Ortho is a popular brand of weed killer that is commonly used to control weeds in lawns, gardens, and driveways. While Ortho weed killer is generally considered to be safe for pets when used as directed, there are some potential risks that pet owners should be aware of.

Is Ortho Weed Killer Safe for Pets?

Is Ortho Weed Killer Harmful to Pets?

The active ingredient in Ortho weed killer is typically 2,4-D, which is a systemic herbicide that is absorbed by the leaves and roots of plants. While 2,4-D is generally considered to be safe for pets when used according to the label directions, there are some potential risks that pet owners should be aware of.

1. **Ingestion:** If a pet ingests Ortho weed killer, it can cause gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, ingestion of Ortho weed killer can lead to liver damage or even death. 2. **Skin Contact:** If a pet comes into contact with Ortho weed killer on its skin, it can cause skin irritation, redness, and swelling. In some cases, skin contact with Ortho weed killer can also lead to more serious health problems, such as chemical burns. 3. **Eye Contact:** If a pet gets Ortho weed killer in its eyes, it can cause eye irritation, redness, and pain. In severe cases, eye contact with Ortho weed killer can lead to corneal damage or even blindness.

How to Keep Pets Safe from Ortho Weed Killer

There are a number of things that pet owners can do to keep their pets safe from Ortho weed killer:

1. **Read the label carefully before using Ortho weed killer.** The label will contain important information about the product's safety, including instructions for use and precautions to take. 2. **Keep pets away from areas where Ortho weed killer has been applied.** Do not allow pets to enter treated areas until the weed killer has dried completely. 3. **Rinse pets with water if they come into contact with Ortho weed killer.** If a pet ingests, touches, or gets Ortho weed killer in its eyes, rinse the affected area with water immediately. 4. **Contact your veterinarian if you think your pet has been poisoned by Ortho weed killer.** If you think your pet has ingested, touched, or gotten Ortho weed killer in its eyes, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Conclusion

Ortho weed killer is generally considered to be safe for pets when used as directed. However, there are some potential risks that pet owners should be aware of. By taking the precautions listed above, pet owners can help keep their pets safe from Ortho weed killer.