What’s the price of a perfectly green, chemically treated lawn?
For dogs, it may be a 70% increase in the risk of cancer.
I’m not here to judge anyone for wanting a lush, green lawn. I wanted that too — until we adopted Felicity. That spring, I grabbed a bottle of weed killer from the shed, flipped it over to see how long to keep her off the grass, and ended up spiraling down a Google rabbit hole.
What I found was sobering.
The label didn’t say “never,” but it should have. Chemical treatments don’t just sit on the grass. They linger in the air, seep into the soil, enter our homes on paws and shoes, and wash into nearby water sources. And I started wondering… who decided a lawn had to be perfectly green anyway?
Now, I see “weeds” a little differently.
You may want to think twice before treating your yard with chemicals. Allowing your pet to play on or eat grass that has been sprayed can negatively impact their health according to several studies. Studies show that it can even impact your entire family, as pets are bringing those chemicals inside!
What the research says:
- Dogs living in homes where the lawn is professionally treated have a 70% higher risk of lymphoma, the most common form of canine cancer.
- In one study, 76% of dogs had herbicide residue in their urine after lawn treatment.
- Eight days after application, residues on dog fur were still 14 times higher than normal.
- Pets track those chemicals indoors, where they end up on floors, furniture, your bedroom and even your kids bedroom.
- Wind can carry herbicides up to 50 feet, so your neighbor’s lawn treatments can still pose a risk
What you can do:
- Avoid recently treated lawns and wipe or wash your dog’s paws after walks in public areas.
- Consider making your own non-toxic weed killer:
DIY Natural Weed Spray:
- gallon white vinegar
- 1 cup salt
- 1 tablespoon liquid dish soap
Mix in a spray bottle and apply directly to weeds on a sunny day.
By making small shifts, you can protect your pet, your family, and the environment — and still have a yard you can feel good about.
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