🐾 PawSafe Check

Is Fertilizer Toxic to Pets?

Yes — fertilizer is mildly toxic to cats. Yes — fertilizer is mildly toxic to dogs.

CatsMildly toxicIs fertilizer toxic to cats? →DogsMildly toxicIs fertilizer toxic to dogs? →

PawSafe Check is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Always contact your veterinarian or a poison control service if you think your pet has been exposed.

Toxic compound
Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium; possible iron or insecticides
Toxic parts
Granules, bags

Symptoms

Cats (mildly toxic)

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Reduced appetite
  • Drooling
  • Belly pain

Dogs (mildly toxic)

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Reduced appetite
  • Drooling
  • Belly pain

What to do

If your cat ate fertilizer

  • Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and keep it out of reach.
  • Gently rinse the mouth and offer fresh water.
  • Call your vet if symptoms persist, get worse, or your cat is small, young or elderly.

If your dog ate fertilizer

  • Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and keep it out of reach.
  • Gently rinse the mouth and offer fresh water.
  • Call your vet if symptoms persist, get worse, or your dog is small, young or elderly.

Good to know

Most lawn fertilizers cause only stomach upset, but large amounts can cause blockages, and some contain insecticides, iron or bone meal that raise the risk.

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Frequently asked questions

Is fertilizer toxic to cats?

Yes — fertilizer is mildly toxic to cats. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, reduced appetite.

Is fertilizer toxic to dogs?

Yes — fertilizer is mildly toxic to dogs. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, reduced appetite.

Which parts of fertilizer are toxic?

Granules, bags.

What makes fertilizer toxic?

Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium; possible iron or insecticides.

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