Everyone wants a weed-free garden, therefore when weeds overrun our garden, we turn to the ever-dependable herbicide to get rid of them. Roundup is a widespread herbicide used in many homesteads, and because of its effectiveness in destroying weeds in a short amount of time, you choose to use it on your farm. Unfortunately, your dog came into touch with the herbicide, which resulted in his death. Among the many questions on your mind right now is, “What’s good and what’s bad for your four-legged friend when it comes to pesticides and weed killers?”
Learn more about Roundup, its adverse effects, and safer alternatives for keeping your lawn weed-free.
Roundup Killed My Dog
Though it is rare, Roundup herbicide can kill a dog if ingested in large amounts. That is if they drank it straight from the bottle after a spill. However, it is dependent on how much Roundup the dog consumed and how promptly they were treated.
To be extra careful, put weed killer and other chemical-based household supplies in a safe and secure location that your dog cannot get.
If you spill chemicals, wipe them up right away and keep your dog away from the damaged area until it dries.
What Is Roundup?
Roundup is an herbicide that is used to manage weeds. It is a chemical with uses in agriculture, forestry, and even water treatment facilities. Its active ingredient, glyphosate, kills by inhibiting a vital enzyme in plants, fungi, algae, and bacteria. However, it also contains surfactants that assist the glyphosate to adhere to the plants. Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide in the United States.
Who Makes Roundup?
Monsanto invented Roundup in 1974. Monsanto began selling genetically modified soybean seeds to farmers in 1996, and shortly after began marketing GMO corn. These Roundup Ready GMO crops were created to be resistant to the effects of Roundup, allowing farmers to treat their entire field with the chemical without fear of losing their crops. It made the use of Roundup a sensible choice for farmers because it eased weed control. Glyphosate went on to become the most commonly used agricultural pesticide in the world in the decades that followed.
In July 2018, Bayer paid $63 billion to Monsanto Company, including Roundup and its entire product range.
How Roundup Works
Roundup is considered a non-selective herbicide. This means that it does not choose which plants to kill. Roundup’s glyphosate destroys plants by stopping them from forming essential proteins. It also inhibits the plant’s absorption of essential elements such as calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, and potassium. Glyphosate depletes plant nutrition and impairs its immune system.
Other Dangerous Ingredients
Roundup is also dangerous to dogs due to the presence of other toxic compounds. Another weed killer present in Roundup is Diquat Dibromide. It destroys weeds by destroying their cell membranes. It can induce cataracts in dogs and other developmental difficulties.
Lawn Chemicals and Dog Cancer Research
A growing body of evidence suggests a link between lawn pesticides and an elevated risk of canine cancer. Tufts University veterinary researchers discovered that exposure to specific types of lawn care chemicals may raise the incidence of canine malignant lymphoma (CML) in a six-year study. Pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals were among them. They did not, however, identify specific ingredients.
Moreover, multiple studies conducted over the last 20 years have indicated that the usage of herbicides containing 2,4-dichloro phenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) by dog owners were linked to an increased risk of canine malignant lymphoma and bladder cancer in dogs.
How Long Should Pets Stay Off Roundup Treated Areas?
Roundup’s label indicates that after thoroughly drying, the product is safe for children and dogs to walk on. This is due to the hazardous chemicals it contains being absorbed by the roots of any plants. While some Roundup products dry in 30 minutes to 2 hours, if it rains or water gets on the grass, it may take considerably longer.
To be on the safe side, wait 48 hours before allowing your dog to run through herbicide-treated grass. If you suspect your dog will eat the grass or plants in your yard, avoid using Roundup or other herbicides.
What If My Dog Licked Roundup?
If your dog licked or ingested Roundup, contact your veterinarian right away. If you can’t reach them, call the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 and proceed to an emergency vet facility. The immediate consequences may vary depending on how much Roundup your dog has consumed, so you should be as cautious as possible with your dog.
What Health Issues Are Linked To Glyphosate Exposure?
Alzheimer’s Disease: Glyphosate induces the same oxidative stress that Alzheimer’s patients experience.
Researchers believe the association is due to glyphosate-induced gut dysbiosis.
Birth Defects: Glyphosate has the potential to disrupt vitamin A pathways, which are essential for normal development.
Brain Cancer: The risk of developing brain cancer rises with exposure.
Cancer: Cancer is substantially more prevalent in regions where Roundup is used. According to a study published in the Environmental Research Journal, dogs were 70% more likely to develop malignant lymphoma if they resided in households where pesticides were used.
Heart Disease: A disturbance in amino acid production has been linked to cardiac disease.
Liver Disease: Even at relatively low dosages of Roundup, liver cell activity is disrupted.
