As frustrating as they might be, weeds are inevitable in almost any garden, even if you use the best dandelion killer. You need to acknowledge, accept, and counter them, and efficient pet-friendly weed killers are your best option.
If you have a pet, the chemicals in most weed-killer products will affect the environment and your furry friend. This is especially true for dogs, who are more inclined to rub and roll themselves in plants. That is why pet-safe weed killers are necessary.
We read hundreds of testimonials on the matter, only to bring you the five best homemade pet-friendly weed killers:
1. Salt
Aside from its countless kitchen uses, salt can also be a potent agent against unwanted vegetation. And the best part: It’s a 100% pet-safe weed killer. As for how exactly it works, the salt will enter the soil quickly, making it entirely inhospitable for weeds and plants.
Thus, you should only use it in areas where you don’t want anything else to grow. Some great examples include the cracks in your pathway, sidewalk, driveway, or below any decking areas. Salt can easily be sprinkled wherever you need it to work, but water it into that area.
You can also create a powerful, homemade, pet-friendly weed killer by mixing it with a soap-vinegar solution, increasing its potency.
2. Vinegar
Speaking of vinegar, here is another highly efficient pantry staple that can also make a fantastic pet-safe weed killer. Its active component is acetic acid, which draws moisture from the plants and subsequently kills them.
Like any other weed killer, it can’t be selective in its range of action. This means it will kill all plants in its path — discrete use is highly advisable.
To ensure longer-lasting results, consider combining it with a landscaping tarp for weeds. The tarp acts as a physical barrier, preventing sunlight from reaching the soil and stopping weed growth. This method protects your yard and keeps it safe for your dog to roam freely.
Also, vinegar may take several consecutive applications before getting the job done. You can always mix it with dish soap for a more potent, homemade, pet-friendly weed killer. This will make the vinegar stick to the plant’s leaves longer.
3. Sugar
Like salt, sugar can efficiently make the soil conditions unfavorable so plants can’t grow and develop.
This pet-safe weed killer also attracts pests, like ants, due to its advanced level of sweetness.
You can create an efficient, homemade, pet-friendly weed killer by mixing it with chili pepper powder to prevent this. Sprinkle this mixture at will over those pesky weeds, but ensure it doesn’t contact the rest of your plants.
4. Cornmeal
Although it might surprise you, cornmeal is another practical pantry staple in the war against unwanted weeds.
Unlike the other household items, cornmeal is a pre-emergent pet-safe weed killer. This means it will not affect mature plants but stop seeds from germinating.
As a bonus, it can also help kill ants. Ants will try to feed on it without being able to digest it, thus starving to death.
5. Boiling water
No weed killer can be more pet-friendly than pure water. There’s absolutely nothing about it that could affect your furry friend.
When boiled, it also acts as a powerful weed control agent. To do this, pour hot, boiling water onto the unwanted plant.
You can always add salt or vinegar for an even more powerful, homemade, pet-friendly weed killer. Still, be careful not to splash it onto other surrounding plants.
Final thoughts on pet-friendly weed killers
One last thing you should probably know is that using an organic weed killer is not the most natural option. It will take considerably more time and effort than using chemical-based products.
Still, in the long run, using pet-friendly weed killers will also be the healthiest solution.
We’re not just talking about a pet-safe weed killer but also about your health and your family. And since these organic weed control options won’t have any environmental impact, the conclusion is simple: green is better.
Elizabeth Barletta is particularly attracted to dogs. From a tender age, she has owned different breeds and decided to write about adorable creatures at Top-Mom.com. Over the years, she has advised pet owners about various issues, from preserving their pets’ health to training them.
Protect your furry friend with our optimal dog health guide 🐾