Are Lawn Weed Killers Safe if I Have Pets? 7 Things to Know

Our pets are like part of our family. If you’ve ever had a dog, chances are you’ve referred to him as your best friend. And cats are always there to warm your lap on cold evenings with their unique personalities.

Naturally, you want to take care of your pets because they are important to you. You take them outside to play fetch or give them extra snuggles and belly scratches when they ask for them. Maybe you even buy them extra treats or get them special food.

And you want to give them places to play and enjoy life. In fact, your dog likely loves your grass as much as you do. He rolls back and forth on it. He sniffs around in it. You might even see him take a bite of it.

That might make you wonder what happens when your lawn care service professional shows up to fight weeds in your lawn.

Are lawn weed killers safe for pets?

You might want to put down that section of rope you’re playing tug-of-war with your pup and read on to find out more.

Weed Killers and Pets 101

Today, most people have pets. They are part of our homes and our hearts.

Unfortunately, most people have weeds, too. They are not so loved. In fact, weeds are the bane of most homeowners’ existences.

So when it comes to weed killers and pets, you can feel as if you reach a crossroads. But you don’t have to worry; we have some good news for you.

1. A Healthy Lawn Benefits You and Your Pets

Spring and summer are great times to get outside and enjoy the sun and your lawn. You run around your grass and play fetch with your dog.

Weeds ruin your time in the lawn. They suck up nutrients that your lawn needs. They steal water and oxygen from your lawn as well. They prevent turf from growing so instead of an even, consistent green lawn, you get one with random heights and textures that can look inconsistent and even cause trips as you run across it.

That’s why a pet safe weed killer strategy to tackle your weeds is important to ensure the many benefits your lawn provides. In addition to a really lush, lovely lawn, a well-maintained lawn can:

• Clean the air and trap carbon dioxide, releasing oxygen
• Trap excess dust in the air, making it easier to breathe
• Reduce stormwater runoff so gravel, mulch, and soil don’t wash away
• Improve soil structure by keeping it loose and open
• Reduce noise pollution; lawns like insulation absorb loud sounds
• Cool down temperatures in your yard; which can cause you to save on air conditioning

2. What’s In Weed Control Products?

Most of the active ingredients in the professional weed control products lawn care service companies use are also sold on Lowe’s, Home Depot, or other home department store shelves in weaker, do-it-yourself versions.

When used properly and according to label directions, as well as applied by a trained and experienced hand, these products are very safe.

3. When is Weed Control Safe For Pets to Go Back on The Lawn?

Concerning weed killer and pets and general rules to follow after applications, you want to wait for liquid weed control applications to thoroughly dry before allowing pets back on the lawn.

Your lawn care service provider may tell you to wait a couple of hours to ensure the liquid weed killer is thoroughly dry, but the product will usually dry in 30 minutes -- often times faster on a hot day.

4. Spot Treatments of Weeds and Your Pets

In addition to larger treatment areas to tackle multiple weeds, your lawn care professional will also perform spot treatments to target specific weeds in your lawn.

At Turf’s Up, we don't’ automatically spray your entire lawn with weed control. Our trained, skilled, and experienced technicians spray exactly where they need to, and nowhere else.

Spot treatments follow the same rules as treatments to a larger area when it comes to weed killer and pets. Once the treatment is dry, your pooch can go back out in your yard.

5. Granular Treatments of Weeds and Your Pets

It’s no secret that your pets and children love playing on your lawn.

After fertilizer and preemergent herbicide applications that come in granular form, it’s usually best to wait until they’ve been completely absorbed before letting children and pets back on there. This usually takes about 24 hours. This ensures your lawn is watered well and has absorbed the nutrients and weed control.

6. Pet-Friendly Lawn Care Advice

Are lawn weed killers safe for pets? Make sure to follow these additional tips to make your dog’s or cat’s outdoor environment as safe as you can when you’re expecting a lawn care service:

• Pick up dog toys that are outside before your treatment. Your lawn care service provider will also keep an eye out for any you missed.
• Keep pets inside during any weed control treatments until the product is dry.
• Don’t leave bowls of dog or cat food outdoors before a weed control treatment.
• You may also want to wipe your pet’s paws after they come in from outside; this is just a way to be extra careful while also keeping your home cleaner from their wet or muddy paws.

7. Professionally Applied Weed Control Versus DIY Weed Control And Your Pets

Professionals that apply weed control products do so after many hours of learning about lawns, weeds, how to identify and how to treat them, and proper application techniques. They also earn certifications and licenses to do this work professionally.

On top of that, they continue to build their lawn care and weed control knowledge and education every year, learning about new products and better ways to battle different weeds.

When applied by a professional, weed control is used at the precise correct time and in the proper amount. Concerning weed killers and pets, professionally applied products are even safer for your pets because they are done in a highly targeted fashion.

When homeowners perform DIY pest control, they are buying products from home improvement stores. And there is a tendency to feel that more is better. In reality, more weed control is never better. In fact, more product is just more product; it won’t do anything additional to take care of your weed problem. However, if you can properly identify a specific weed and learn about how to best control it, that refined strategy can do a better job of tackling your weeds while using less product.

Stop Weeds Safely to Create a Green Lawn For You and Your Best Furry Friend

When weeds ruin your perfect lawn for you and your pets, it puts a damper on your play time outdoors.

You love your pets and your lawn, but you don’t love weeds. It’s possible to have the two things you love without the thing you hate; we swear!

If you have questions about Turf’s Up’s pet friendly weed killer and lawn care services in Northern Virginia, just ask us. We always want the best for you, your lawn, and your pets. We can educate you on the process, the products, and safety measures we take and that you can take to ensure a weed-free yard and happy pets.

Ready to learn why Turf’s Up could be your totally awesome choice for lawn care services in Northern Virginia? We’re stoked to learn more about you and help you have the best lawn on the block. Get started today with a free quote. Together, we can prepare a customized plan that is perfect for you and your lawn.