Symptoms of weed killer poisoning in dogs
If your dog exhibits any of the signs listed below, he or she has most likely consumed weed killer. If you detect any of the following, please contact your veterinarian:
- Burns or sores on their lips, nose, or paws
- A rash or itchiness on the skin
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Breathing difficulties
- Agitation or unusual behavior
- Seizures or fits
- Drooling excessively
Please keep in mind that these symptoms might be caused by different conditions, but if you recently used a weed killer on your lawn and your dog was fine until shortly afterward, you undoubtedly know what the reason is!
Natural Ways To Manage Glyphosate Poisoning In Dogs
Although there is no specific natural therapy for glyphosate poisoning in dogs, here are some things you can feed your dog to help him stay healthy. And the majority of them can be provided regularly… not only if your dog has been exposed to glyphosate/Roundup. However, if your dog is exhibiting severe symptoms, you should seek medical attention.
Probiotics
Glyphosate can disturb the balance of beneficial microorganisms in the stomach. Probiotics can assist improve digestion and bowel health by feeding native gut bacteria.
Fluid Replacement Therapy
Because glyphosate/Roundup exposure can result in dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, fluids such as bone broth can assist rehydrate.
Antioxidants
Exposure to glyphosate/Roundup can result in oxidative stress, which can harm cells and tissues. Antioxidant-rich foods, such as vitamins C and E, can aid in the elimination of free radicals.
Herbal Remedies
Milk thistle and dandelion are two herbs that can assist maintain good liver function and detoxification.
Activated charcoal
Activated charcoal is a natural chemical that conventional veterinarians use to aid in the absorption of poisons in the digestive tract. It may aid to minimize glyphosate/Roundup absorption into the bloodstream.
How to Safely Use RoundUp Around Dogs
If you opt to use RoundUp weed killer around your dog, you can take the following steps to limit their exposure and risk of harm:
Keep your dog away from places that have been treated.
After applying RoundUp, keep your dog away from the affected area until it has completely dried. This could take several hours, so prepare appropriately.
Use a barrier
Consider establishing a physical barrier to keep your dog from getting into contact with the herbicide if you are spreading RoundUp in an area where your dog usually plays or walks. This might be anything from a fence to a tarp to a piece of cardboard.
Put on protective clothes.
Wear protective equipment, such as long sleeves, pants, gloves, and goggles, when applying RoundUp. This will help to avoid skin and eye irritation and reduce your exposure to the herbicide.
Follow the directions on the label.
When using RoundUp, always read and follow the label directions. This includes properly diluting the herbicide, administering it at the correct rate, and safely storing it.
Pet-Friendly Alternative Weed Killers
Weed killer alternatives include natural DIY products. Although they are not as effective as other herbicides, they are significantly safer. Among them are:
Vinegar
This is popular among gardeners since it is effective at removing unwanted plants while being safe for your dogs. If you have a lot of weeds, you may need to apply it numerous times.
Sugar
Sugar is another safer approach for suppressing weed growth. It’s also extremely effective at destroying shrubs and large trees. Spray a powerful sugar solution on the plant you want to kill.
If you have pests in your garden, you can use it as a pesticide by combining sugar and chili pepper and spraying it on the affected areas.
Salt
In high concentrations, it acts as a herbicide, and in tiny amounts, it acts as a fertilizer. Simply apply to the weed-free region of your garden, but keep in mind that the soil may become inappropriate for other plants to thrive in the area where you’ve applied the salt solution.
Cornmeal
Cornmeal is a unique form of herbicide in that it inhibits the weed from growing in the first place. It contains an ingredient that inhibits the growth of weed seeds. Sprinkle cornmeal on the garden areas where you don’t want weeds to grow.
Natural weed killers can be blended safely. Simply combine them to get the full impact. If you use a sprayer, you can add soap or detergent to the liquid combination.
Boiling water
This procedure will kill any unwanted plants immediately and is effective for a widespread problem area. However, be cautious because the water will harm any plants or grass it comes into contact with.
Try hand weeding
This one takes some time, but it is a terrific, healthy exercise and a completely non-toxic means of pushing weeds to the curb.
What If My Dog Rolled In Roundup?
If your dog’s fur, skin, or paws come into touch with wet Roundup, wash his entire body with shampoo right away. If you fear Roundup got into his eyes, you may need to rinse them with a saline solution. Direct contact with Roundup can cause irritated skin and eyes, and you don’t want your pooch licking any residue off his fur or paws. After bathing, keep a watch on your dog for at least 24 hours for any abnormal signs.
Avoiding Roundup In Public Places
Because Roundup is so commonly used, exercise caution while taking your dog on walks or in public places. Avoid moist grasses and plants that look to have been sprayed. Dogs’ paws can pick up a lot of environmental pollutants. You want to be extra cautious and wipe your dog’s paws after walks.