Is Ironite Safe For Dogs?

Ironite is a fertilizer commonly used on damaged lawns. It aids the speed of the lawn turning that luscious green. We suppose the question now is, is it safe for pets? Or even you? There are several different factors to consider, and don’t worry; we’ll dive into all of them.

You want that beautiful lawn, and we know, you want it now. Ironite speeds up the process, getting you that much closer to a brag-worthy lawn. Now, here’s the choice, your lawn or your pets? What a decision. We’re kidding; you don’t have to choose (and yes, you can have both). 

What Is Ironite?

Let’s start at the beginning; what is ironite? Ironite is a fertilizer containing iron (hence the name), nitrogen, and potassium. Though it is not technically a fertilizer, it acts to compliment it rather than replace it. 

Ironite works to promote the development and growth of grass, giving it that rich green color. The iron in the supplement aids the process of photosynthesis, making it a fairly popular product. 

How To Properly Apply Ironite

32OZ RTS Ironite Lawn

Now that we know what it is let’s look at the correct way to apply ironite. The supplement comes in two different forms, liquid and granular. While both are effective, they are suited for specific types of lawns. Find the correct form below;

Liquid

Liquid Ironite is most effective when used on loose or sandy soils. Liquid ironite works best in these cases as the ground will not hold moisture. Spraying the liquid allows the grass blades to absorb the moisture, making it more effective. Pennington’s liquid ironite is a great, easy-to-use option.

Granular

If your soil is not loose or sandy, granular ironite is most likely your best bet. It works best when placed on normal or clay lawns. The granules are placed on the surface and eventually diffuse into the soil with regular rainfall or watering. 

On Sale
Ironite 100519460 1-0-0 Mineral Supplement/Fertilizer, 15 lb (Packaging May Vary)
  • The nation's leading mineral supplement
  • Greening up America's lawns for over 50 years
  • This product is made in United States

Proper Application

Because it is so high in iron and potentially harmful to pets and children, ironite should be applied with caution. For maximum efficiency, it should be applied to watered, moist soil every 2 to 4 weeks. For households with pets or children, follow the steps below. 

  • During application, remove any pets or children from the area.
  • After application, keep everyone out for 12 hours or until the ironite has been absorbed. 
  • Pets (and children) are busy, we know. If it is unrealistic to close off the affected area for a time, try not to allow them to walk on the grass where ironite has been applied, as they may absorb it into their bodies.
  • Once the liquid or granules have been watered into the lawn and dried, activity on the lawn may resume as normal. 

What If A Dog Eats Ironite?

What If A Dog Eats Ironite

In a perfect world, dogs wouldn’t eat ironite. Before you say anything, the world isn’t perfect, we know. Life happens, and your dog may have consumed ironite. There’s no need to panic.

Consumption Of Small Amounts

In most cases, minor consumption of ironite is ok. While not ideal, it is most likely not toxic. Your pet may experience a stomach ache and runny stools. While it is gross (especially inside), for minor consumption of ironite, it is usually the extent of the symptoms. 

Consumption Of Large Amounts

Now, if a large amount of ironite is consumed, a visit to the vet is probably the best solution. Because ironite contains a significant amount of nitrogen and other chemicals, the risk of toxicity increases when consumed in large amounts. Symptoms include vomiting, abdominal swelling, and in some cases, seizures. 

Treatment

If you think your dog may have ingested ironite and notice any symptoms, we recommend visiting the vet. They can determine the severity of your dog’s condition and treat it accordingly.

We know, it sounds scary. If appropriately used, ironite can be a considerable asset to your lawn. That being said, it does come with its downfalls. If you don’t think you would be able to remove pets for the allotted amount of time and a visit to the vet doesn’t sound particularly lovely, that’s okay. There are options for pet-safe, organic fertilizers that still provide your lawn with the necessary nutrients.

Last update on 2025-02-10 / Affiliate links / Somes Images and Data from Amazon Product Advertising API