Everyone loves a weed-free garden, so whenever our garden gets invaded by weeds, our go-to solution is the ever-reliable herbicide to fix it.
What we may not know is that most of these weed killers contain harsh chemicals which can hurt our pets. As such, we should always keep our dogs away from our grass for some time after spraying these weed killers.
Quick Answer:
After using Roundup or similar glyphosate-based herbicides, it’s recommended to keep pets away from the treated area for at least 24 hours or until the product has fully dried. However, some manufacturers suggest waiting up to 48 hours to be extra cautious. This timeframe ensures maximum safety for your pets from potential exposure to harmful chemicals.
How Long To Keep Animals Away from Roundup?
Being a popular herbicide, Roundup may be used by dog owners. Based on our research, it is advisable to allow the Roundup to dry before letting your dogs out. While some Roundup products dry up between 30 minutes to 2 hours, it might take much longer if it rains or water gets on the grass.
To be on the safe side, it is better to wait for 48 hours before allowing your dog on grass sprayed with herbicide.
If your dog is the type to eat grass, then consider using less harsh chemicals on your grass. Though herbicides aren’t fatal toxins to dogs compared to other products, they may be dangerous to your dogs if they come in contact with them.
After spraying herbicides on your lawn, you should ensure your dogs do not walk on it until it’s completely dry. The time grass takes to dry depends on the climate at that period, so if you sprayed herbicide during a humid week, it might take quite some time to get completely dry.
On arid days, the herbicide can dry up faster. It is important to keep your dogs off the grass until the herbicide is dry.
My Dog Walked on Grass With a Herbicide Applied
If your dog walked on the grass with herbicide, it means that your dog may have picked up any remaining herbicide on the plants. As a dog owner, you should know that whatever gets on your dog’s skin can also get inside its body. Also, being closer to the ground than humans, dogs are more likely to inhale the substance.
These can lead to health concerns for your dog, such as reactions like:
- skin rashes
- eye irritations
- nausea
- or, in some cases, longer-term health issues
Will Weed Killer Hurt My Dog?
Your dog may get sick from weed killer if it comes in contact with it before it dries, either by rolling on the sprayed grass or eating it.
Dogs eat grass for various reasons. Sometimes a dog can get poisoned by eating grass sprayed with herbicide. Keep your dog indoors if you intend to spray your grass with herbicide or you think your neighbors might.
If you use a public park, try to get their spraying schedule if they have one to keep your dogs safe.
What If My Dog Licks Roundup?
If your dog licks Roundup in smaller quantities, it may cause gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and diarrhea, which are usually temporary and may persist for 48 hours. But if the Roundup was still wet when ingested in larger quantities by your dog, it could lead to more severe cases like convulsions or death.
After your dog has licked Roundup, you may give it water or milk to digest the substance in the stomach. But if your dog’s condition doesn’t improve or worsens within 24 hours, it’s advised to contact your vet immediately.
Is Roundup Safe For Dogs After Drying?
Roundup’s main ingredient is glyphosate acid, a highly effective weed killer. If the product is wet, dogs should never come in contact with it. But once dried, you can allow your dog to walk on the earlier sprayed area.
Because there are different Roundup products, their drying period may vary, as well as environmental factors. So it’s best to check if the weed killer has dried adequately on the treated plants.
What Are The Dangers of Glyphosate and Diquat Dibromide?
Glyphosate and Diquat Dibromide are some of the most used herbicides on grasses. They are applied to plants to kill weeds and may be harmful when inhaled or absorbed through the skin in large amounts. Products containing glyphosate and diquat Dibromide may result in skin or eye irritation. Pets exposed to it may also get diarrhea, drool, or vomit at intervals.
Pet-friendly Alternative Weed Killers
Alternatives for weed killers are natural DIY products. Although not as effective as the other herbicides, but are much safer. Some of them are:
Vinegar
This is common among gardeners as it is pretty reliable for getting unwanted plants off your garden and harmless to your dogs. It may require you to apply it several times for heavy weeds.
Sugar
Sugar is also another safer option to use to stifle weed growth. It’s also highly effective for destroying shrubs and heavy trees. To apply, spray a strong sugar solution on the plant you wish to destroy.
If you’re dealing with pests in your garden, you can use it as a pesticide by mixing your sugar solution with chili pepper and applying it to the affected area.
Salt
It functions as a herbicide in large quantities and as a fertilizer in small amounts. Simply apply to the area of your garden you wish to be weed-free, but note that the soil may become unsuitable for other plants to grow on the part you’ve applied the salt solution.
Cornmeal
This is a special type of herbicide as it prevents the weed from even growing in the first place. It contains an element that prevents weed seeds from sprouting. Sprinkle cornmeal on the garden areas you wish to avoid weeds from growing
Natural weed killers can be safely mixed. To get the absolute effect, simply combine them. If you use a sprayer, you may add soap or detergent to the mixture if it’s liquid.