Pet safe weed killer - Ask Extension
How can I get rid of weeds in my garden that won’t harm my dog or my family?
Knowledgebase
Pet safe weed killer #926559
Asked March 23, 2026, 12:11 PM EDT
How can I get rid of weeds in my garden that won’t harm my dog or my family?
Harford County Maryland
Expert Response
A good first step is to identify the weeds, since control measures depend on what species it is and what its life cycle is. What garden plants are the weeds growing alongside? That will also influence how they are removed, if you decide to try a method other than manually pulling/digging them out. If you aren't certain about what type of weed they are, feel free to share photos with us and compare them to our weed ID and management information online (see the linked page).
If you need to resort to using herbicide on any of the weeds, read the product label thoroughly, as it will specify how to use the product and what risks, if any, it poses to people or pets. Often, a spray needs to dry before people and pets can re-enter a treated area, but this will greatly depend on the chemical in question (and this applies to both synthetic and organic herbicides).
One easy step is to make sure exposed soil in a garden bed is covered to discourage weed seeds from sprouting. The cover can be mulch (shredded bark, wood chips, pine needles, fallen leaves, etc.) or a living groundcover planting. In some cases, if the weeds are growing in a garden bed that doesn't currently have desirable plants in it (say, you're between plantings of annuals or vegetables), smothering the weeds with a light-blocking tarp can help to weaken or kill them. Our Manage Weeds Without Chemicals page has more information about dealing with weeds without the use of herbicide.
Miri
If you need to resort to using herbicide on any of the weeds, read the product label thoroughly, as it will specify how to use the product and what risks, if any, it poses to people or pets. Often, a spray needs to dry before people and pets can re-enter a treated area, but this will greatly depend on the chemical in question (and this applies to both synthetic and organic herbicides).
One easy step is to make sure exposed soil in a garden bed is covered to discourage weed seeds from sprouting. The cover can be mulch (shredded bark, wood chips, pine needles, fallen leaves, etc.) or a living groundcover planting. In some cases, if the weeds are growing in a garden bed that doesn't currently have desirable plants in it (say, you're between plantings of annuals or vegetables), smothering the weeds with a light-blocking tarp can help to weaken or kill them. Our Manage Weeds Without Chemicals page has more information about dealing with weeds without the use of herbicide.
Miri
