6 Best Pet Safe Weed Killer Options For Lawn

90 million pounds of substances are applied to yards and gardens each year. Lawns that are shared with pets and kids have safety concerns because of these chemicals. According to research, there are huge risks that chemical manufacturers are ignoring and risks that pet owners are unaware of.

A study conducted at Purdue veterinary school found that 76 percent of dogs tested had herbicide residues in their urine. These lawn chemicals can cause canine bladder cancer as more pet parents become aware of these issues.

That’s why, they are seeking out professional lawn care services, thinking that they might be safer. But if you follow the guidelines on the product labels carefully, you can avoid damage.  

Following the list of the top 6 best pet safe weed killer options for your lawn and garden. We made this list based on brand reputation, customer feedback, price, and product ingredients.

6 Best Dog Safe Weed Killers Options For Your Lawn & Garden

IMAGE PRODUCT FEATURES PRICE
Best Overall
Natural Elements Weed Killer
  • Safe around your family, pets and environment
  • Kills most broadleaf weeds and grasses
  • No harmful herbicides
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Best Organic
ECO Garden PRO – Organic Vinegar Weed Killer
  • Safe for pets and childeren
  • Kill weeds, moss, and poison ivy
  • Eco friendly, phosphate free biodegradable formula
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Top Pick
Pet Safe Lawn Fertilizer
  • Safe for domestic animals all wildlife
  • Grow thick green grass
  • Dust free & easy to apply
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Best Natural
Organic Matters Natural Weed Killer Spray
  • Natural weed killer with no glyphosate
  • Safe around pets, people and community
  • Confidently use anywhere
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Best Value
Doctor Kirchner Natural Weed & Grass Killer
  • Safe for pets, kids, and environment
  • Eliminate undesired weeds and grass
  • Made of natural ingredient
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BEST CHOICE
Just For Pets Weed Killer Spray
  • Eliminate weeds fast
  • Natural ingredients, no glyphosate
  • best dog safe weed killer
  • dries fast, quick results
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Natural Elements Weed Killer | Pet Safe Weed Killer

Best Overall
9.8/10 Our Score

Specifications

  • All natural and safe product
  • Kills most broadleaf weeds and grasses
  • No harmful herbicides
  • Quick action formula

Pros

  • Safe for your family, pets and environment
  • Easy to use
  • Derived from vinegar and saltwater

Cons

  • Can kill grass if treated
  • Harmful if swallowed

Natural Element is a non toxic pet safe weed killer that is composed of saltwater and commercial vinegar. All-natural and safe formula sticks to the leaf and strips the coating, which kills all the weeds in less than 24 hours after the application.

The natural herbicide is designed to kill weeds by dehydrating them, and it promises to be safe for pets, children, and the environment. The product comes in a ready-to-use spray bottle, and it can be used on a variety of surfaces, including sidewalks, driveways, and gardens.

One of the main features of Natural Elements Weed Killer is that it is easy to use. You simply need to spray it on the weeds, and they will start to wither and die within a few hours. The product is also versatile and can be used on a variety of surfaces, including concrete, brick, and stone.

Another great feature of Natural Elements Weed Killer is that it is safe for pets and children. Since it is made from natural ingredients, it doesn’t pose any harm to your loved ones or the environment. Additionally, it is very affordable, and you can purchase it at a reasonable price.

For the best results, apply the product when weeds are actively growing and they are small. Some hard to kill weeds require an additional application. Make sure to apply when the temperature is above 55 degrees because weeds are dying faster when the temperature is high.

The product is effective against most broadleaf weeds such as dandelion, clover, chickweed, thistle, and more. Do not apply to the desired weeds and grasses.


ECO Garden: Best Pet Safe Organic Weed Killer

Best Organic
9.8/10 Our Score

Specifications

  • Safe for pets and people
  • Kill weeds on contact
  • Kill weeds to the roots
  • All natural organic ingredients

Pros

  • Kill weeds, moss, and poison ivy
  • Eco friendly, phosphate free biodegradable formula
  • Fast acting formula
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Can cause Irritation if exposure
  • Can harm the grass if contact

ECO Garden is a ready-to-use is a phosphate-free 100% biodegradable formula that kills weeds and grass without harming pets, children, bees, fish, livestock, and the environment. The fast-acting formula will deliver results immediately within 24 hours.

Organic Vinegar Weed Killer is a natural herbicide that is made from vinegar and essential oils. It is designed to kill weeds by drying them out and preventing them from growing back. The product is safe for the environment, pets, and children, and it comes in a ready-to-use spray bottle. It can be used on a variety of surfaces, including sidewalks, driveways, and gardens.

ECO Garden PRO – Organic Vinegar Weed Killer is that it is easy to use. You simply need to spray it on the weeds, and they will start to wither and die within a few hours.

The ready-to-use formula can be applied through the garden pump and trigger sprayer. Just connect the sprayer and start the application on the weeds and grass that you want to remove.

