Applying weed killers at home
When we talk about weed killers in this article, we are talking about non-professional weed killers for use in the home garden.
When you apply any weed killer, you should always ensure that children and pets are kept inside away from areas being treated.
After application
If you are using a selective herbicide on your lawn, you might find your dog will be keen to get back out onto the grass!
However, you should not allow dogs back onto treated areas until all foliage is completely dry. Drying time will depend on the weather and local temperatures but always check the leaves of treated weeds for any moisture before letting dogs back out.
At certain times of year and in some climates, drying time can take up to 48 hours, so always check carefully.
If your dog does have to go outside to toilet, monitor their activity and take them back in as soon as possible if there is a chance that the herbicide has not dried.
Make sure you wipe their paws when they come back into the house as a precautionary measure. This will also help prevent transfer of any product to carpets and flooring.
If you are using a total herbicide to kill weeds on hard surfaces, the same rules apply. Do not let your dogs or other pets on to treated areas until all foliage is completely dry.
Grazing animals
You should not allow any animals to graze on grass that has been treated with weed killer – for at least two weeks, or sometimes longer depending on the active ingredients. Refer to each specific product for more information.
Weeds that have been treated on grazing land need to fully die back before animals can return – in order to prevent them eating the foliage.
Whichever weed killer you are using, it is vital that you always read the product label and follow instructions carefully.
Contact our technical team with any specific questions or concerns.
