Are Weed Killers Safe for Pets?

Keeping your lawn healthy and weed-free is important, but if you share your garden with pets, you might be asking: Are weed killers safe for pets? The answer depends on the type of weed killer you use, how it is applied, and the precautions you take afterwards. In this guide, we'll explore the safety of common weed killers, whether you can get pet-friendly alternatives, and how long you should keep pets away from treated areas.

Can you get pet-friendly weed killer?

Yes, there are weed killers marketed as pet-friendly. These are often organic weed killers, or natural formulations made from ingredients such as vinegar, fatty acids, or pelargonic acid. They break down quickly in the environment and don't leave harmful residues. However, even with pet-friendly weed killers, it is still wise to keep pets off the lawn until the product has dried.

At A1 Lawn, we provide safety data sheets for every weed control product to help you choose the best option for your lawn while keeping your pets in mind. 

Common Weed Killers that are not safe for pets

Some widely available herbicides can pose risks to dogs, cats and other animals:

• Glyphosate (e.g. Roundup ProActive) - relatively low toxicity if used according to the manufacturer's instructions, but ingestion of concentrated liquid can irritate the stomach and cause vomiting, diarrhoea, or lethargy.
• 2,4-D - found in many lawn weed killers; can cause drooling, nausea, loss of appetite, and in severe cases, muscle weakness or liver damage
• Dicambe - toxic if ingested, may cause skin irritation and gastrointestinal issues in pets.
• Paraquat (less common in off-the-shelf products) - highly toxic; ingestion can cause severe internal organ damage. 

How do weed killers harm pets?

Weed killers can affect pets in several ways, depending on the chemical:

• Ingestion – Pets may chew treated grass or lick their paws after walking on freshly sprayed lawns. Chemicals like 2,4-D can damage the liver and gastrointestinal tract.
• Skin Contact – Some herbicides can cause irritation, redness, or rashes if pets walk across treated areas before they have dried.
• Inhalation – Sprays and fine mists can irritate the respiratory tract, especially in cats and small dogs.

Small pets, puppies, kittens and animals with pre-existing health conditions are often more sensitive to these effects.

How long after weed killer is it safe for pets?

A common question is how long to keep pets away from weed killers. For most chemical herbicides, it is safest to keep pets indoors until:

• The treated area has completely dried (usually 2-6 hours, depending on the weather.)
• If the product label specifies a longer exclusion period, always follow that guidance.
• For grazing animals like horses or rabbits, check the grazing exclusion times on the label - these can vary significantly between products.

Once the lawn is dry, the risk of transfer to paws or fur is greatly reduced.

How to keep pets safe when using weed killers

• Read the label carefully - always follow safety instructions.
• Keep pets indoors during and after application until the lawn is fully dry.
• Choose pet-friendly weed killers where possible.
• store products securely out of reach of curious paws.
• Consult a vet immediately if you suspect poisoning.

So, are weed killers safe for pets? The truth is: some are safer than others, but all carry risks if not used responsibly. With the right precautions—keeping pets away until treated areas are dry, choosing safer products, and being alert to symptoms—you can maintain a beautiful lawn without compromising your pets’ health. 

At A1 Lawn, we’re here to help you find the right balance between weed control and pet safety. Explore our range of weed killers, complete with safety data sheets, so you can make an informed choice for your lawn and your pets.