What Dog-Friendly Weed Killer Options Are There?
A brown and white boxer dog with a chain collar sits in a yard that is full of overgrown weeds.
All you want, as a homeowner and dog owner, is to get rid of weeds and keep your beloved fur baby safe.
Is that too much to ask?
To have a beautiful lawn AND a healthy puppy?
We don’t think so.
Let’s go over some of the most popular dog-safe weed-killer options that are commercially available, as well as homemade weed-killer that is safe for dogs.
For our article about chemical weed killers and general best weed control practices, please click here.
In this post, we’ll share the scoop on:
Is weed killer safe for dogs?
Dog-friendly weed-killer commercial products
Tips for using dog-safe weed killer correctly
Is there a homemade weed killer that is safe for dogs?
What if dog-safe weed killer doesn’t work on my weeds?
Remember if you need professional weed killer services that are safe for dogs, we are here to help.
At Boots On Enterprises, we handle all kinds of lawn care, landscaping, irrigation system installation/repair, and tree service needs in the Columbia, SC area.
Contact us today and we’ll be glad to give you a FREE estimate.
Phone: 803-521-4978
Email: bootsonenterprises@gmail.com
Next-day and same-week services are available.
A Boston Terrier dog peering out from a sliding glass door to the backyard.
Is weed killer safe for dogs?
Many weed killers are dangerous for dogs to be exposed to. It’s especially important not to allow your dog to go outside in the grass if you have applied weed killer that says not to allow animals to have contact with the lawn until the product is completely dry.
But also, if a dog were to lick up or eat a spilled bottle of weed killer, that can be quite dangerous. You’d want to get him to your vet right away.
You can check out some of the symptoms of weed-killer poisoning in dogs here. Or, even better, you can check with your own vet about which products to avoid to keep your dog healthy.
Some weed killer is dangerous for dogs
Many vets recommend avoiding weed killers that contain:
These chemicals can cause skin irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, respiratory issues, and other problems for dogs.
Also, check with your vet before using glyphosate.
So what can you use? Well… you can ask your vet for his/her recommendations. That’s the best thing. We also have a few options to share below that you can ask your vet about.
A happy Jack Russell Terrier pet dog playing with a toy in a backyard lawn that is free of weeds.
Dog-friendly weed-killer commercial products
Here are some popular dog-friendly weed control products to look into:
Natural Armor® Weed and Grass Killer - made with vinegar, salt, and clove oil.
Green Gobbler® Weed Killer - made with 20% vinegar.
Just for Pets® Weed Killer - made with vinegar and clove oil.
Eco Garden Pro® Weed and Grass Killer - made with organic white vinegar and Himalayan rock salt.
Remember that these vinegar products will kill any plant they come in contact with, including your grass.
Tips for using dog-safe weed killer correctly
Not only do you want to avoid using dangerous chemicals, but you want to use even dog-safe weed killer carefully.
When using any kind of weed killer, it’s best to:
Not allow pets (or people) to touch or eat/drink any kind of weed killer
Spray weed killer on days that are not windy.
Keep dogs away from treated areas until the product is dry.
Don’t let dogs lick, chew, or roll on wet treated areas.
Wash off skin/fur if weed killer gets on your dog.
Immediately contact a vet if a pet eats or drinks any kind of weed killer or other chemicals.
Remember, even when using a product marked as “lawn weed killer safe for dogs,” you’ll want to always follow the label instructions, warnings, precautions, and safety sheets about the products.
And, remember that products made with vinegar and natural oils may not be as effective as other commercially available weed killer products or professional weed killers. And they may have to be reapplied more often.
A bottle of vinegar might hold some answers to your weed-killing dilemma.
Is there a homemade weed killer that is safe for dogs?
If you are looking for a dog-friendly weed killer that you can make yourself, there are several homemade weed killer ideas you can try.
2 options for homemade weed killer (safe for dogs):
1. Vinegar and salt mixture
Some people like to mix equal parts of vinegar and salt and use a spray bottle to spray on the weeds. The vinegar (acetic acid) is a contact herbicide that kills the part of the weeds it touches and the salt helps to prevent the weeds from coming back.
It is important to note that you can harm your grass or other plants if this mixture gets on them.
2. Baking soda and water mixture
Another popular homemade dog-safe weed killer is to mix equal parts of baking soda and water and use a spray bottle to spray it onto the weeds.
For more natural weed-killer ideas, check out this resource.
Remember, don’t spray vinegar on your grass, flowers, or other plants you want to keep!
Close-up view of tall grassy lawn with lots of dandelions.
What if dog-safe weed killer doesn’t work on my weeds?
Sometimes, vinegar-based and essential oil-based weed killers aren’t the best lawn weed killer options if you want quick and lasting results on weeds.
If you don’t like these choices or feel the results are lacking a bit, here are a few ideas.
Manually pull the weeds
If you are serious about taking care of your weeds yourself and you really want to keep your dog safe, you can opt to pull weeds by hand or use a weed-pulling device.
Implement solid lawn care techniques
If you have great lawn mowing methods, irrigation, overseeding, fertilizing disciplines, soil aeration, and other healthy lawn care practices, that can go a long way to helping your grass become healthier and better able to crowd out unwanted weeds.
Consider calling in reinforcements
Thankfully, most landscapers can provide the best weed killer for lawns that is also safe for pets. If your lawn weeds are out of control and you are pulling your hair out trying to use homemade weed killer or commercially available pet-safe lawn weed killer, maybe it’s time to bring in the pros.
If you are ready for professional-grade weed control that is safe for dogs, we’ve got you.
At Boots On Enterprises, we have weed treatments, insecticide treatments, and other lawn treatments that are effective and safe for pets and kids in the Columbia, SC area.
We’re happy to evaluate and provide the best weed treatment for your lawn and its particular needs.
Just contact us today and we’ll be glad to give you a FREE estimate.
Phone: 803-521-4978
Email: bootsonenterprises@gmail.com
Next-day and same-week services are available.
