Dog Friendly Yard Care
In the summer, many home owners want to have a green lawn that is lush and does not have weeds. Unfortunately, some lawn fertilizers can be harmful to pets, so you need to ensure you are using the right products. There are several options for grass fertilizers, weed killers and pest repellants that are pet friendly. This blog post includes the best options for dog friendly yard care products including fertilizers, weed killers and pest repellants.
This post may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, The Pomsky Dog Blog LLC earns commission from qualifying purchases.
Grass Fertilizers
Keep your grass green and lush by using pet friendly fertilizers. Dog friendly fertilizers typically come in two forms: a spray on application or granules that are applied by using a spreader. When choosing a lawn fertilizer, look for labels that say pet friendly or kid friendly. Avoid fertilizers that contain fungicides, pesticides, insecticides or the active ingredients metaldehyde or disulfoton. Make sure you follow the directions that come with your pet friendly fertilizer – these may require you to stay off the lawn until after it has rained or after the lawn has been watered and fully dried.
Spray-on Lawn Fertilizers: These fertilizers are easy to apply by just hooking it up to a hose and spraying until the liquid fertilizer is completely used up. Some pet friendly spray on fertilizers include:
Ingredients: Micro Boost Liquid Fertilizer contains Boron, Iron, Manganese and Zinc
Application Instructions: Attach the pouch of fertilizer to the hose-end sprayer provided by Sunday Lawn Care. Apply the fertilizer in an even layer over your lawn either early in the morning or in the evening when the temperatures are cooler. Only apply if there is no rain forecasted for 24 hours. Wait to allow your dog or children to go on the grass until the product has had a chance to fully dry.
Granule Lawn Fertilizers: These fertilizers often require application by using a spreader, then require the lawn to be watered and allow it to dry fully before resuming normal use of the lawn. Some pet friendly granular lawn fertilizers include:
Ingredients: Nitrogen, Phosphate, Potash, Calcium, and Sulfer
Application Instructions: Ensure your grass is short enough for a seed spreader to run over it without the grass touching the spreader. Pour the granules into the spreader and apply the product to your lawn. Clean up any granules that go onto the sidewalk, driveway or other areas that do not contain grass. Dogs and children can go on the grass immediately after application. Watch your dog to ensure they don’t attempt to eat the granules.
Ingredients: Nitrogen, Potash, Calcium and Magnesium.
Application Instructions: For best results, de-thatch or aerate your lawn before applying the fertilizer. Pour the fertilizer granules into a spreader, and apply at the recommended rate based on your lawn size (according to the label). Water into the lawn and let dry completely before allowing your dog or children to go on the grass.
Weed Killers
If you want your lawn looking great, you will want it to be free of weeds. Below are some great options for natural weed killers that are pet friendly.
Ingredients: Ammoniated soap of fatty acids
Application Instructions: This product is designed to kill a variety of unwanted weeds, grass and algae. Shake the mixture well, then spray directly on unwanted weeds. Apply when there is not rain forecasted, and if it does rain within 3 hours of application, the area may need to be treated again. Avoid spraying on plants you want to keep alive.
Ingredients: Iron
Application Instructions: This product kills dandelions and other broadleaf weeds listed on the product label. Shake well before using, then spray weeds directly. Surrounding grass might appear darker, but it will recover within a few days to weeks. If it rains within 3 hours of application, you may need to reapply the product to see results.
Ingredients: Vinegar
Application Instructions: Use gloves to avoid skin irritation. Apply product directly to weeds and unwanted vegetation. Wait for product to fully dry before allowing pets or children in the area. If you want to be extra cautious, allow the product to work for 4-8 hours, then water the lawn to wash away the strong acids before allowing your dog or children to walk on the treated grass.
Ingredients: Sodium Chloride, Salt Water, Commercial Vinegar and Soap
Application Instructions: When you first see weeds appear, apply Natural Elements Weed Killer directly to the leaves of weeds you want to eliminate. Be careful when spraying near grass or plants, as this product will kill most grasses. Allow the product to fully dry before letting pets or children play in the yard. For best results, keep pets and children away from treated areas for 24 hours, as the product will have a chance to fully eliminate weeds and dry up.
Organic Matters Natural Weed Killer
Ingredients: Vinegar, Sodium chloride, Citric Acid, Clove oil, Lemon juice, Sodium lauryl sulfate and water.
Application Instructions: Shake product, then apply directly to weeds. Let product dry before allowing pets or children to play in the yard. If it rains within 3 hours of application, it is recommended that you re-apply the product for best results.
Pest Repellants
If you enjoy spending time outdoors with your pomsky, you will have a better experience if there are no pests such as ants, mosquitos or bees. If you seem to have a problem with these bugs, keep reading to find the best pet friendly pest repellants.
