household
Fertilizer
IMMEDIATE VET ATTENTION
Fertilizers can be toxic to dogs. Some contain harmful chemicals, iron, pesticides or growth stimulants.
If your dog has eaten this item, contact your vet or an emergency veterinary service now.
If your dog is showing symptoms such as difficulty breathing, seizures, collapse, severe vomiting, unconsciousness or other serious symptoms, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
What to do
Contact your vet immediately. Bring the product packaging.
When to contact a vet: Emergency vet attention immediately.
Symptoms to look for
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- drooling
- abdominal pain
- lethargy
- tremors
- seizures
- pale gums
Why
Fertilizers vary widely. Organic ones such as bone meal, blood meal and feather meal are attractive to dogs and can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and gut obstruction. Synthetic fertilizers may contain nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron, herbicides or pesticides. Iron toxicity can be severe. Some products also contain cocoa mulch, which is dangerous.
- Substances of concern
- nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron, pesticides, herbicides
- Safer parts
- {}
- Parts to avoid
- {"any fertilizer or plant food","lawn treatments","soil additives","bone meal"}
- Preparation
- Keep dogs off treated lawns for the time stated on the label.
- How much matters
- Depends on the product and amount eaten. Iron-containing fertilizers can be dangerous in small amounts.
- Severity
- Severe
Sources
- ASPCA Animal Poison ControlPrimary authoritative — Chemical exposure
- Pet Poison HelplinePrimary authoritative — Chemical exposure
Information reviewed against recognised veterinary and animal-safety sources. Source organisations are independent of Is It For Dogs unless otherwise stated.
Last reviewed 6 September 2026 · next review due September 2027.
Safety classifications are based on available expert and veterinary information. Individual dogs may react differently, particularly dogs with allergies, existing health conditions or specific dietary requirements.
Important: Is It For Dogs provides general information about the safety of foods, plants, drinks, ingredients and other items around dogs. Our information is based on sources we consider reliable and is intended to help dog owners make informed decisions. It is not a substitute for advice from a qualified veterinary professional. Read more
Dogs can react differently depending on their size, age, health, allergies, medications, the amount consumed and other circumstances. An item classified as Safe is not necessarily suitable for every individual dog.
If your dog has eaten something potentially poisonous or dangerous, has eaten an unknown substance, or is showing concerning symptoms, contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary service immediately.
Do not induce vomiting or give your dog medication unless specifically instructed to do so by a veterinary professional.