The product can be used for agricultural and commercial purposes around parking, driveways, sidewalk, flower beds, and more.  

The formula is effective against most of the broadleaf weeds such as dandelion, clover, chickweed, thistle, moss, poison ivy, crabgrass, and other weeds and grasses.


Pet Safe Lawn Fertilizer

TOP PICK
9.8/10 Our Score

Specifications

  • Kids & pet safe fertilizer
  • Quick and thick green lawn
  • Dust free & easy to apply
  • NPK 24-0-6

Pros

  • Grow thick green grass
  • Simply apply, water and play
  • Safe for domestic animals all wildlife
  • Quick results

Cons

  • Don’t prevent weeds
  • High cost

Pet Safe Lawn Fertilizer is a product designed for pet owners who want to keep their lawns lush and green without harming their pets. This fertilizer is made with natural and safe ingredients that are not harmful to pets if ingested or if they come into contact with it. The product claims to be effective in promoting healthy growth and root development in lawns while being environmentally friendly.

This fertilizer comes in a granular form that can be easily spread over the lawn using a spreader. The granules are small and easy to handle, making the application process quick and hassle-free. One bag of Pet Safe Lawn Fertilizer can cover up to 5,000 square feet of lawn, which makes it a cost-effective solution for maintaining a healthy and green lawn.

With a minimal amount of water, the granules dissolve into thousands of particles and move into the grass’s roots. This particle dispersion eliminates the risk of danger for your pets and kids.

After applying the water, your pets and children are safe to play on the lawn. Pet Safe lawn fertilizer builds a thick green lawn, dissolves quickly into roots. No more waiting for 24 hours or more for your lawn to return to a safe place.


Organic Matters Natural Pet Safe Weed Killer Spray

Best Natural
9.8/10 Our Score

Specifications

  • Organic weed killer
  • Safe around pets, people and community
  • Made of natural ingredients
  • Easy to apply

Pros

  • Natural weed killer with no glyphosate
  • Quick results
  • Confidently use anywhere

Cons

  • Not for all grass types
  • Harmful for pets and people if treated in first 24 hours

Organic Matters Natural Weed Killer Spray is a powerful and effective alternative to traditional chemical-based weed killers. This product is made from natural and organic ingredients that are safe for use around pets, children, and the environment. The spray is easy to use and can be applied directly to the weeds, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a quick and easy way to get rid of unwanted weeds.

The formula of this weed killer spray is made with ingredients such as vinegar, salt, and soap, which work together to kill weeds by drying out their leaves and roots. Unlike chemical-based weed killers, this product does not leave any harmful residue in the soil or water, making it a more sustainable option for those looking to maintain a healthy and eco-friendly garden.

How to use it?

Simply add the amount of water in the ready-to-use concentrate formula and start spraying. The pet-friendly weed killer acts quickly and dries faster.

Use the product anywhere the weeds are growing such as around flower beds, patios, driveways, walkways, parking, lawns, garden, pavers, pool areas, and more.

The organic natural weed killer is safe for dogs, children, bees, wildlife, butterflies, the community, and the environment. Just open the bottle and start spraying without any safety concerns.

Remember, read the instructions on the label of the product for the best results. If any of the reasons, the customer is not happy with the product. Don’t worry, Organic Matters offers a money-back guarantee.


Doctor Kirchner Natural Weed & Grass Killer

Best Value
9.8/10 Our Score

Specifications

  • Safe for pets, kids, and environment
  • Made of natural ingredient
  • Eliminate undesired weeds and grass
  • Long shelf life

Pros

  • Natural weed and grass killer
  • Cause no harm on the planet
  • Easy to apply
  • Fast results

Cons

  • Can kill desirable grass and flowers if treated
  • Not for aquatic use

Doctor Kirchner is a non-selective weed and grass killer that is made of natural ingredients such as ocean saltwater, food-grade vinegar, and soap.

Doctor Kirchner Natural Weed & Grass Killer is an effective solution for killing unwanted vegetation in your garden. The product is made from a unique blend of essential oils and vinegar, which work together to destroy the roots of weeds and grass. Unlike chemical herbicides, Doctor Kirchner Natural Weed & Grass Killer doesn’t just kill the top of the plant, it also penetrates the soil and prevents the plant from regrowing.

Additionally, this product is versatile and can be used on a variety of surfaces, including sidewalks, driveways, and flower beds. You can even use it to clear out overgrown areas of your yard or garden. It’s important to note that this product may take a bit longer to work than chemical weed killers, but the results are long-lasting and worth the wait.

Spray the product on the point of wetness to the undesired weeds and grass. Most of the weeds will begin to wilt within an hour. But some grassy weeds may take 12 to 24 hours. Spray the weeds directly and not migrate to other plants and flowers.