Ant Repellants
Terro Liquid Ant Bait Stations
Ingredients: Borax
Application Instructions: Remove the tap, then place the bait station label side up on a hard flat surface. It may be helpful to tape the bait station to the floor so it is less likely to spill or slide around. If possible, place the bait stations in areas where your dog does not go frequently. The bait station has a very small opening, which makes it more pet friendly, but it is still important to monitor your dog to ensure they don’t get into the station.
Wondercide Outdoor Pest Control
Ingredients: Cedarwood Oil, Sesame Oil, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Water, Glyceryl monooctanoate, Decanoic acid and Monoester
Application Instructions: Attach a hose to the sprayer on top of the bottle and turn the dial to the “on” position. Apply product to problem areas such as ant mounds, around the perimeter of the house, patio, or any other areas that have too many ants. Apply every month as needed to keep pests away.
Ingredients: Spinosad
Application Instructions: Wearing gloves, shake the bag to scatter the granules around problem areas or around areas that you want to protect from ants. If you have many ant hills, apply product heavily to these areas. Reapply the product after heavy rainfall or if the area is heavily watered.
Ingredients: Rosemary Oil, Water, Soap, Glycerin
Application Instructions: This spray can be used indoors or outdoors to kill ants on contact. Spray directly on ants and anthills to safely and instantly kill reduce your ant problem. This spray is not residual, so it does not prevent ants from coming back.
Bee and Wasp Repellant
Wondercide Wasp and Hornet Spray
Ingredients: Geraniol, Lemongrass Oil, White Mineral Oil, Isopropyl Myristate, Ethyl lactate, and Carbon dioxide (for pressurized jet spray)
Application Instructions: Hold spray bottle about 15-18 inches from the bug or nest and spray directly at bugs until they are fully coated. Do not spray up into the air. Wash away the excess spray and allow the area to fully dry before allowing pets or children into the area.
Stem Wasp Hornet and Yellow Jacket Spray
Ingredients: Geraniol, Lemongrass Oil, White Mineral Oil, Isopropyl Myristate and Ethyl lactate
Application Instructions: Shake well, then spray directly at a bug that has landed or at a hive from 10-15 feet away. If spraying directly at a hive, it is best to spray at dusk or dawn when the bees are less active. Make sure the product has dried or washed away before allowing your dog back into the area.
Ecosmart Wasp and Hornet Killer
Ingredients: Peppermint oil, 2-Phenethyl Propionate, White Mineral Oil, Isopropyl Myristate, Canola Oil, Isopropyl Oil, Wintergreen Oil and Carbon Dioxide (for pressurized spray)
Application Instructions: Face the nozzle away from you and spray directly toward the bugs. Spray at dusk or dawn, when bees and wasps are less active. Spray until the nest is completely soaked and the bees are inactive. Repeat as necessary when you see more wasps or bees.
Mosquito Repellant
Wondercide Outdoor Pest Control
*** This is the same product that was previously listed in the ant repellant section.
Ingredients: Cedarwood Oil, Sesame Oil, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Water, Glyceryl monooctanoate, Decanoic acid and Monoester
Application Instructions: Attach a hose to the sprayer on top of the bottle and turn the dial to the “on” position. Apply product to problem areas such as ant mounds, around the perimeter of the house, patio, or any other areas that have too many ants. Apply every month as needed to keep pests away.
Ingredients: Peppermint Oil, Eugenol and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Application Instructions: Before applying the product, make sure the grass is short and all debris (sticks and leaves) are removed from the lawn. Turn the sprayer dial to “off” then connect sprayer to a hose. Turn the sprayer to the “on” position once the hose is attached and slowly turn the water on starting with low pressure than increasing to medium pressure. Apply product evenly to the desired area. When finished, turn the water off and then release the water pressure and drain the water from the bottle. Wait 20-30 minutes or until the product has fully dried before allowing pets and children to enter the treated area.
Colton’s Yard Mosquito Repellant
Ingredients: Garlic Juice, Cedarwood Oil, Ethyl Lactate, and Distilled water
Application Instructions: Apply product to lawn, trees, walkways, and anywhere you would like to prevent mosquito infestations. Spray the product early in the morning or later in the evening when the temperatures are cooler. Let product fully dry before allowing children and pets to enter the area.
Summary
Enjoy green grass that is free of weeds and pests with these great pet-friendly products. When selecting products, make sure to read each label so you know what the ingredients are, and how to safely apply the product. We hope you find this overview of pet-friendly yard care helpful for you and your pomsky.
This post may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, The Pomsky Dog Blog LLC earns commission from qualifying purchases.