Nitrogen fertilizer
If you have a dog, you probably know the problem: you want to fertilize your lawn to keep it green and healthy, but you're afraid that your four-legged friend might get poisoned if he sniffs or eats the fertilizer grains. In this article, you'll find out what nitrogen fertilizer is, what its advantages and disadvantages are and how you can protect your dog from poisoning.
What is nitrogen fertilizer?
Nitrogen fertilizer is a fertilizer that primarily contains nitrogen (N), an important element for plant growth. Nitrogen is a component of chlorophyll, the green pigment in the leaves that is responsible for photosynthesis. Nitrogen is also involved in the formation of proteins, enzymes and vitamins.
There are various types of nitrogen fertilizers that differ in their composition, effect and application. The most common are
- Calcium ammonium nitrate: It works quickly and contains 26 percent nitrogen and 10 percent calcium. A good choice for acute nitrogen deficiency.
- Urea: It contains 46 percent nitrogen and works quite quickly. However, it must be worked in well, otherwise it can be lost through evaporation.
- Organic fertilizers: In addition to nitrogen, they also contain other nutrients such as phosphorus, potassium or magnesium. They work slowly and gently, as they first have to be broken down by microorganisms in the soil. Examples are horn shavings, cattle manure or compost.
What are the disadvantages of nitrogen fertilizers?
Nitrogen fertilizer has some disadvantages that you should be aware of:
- It can get into the groundwater and lead to environmental problems such as eutrophication.
- It can be toxic or dangerous for dogs.
How dangerous is nitrogen fertilizer for dogs?
Mineral fertilizers in particular pose a great danger to dogs. They contain nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus in concentrated salt form. These irritate the mucous membranes in the mouth, stomach and intestines. They can also impair the function of haemoglobin in the blood and lead to oxygen deficiency.
The symptoms of poisoning can be
- Strong salivation
- Blood in the stool
- vomiting
- shortness of breath
- weakness
- convulsions
Lawn fertilizer with weed killer is also toxic to dogs. The pesticides it contains can lead to further symptoms of poisoning such as loss of appetite, restlessness, muscle tremors or incontinence.
Organic fertilizers are less dangerous for dogs, but they are not completely harmless either. They can contain bacteria or parasites that can lead to infections or worm infestations. They can also cause diarrhea or flatulence.
How can I protect my dog from poisoning?
To avoid poisoning your dog with nitrogen fertilizers, you should take the following measures:
- It's best to use organic fertilizers or animal-free fertilizers of organic quality, such as Plantura Organic Lawn Fertilizer. These are harmless to humans and animals and promote soil life.
- Keep your dog away from freshly fertilized areas until the fertilizer has been absorbed. Depending on the type of fertilizer, this can take a few hours or even days.
- Make sure your dog does not eat grass or other plants that have been treated with fertilizer.
- Do not let your dog drink from puddles next to fertilized areas. They may also contain fertilizer residues.
- Clean your dog's paws and coat thoroughly with clean water after every walk to remove any traces of fertilizer.
- Avoid walking paths that pass intensively farmed areas. These are often treated with chemical fertilizers or pesticides.
Nitrogen fertilizer is an important helper for a beautiful and healthy lawn, but it can also pose a danger to your dog. To avoid poisoning, choose an organic or animal-free fertilizer and keep your dog away from freshly fertilized areas. If you suspect that your dog has been poisoned, you should see a vet immediately.
If you notice any signs of hypersensitivity or poisoning in your dog, you should see your vet immediately. We are not a substitute for a vet, but we try to be as accurate as possible. Every dog reacts differently and we recommend you get a second opinion or consult your vet if in doubt.
Stay healthy and take good care of your four-legged friend!😊