When your dog gets into something they shouldn’t, like fertilizer, it can be a scary moment. You want to make sure they’re safe and get the right help fast. That’s why we’re here to talk about what you should do if your dog ate fertilizer. It’s important to act quickly and know the steps to take to ensure your dog’s safety. If you’re worried or need more details after reading this, please reach out to us at Bayshore Veterinary Hospital in Holmdel, NJ, by calling (732) 671-3110. Our team is ready to answer your questions or set up an appointment to check on your dog.
Understanding the Risks
Fertilizer might seem harmless because it’s used all over our gardens and lawns. However, for dogs, it can be dangerous if they eat it. Fertilizers can have chemicals and other ingredients that are not safe for your dog to ingest. These can cause stomach upset, drooling, vomiting, and even more serious health issues depending on the amount eaten and the type of fertilizer. It’s key to understand that while not all fertilizers will make your dog seriously ill, it’s best to treat any ingestion as a potential emergency.
What to Do Immediately
If you catch your dog eating fertilizer, the first step is to calmly take the fertilizer away from them. Then, observe your dog for any signs of illness such as vomiting, diarrhea, acting tired or confused, or any other changes in their normal behavior. Even if they seem fine at first, symptoms can show up later, so it’s important to keep a close eye on them. Next, give us a call at Bayshore Veterinary Hospital. Our team can advise you on what to do next and whether your dog needs to be seen by a vet right away.
When to Call the Vet
You might wonder when it’s time to call the vet after your dog has eaten fertilizer. The answer is, it’s better to call right away. Even if you’re not sure how much they ate or if the fertilizer is toxic, it’s best to err on the side of caution. When you call, have the fertilizer package handy, if possible, so you can tell the vet what ingredients are in it. This information can help us decide how urgent the situation is and what treatment your dog might need.
The Importance of Veterinary Evaluation
Bringing your dog in for a veterinary evaluation is crucial if they’ve ingested fertilizer. Our team at Bayshore Veterinary Hospital can do a thorough check-up to make sure your dog is okay. We might need to do some tests, like blood work or an X-ray, to see if the fertilizer has caused any internal damage. Sometimes, dogs need treatment like medication to settle their stomach or more serious interventions if the fertilizer has made them very sick. Our goal is to make sure your dog gets back to feeling their best.
Preventing Future Incidents
After you’ve dealt with a dog eating fertilizer, you’ll want to make sure it doesn’t happen again. Here are some tips to keep your dog safe: store fertilizer and other garden chemicals out of reach, supervise your dog when they’re outside, especially in areas where you’ve recently used fertilizer, and consider using pet-safe garden products. Keeping your dog away from areas treated with fertilizers for as long as the product instructions suggest is also a good idea.
Keeping your dog safe from things like fertilizer is part of being a caring pet owner. It’s always better to be safe and keep a close eye on what your dog gets into. If you ever have worries about your dog’s health or need advice on keeping them safe, our team at Bayshore Veterinary Hospital is here for you. Give us a call at (732) 671-3110 for any questions or to book an appointment. We’re here to help your dog live a happy and healthy life.