Here is #9 of 10 for the 10 Most Common Toxicoses in Dogs – Fertilizers
Fertilizer products generally contain varying amounts of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) compounds. Product ingredients are often listed as N-P-K 10-8-8, where each number is the corresponding ingredient’s concentration percentage. Fertilizer formulations include liquid, granular, and solid (e.g. stakes), and fertilizer additives may include herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, iron, copper, or zinc. Because fertilizers are usually a combination of ingredients, several toxic principles are possible. In general, the ingredients are poorly absorbed, and most of the signs are related to GI irritation.
Fertilizers have a wide margin of safety.15 GI signs such as vomiting, hypersalivation, diarrhea, or lethargy are common in dogs after ingesting fertilizers, especially ones with high percentages of phosphorus and potassium compounds. In most cases these signs are self-limiting and resolve within 12 to 24 hours.
This information is from the “Toxicology Brief” ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
Bottomline – Keep you dog away from plants and lawns where you use chemical fertilizers!
Simon and Quincy