You would like to have a green lawn without weeds, But at the same time, you have a dog and you're worried that your pet might get poisoned by the weed killers in the fertilizer.
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Function
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Fertilizer is intended to provide nutrients to lawns and weed killer or herbicide is intended to kill unwanted species of plants.
Significance
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Fertilizer, by itself, can cause gastrointestinal upsets and even blockages. Some herbicides are very toxic and can kill a dog.
Effects
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Fertilizer with the weed killer paraquat is deadly to dogs. In Portland, Oregon, at least seven dogs died of paraquat poisoning in 2003. According to the "New York Times," one herbicide, 2,4-D, can double a dog's chances in getting lymphatic cancer.
Considerations
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Look for fertilizers approved for use around pets and follow all instructions. In most cases, it's better to simply not allow your pet to roam in fertilized areas for several days until the chemicals have been absorbed in the ground and broken down by sunlight.
Warning
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Dogs are particularly susceptible to lawn chemicals because they're closer to the ground, they roll and lay on the ground, and they lick their paws, which can cause accidental ingestion.
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