Minor physical symptoms can happen if your dog eats or steps in wet weed killer. Typically, weed killer is not harmful to dogs if used properly, unlike other garden chemicals that can be highly toxic if consumed.
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Use weed killer safely around your dog.
Symptoms
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Mild skin irritation can occur. Mild skin irritation (from walking on treated grass) or stomach upset (from eating treated products) can happen if the treated area is not allowed to thoroughly dry.
Expert Insight
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Read the label and use as directed. Dr. Steve Hansen, veterinary toxicologist and poison-control expert with the ASPCA, says that once the product has dried, and if it was used as directed, there is no danger from weed killers.
Long-Term Symptoms
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Long-term use of weed killers may increase cancer risk. Dogs living where weed killer containing dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2, 4-D) are more likely to get lymphoma than dogs who live in untreated yards, according to a 1991 National Cancer Institute study. Another study suggests bladder cancer may occur more frequently, says a 2004 Purdue University study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (see Resources below)..
Follow Directions
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Weed killers must be properly stored. Follow package directions for your weed control product and store it safely. Call your veterinarian, consumer help line on the product, or the animal poison-control numbers if in doubt.
Poison Control
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The ASPCA poison control hotline is available 365 days a year. The National Animal Poison Control Center and the ASPCA joined forces to provide toll-free animal poison-control care every day of the year at either number: (800) 548-2423 or (888) 426-4435. Consulting fee may apply.
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