Is Lawn Fertilizer Toxic to Birds?

Most lawn fertilizers cause mild GI irritation if ingested. However, fertilizers combined with herbicides, pesticides, or containing blood/bone meal can be more dangerous. Dogs may be attracted to the smell of organic fertilizers.

Quick Answer

Yes, lawn fertilizer is toxic to birds. Mild to moderate — depends on type and amount. Most lawn fertilizers cause mild GI irritation if ingested. However, fertilizers combined with herbicides, pesticides, or containing blood/bone meal can be more dangerous. Dogs may be attracted to the smell of organic fertilizers. Watch for symptoms like drooling and nausea and vomiting and diarrhea.

Symptoms to Watch For

Drooling and nausea
Vomiting and diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Excessive thirst
Burns to paws or skin (some fertilizers)

Timeline

GI symptoms within 1-6 hours. Paw irritation can be immediate.

Treatment

Wash paws if they walked on treated lawn
Contact vet with product name and amount eaten
Usually supportive care (fluids, anti-nausea)
More aggressive treatment for combination products

Prevention

Keep pets off treated lawns for recommended time period
Store fertilizer bags in locked shed/garage
Wash paws after walks during spring fertilizer season
Use pet-safe organic lawn care products

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lawn fertilizer toxic to birds?▼

Mild to moderate — depends on type and amount. Most lawn fertilizers cause mild GI irritation if ingested. However, fertilizers combined with herbicides, pesticides, or containing blood/bone meal can be more dangerous. Dogs may be attracted to the smell of organic fertilizers.

What happens if my bird is exposed to lawn fertilizer?▼

Symptoms include: Drooling and nausea; Vomiting and diarrhea; Abdominal pain. GI symptoms within 1-6 hours. Paw irritation can be immediate.

What should I do if my bird ingested lawn fertilizer?▼

Wash paws if they walked on treated lawn. Contact vet with product name and amount eaten. Usually supportive care (fluids, anti-nausea).

How can I protect my bird from lawn fertilizer?▼

Keep pets off treated lawns for recommended time period. Store fertilizer bags in locked shed/garage. Wash paws after walks during spring fertilizer season. Use pet-safe organic lawn care products.