A non-toxic weed killer requires no mixing and does not contain glyphosate and other disruption chemicals. The formula does not harm honeybees, pets, hummingbirds, and children. If the desired leaves come in contact with the sprayer, it will be fine. But will turn brown quickly.


Best Pet Safe Weed Killer Buyer’s Guide

After reading products reviews, you have probably 1-2 models that excite you. And the buying guide helps you narrow down the choice for the best pet safe weed killer.

Things we Consider Before choosing the Pet Safe Weed Killer

Before making any purchase decision, read the instruction on the product label carefully. Whether it is safe for pets or not.

First of all, you should know that just because a product is “pet safe” does not mean it cannot harm animals. There is no regulation that says that a product is pet-safe just because they do not have any chemicals meant to kill animals. Instead, the term used here according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) net page refers to products that can be used in and around your home without hurting your pets or children when used as directed on the label. This means two things:

1. The weed killer was initially tested for safety before being introduced in the market

2. It will only be effective if it is applied correctly i.e.; following the manufacturer’s instructions which includes wearing protective gear like gloves, etc.

Toxic Level

When you purchase any weed killer, the first thing that you should consider before anything else is the toxicity level. The higher the toxicity of a product, the more dangerous it will be to your pets and children. Toxicity levels are measured in two ways: acute and chronic. Acute toxicity refers to how harmful a product can be when it is in contact with your skin or if swallowed while chronic toxicity measures how much damage a product can do when applied over long periods or simply if eaten in large quantities.

For pet owners, products with a low acute and chronic toxicity level are considered safe to use around pets and young children as they pose little danger when used as directed by a manual i.e.; mixing at recommended amounts, etc. To ensure this, look for products that have a low toxicity rating.

There are two ways of measuring the toxicity level of a weed killer, through its LD50 and glyphosate ratings. LD50 refers to the amount of a product required to kill 50% of a test population while glyphosate is an active ingredient in most weed killers which inhibits plant growth (hence weeds). A product with lower ratings in both measures is considered safer than others with high ratings because they require larger amounts to be effective.

Read: Best Weed Killers for Flower Beds

Check The Label

When buying pet friendly weed killers, you should consider what you want them for; do you need them for your home or garden? What about if you intend on using it regularly (weekly)? When spraying at home, make sure that it is pet safe weed killer by checking the label first.

Most products do not have a label that shows whether it is pet safe or not, but you can always contact their customer service department to inquire about the product.

Tips

For those using weed killers in your garden, remember to always wear protective gear like gloves and a face mask as well as goggles before spraying. This will prevent any form of accidents with harmful chemicals from getting into your eyes and skin which could lead to more serious problems.

If these precautions are not observed, there is the possibility of pets ingesting such chemicals if they happen to go where the chemical has been sprayed by their guardian.

Where to Spray

If you want to know where not to spray at home, places such as play areas for kids and ponds should be avoided because pets frequent these areas too and they can be harmed by the weed killer. A good alternative is to use organic weed killers if you want to avoid using chemicals.

However, non-organic weed killers are less harmful to children and pets because they ensure that the product is only activated when it comes into contact with green plants or weeds, usually about 15 minutes after application.

FAQs

Why Weed Killers are Harmful for Pets?

Most of the weed killers in the market are not safe for cats and dogs. Most herbicides contain disruption chemicals such as glyphosate. That can cause cancer in pets. Glyphosate is not only dangerous for pets but also for people and the environment.

So, before making any purchase decision regarding weed killer. Make sure, not to buy any glyphosate-containing weed killer. Instead, buy any organic weed killer.    

How to Use a Pet Safe Weedkiller?

Pet-friendly weed killers come in liquid or granular form. Liquid weed killers apply with the sprayer. And granule weed killers apply with the spreader.

You can check the label for the setting recommended for the spreader or sprayer.

We recommend you choose the weed killer in spray form. Because it is easy to apply and you can target the specific weeds and grass to eliminate.

Best Time to Apply Weed Killer?

Apply the weed killer when weeds are actively growing or they are small. Because it is easy to kill them in the initial stage of growth.

Apply weed killer during a warm sunny day. Because weed killers work best when the temperature is high (above 55 degrees) as compared to cold temperatures.

Conclusion

Hope the above guide helps you a lot in selecting the best pet-safe weed killer. If you just want to eliminate weeds from your lawn and garden then Natural Element Weed Killer is the best option for you.

 If your lawn is not thick and green enough, then Doctor Kirchner is the best choice. This application has awesome customer feedback and gives quick results.

If you want to remove the weed and feed the lawn then Pet Safe Lawn Fertilizer is recommended for you.

Reference

https://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/downloads/w0892b23p

https://academic.oup.com/jas/article/97/11/4509/5565412

https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/is-weed-killer-safe-for-pets-what-to-know/

Jon Dunn
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Jon Dunn has 12 years of experience as a seed and fertilizer specialist at the North Carolina Department have been immensely rewarding, and he looks forward to continuing to contribute to Lawnscanner. Read more