Dog Licked Ortho Ground Clear

If your dog licked Ortho Ground Clear, you’re right to be concerned. This common weed killer is strong stuff, and it can be very harmful to curious pets. I’ve seen this worry in my own gardening community, and knowing what to do next is crucial for your pet’s safety. Let’s talk about what this product is, the real risks, and the clear steps you should take right now.

First, take a deep breath. Panicking won’t help you or your dog. Your immediate actions are key. Ortho Ground Clear is a herbicide designed to kill weeds and prevent regrowth for up to a year. Its active ingredients are what make it dangerous for animals.

Why Ortho Ground Clear is Dangerous for Dogs

The main risk comes from two chemicals: glyphosate and imazapyr. Glyphosate is a widely used weed killer, but it can cause irritation and other issues if ingested. Imazapyr is a longer-lasting herbicide that is more toxic to pets. When your dog licks it, they are directly consuming these chemicals.

The concentration matters too. A small lick of a diluted, dried product is less risky than drinking from a freshly sprayed puddle. But because you can’t be sure how much they ingested, you must treat every incident as serious.

Immediate Steps to Take if Your Dog Licked the Weed Killer

Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Follow these steps in order:

Remove your dog from the area immediately. Prevent them from licking or eating any more of the product.
Check the product label. Find the “Active Ingredients” section. This information is vital for your vet or poison control.
Do NOT induce vomiting unless a professional explicitly tells you to. Some chemicals can cause more damage coming back up.
If the product is on their fur or paws, wash it off with mild dish soap and lukewarm water. Rinse thoroughly to prevent further licking.
Call for expert help immediately. Keep the product container handy.

Who to Call for Help

Your Veterinarian: Call them first if it’s during office hours. They know your pet’s history.
Pet Poison Helpline: Call (855) 764-7661. A fee may apply, but their advice is expert and immediate.
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: Call (888) 426-4435. This is another 24/7 lifesaving resource.

What Symptoms to Watch For

Signs can appear within a few hours. Be on the lookout for these symptoms, even if you’ve already spoken to a professional:

Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth
Vomiting or diarrhea (sometimes with blood)
Loss of appetite or lethargy
Skin irritation or redness around the mouth
Uncoordinated movements or weakness
Tremors or seizures (in severe cases)

Any of these signs means you need to get to a vet right away. Don’t second-guess youself.

How Vets Treat Herbicide Ingestion

Knowing what the vet might do can help you feel more prepared. Treatment depends on the amount ingested and the symptoms.

Decontamination: They may wash your dog’s mouth and skin or give activated charcoal to absorb the toxin.
Supportive Care: This often includes IV fluids to protect the kidneys and flush the system, and medications to control vomiting.
Monitoring: Your dog will likely be observed for several hours or days to ensure no delayed symptoms appear.

Early treatment leads to a much better outcome, which is why calling right away is so important.

Making Your Garden Safe for Curious Pets

Prevention is always the best medicine. You can have a beautiful garden and keep your pets safe—it just takes some planning.

Choose Pet-Safe Weed Control Alternatives

There are effective options that won’t put your dog at risk:

Manual Removal: Good old-fashioned pulling. It’s exercise for you and safe for them.
Boiling Water or Vinegar Solutions: Pouring boiling water or a mix of vinegar, salt, and dish soap on weeds kills them without toxic chemicals. Be careful, as these can also harm desirable plants.
Corn Gluten Meal: This is a natural pre-emergent that inhibits weed seeds from sprouting and is non-toxic.
Landscape Fabric & Mulch: Block weeds naturally by covering soil with fabric and a thick layer of mulch.

Smart Storage and Application Habits

If you do use any garden chemicals, follow these rules:

Store all products in a locked cabinet or shed, far out of paws’ reach.
Always read and follow the label directions precisely. The label is the law for a reason.
Apply products on calm days to prevent drift.
Keep pets completely out of treated areas for at least as long as the label recommends—usually until the product is completely dry. I recomend waiting even longer, like 24-48 hours, for extra safety.
Water treated areas lightly after drying if the label allows, to help the product soak into the soil.

Creating a Pet-Friendly Garden Zone

Designate a part of your yard just for your dog. Plant sturdy grasses, provide shade, and give them their own space to play. This can distract them from garden beds where you need to manage weeds. A tired dog is also less likely to get into mischief!

FAQ: Keeping Pets Safe from Garden Products

What if my dog only licked a little bit of Ortho Ground Clear?
You should still call for advice. Even small amounts can be irritating or cause stomach upset. It’s never worth the risk.

How long after spraying is Ortho Ground Clear safe for pets?
The label states to keep pets away until the spray has dried completely. This can take several hours. For absolute safety, many vets suggest keeping pets off treated areas for 24-48 hours, especially with a product that lasts as long as Ground Clear does.

Are there any safe herbicides I can use around dogs?
“Safe” is a relative term. Look for products labeled as pet-safe or organic, but always check the ingredients. Even natural products like citrus oils can upset a pet’s stomach. Physical weed barriers are the safest bet.

My dog ate grass treated with weed killer. Is that bad?
Yes. If the grass was treated with a herbicide, the chemical is on or in the grass blades. This is considered ingestion, and you should follow the same steps as if they licked the product directly.

What information do I need when I call the poison control helpline?
Have ready: your dog’s approximate weight, the product name (Ortho Ground Clear), the active ingredients list, how much you think they ingested, and when it happened. Describe any symptoms you’ve already seen.

Gardening is a joy, and our pets are part of that joy. A little precaution goes a long way in making sure everyone—green thumbs and four paws alike—stays healthy and happy. By choosing safer alternatives and storing products wisely, you can create a beautiful outdoor space that’s a sanctuary for your whole family. If an accident does happen, now you know the clear, calm steps to take to get your pet the help they need fast.