows, it controls the grass all season.
The active ingredients in crabgrass preventers vary by brand but often include
- Pendimethalin
- Prodiamine
- Dithiopyr
- Oryzalin
These ingredients work by disrupting cell growth in weed seedlings’ roots and shoots. Without the ability to establish a root system, the weeds die off. Crabgrass preventer is typically applied as a liquid spray or granular spread over the entire lawn area. The chemicals remain active in the soil for 2-4 months before breaking down.
Are Crabgrass Preventers Harmful To Dogs?
Most veterinarians and lawn experts agree that modern crabgrass preventer chemicals pose little risk to dogs when the products are used as directed. The active ingredients are present in low concentrations and are not highly toxic to canines.
However, it is still smart to exercise caution when applying any lawn chemical, even if the package states it is “safe for pets.” The potential exists for irritation or illness if a dog ingests or absorbs enough of the chemicals. According to veterinarian Dr. Kara, signs of a reaction can include:
- Pawing at the mouth
- Drooling
- Difficulty swallowing
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dilated pupils
- Seizures
Small dogs tend to be more vulnerable than larger breeds. Puppies and senior dogs also have increased sensitivity. To minimize risks, always follow the label directions carefully and take steps to limit your dog’s exposure.
Tips For Using Crabgrass Preventer With Dogs
When using crabgrass preventer, keep these tips in mind to protect your dog:
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Read the label thoroughly and never exceed the recommended amount. More is not better.
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Choose pet-safe application times when your dog can stay indoors. Avoid treating the lawn if your dog is outside.
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Prevent access to treated areas until the product dries completely, usually within 24-48 hours.
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For granular products, dilute with sand for safer spreading. Never let dogs in the area during application.
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Lightly water after applying to dilute any residual chemicals left on the grass blades.
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Pick up dog toys and bowls from the lawn before application so they don’t become contaminated.
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Keep dogs off treated grass as long as possible, ideally until after the first mowing.
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Use barriers if needed to keep dogs away from application areas.
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Bathe dogs who get into a recently treated area immediately.
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Seek veterinary help if you suspect your dog ingested crabgrass preventer.
By following label precautions and limiting exposure, the small risk to dogs is minimized. But many vets recommend avoiding use around puppies and elderly or ill dogs when possible.
Natural Alternatives To Crabgrass Preventer
If you want to steer clear of synthetic chemicals entirely, several natural options can suppress crabgrass:
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Corn gluten meal – Made from corn, it inhibits root development. Must be applied pre-emergence.
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Vinegar – High concentrations (20%+) provide some crabgrass control but require multiple applications.
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Soil solarization – Covering soil with plastic “bakes” and kills seeds in hot months.
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Preventive mowing – Keeping turf taller deprives crabgrass of light.
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Improved drainage – Crabgrass thrives in moist soil. Aerating and amending soil to drain faster helps.
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Overseeding – Thickening turf in fall with grass varieties leaves little room for crabgrass.
It takes more work to use these natural methods, but they are safe for dogs. An integrated program works best for effective, dog-friendly crabgrass management.
The Bottom Line
When used as directed, most crabgrass prevention products pose low risk to canine health. But it’s always smart to minimize exposure. Natural alternatives also give dog owners chemical-free options.
With wise product selection, careful application, and common sense precautions, you can keep your lawn crabgrass-free without endangering your beloved pup. Your dog gets to roam in a lush, beautiful yard, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing his space is safe.
Are Pre-Emergents Toxic to Dogs?
Its a valid concern. We all want to protect our pets as fiercely as we protect our lawns. So often, we hear customers asking, “Is pre-emergent toxic?”, with a clear focus on its effects on their pets.
But heres the truth: pre-emergents can pose a risk if theyre not applied correctly.
Some common ingredients in pre-emergent herbicides include:
- Pendimethalin
- Prodiamine
- Dithiopyr
While highly effective at preventing weed growth, these ingredients can be harmful to dogs if ingested or if they come into contact with the product before its set.
Potential symptoms of exposure in dogs might include:
- Vomiting
- Lethargy or uncoordinated movement
- Excessive drooling
- In rare cases, seizures or neurological issues
But heres the key: Lawn Synergys pre-emergents are safe when used as directed.
Our products are designed for effectiveness and safety, especially when:
- When granular products are watered in right away, they stick to the soil.
- Formulations that are liquid are left to dry completely (usually in 24 to 48 hours, but this can change depending on temperature and humidity).
We include precise, easy-to-follow instructions with every product, and our expert team is always available to walk you through the safest way to apply.
When can pets go on the lawn after pre-emergent?
You should wait until the application is fully settled. That typically means:
- Granular pre-emergent: After watering in and the lawn is dry.
- When the surface is completely dry, which usually takes 24 to 48 hours, use liquid pre-emergent.
If in doubt, wait a little longer and err on the side of caution.
Non Toxic Human/Pet safe weed killer
FAQ
How long after crabgrass preventer can dogs go outside?
If you aren’t sure if the grass is dry, you should wait 24 hours before letting your pets back into the treated area. Scotts C. Helpful?.
Is Scotts crabgrass Preventer safe for pets?
Answer: Scotts Halts Crabgrass and Grassy Weed Preventer is safe for pets if used correctly. You want to keep pets out of the area until it has fully dried.
What crabgrass killer won’t harm dogs?
Vinegar Weed for Green Gobbler There is no doubt that Green Gobbler weed killer gets rid of weeds and grasses like dandelions, crabgrass, mold, and more.
How long after spraying the yard can dogs go out?