Roundup - poisonous for pets?

[kuhio98]

I've checked a couple of websites and haven't found a definitive answer. Does anyone have experience using Roundup (dandelion weed killer)? Is it poisonous for pets?

We have made an offer on a new house. The back yard is absolutely covered in dandelions. We need to do something drastic (yet not harmful) to get rid of them and start the lawn all over.

Our kitties are allowed outside under our supervision and Bobcat plans to build them an enclosure so they have a part of the yard all to themselves. But, before we do anything, we need to make sure whatever we put on the lawn doesn't harm cats or dogs.

Thanks.

[Kfamr]

I would imagine if they step on the spot directly after it's been sprayed that it could be harmful. I wouldn't allow the kitties outside until after a few days it's been sprayed.

[Vela]

You should consult ChemLawn or someone who does it professionally. We have ours done for weeds and improved growth in this horrid heat, and they do have some all natural products if you request them. Trust me, it'll be cheaper than trying to spray Round-Up, which really isn't going to be effective on a whole yard, on the whole thing.

[shais_mom]

my parents spray my weeds -
my dad mixes his own mixture b/c he works @ an elevator -
after he sprays you can literally stand there and watch them die!
I keep Keegan away from the areas overnite and reallllllly try to not walk on the areas where he sprayed b/c when I walk over that area and walk across the grass you can see my foot prints a day or so later!
The regular roundup from a store isn't that strong but if the yard is that bad - I would look into some kind of professional to work with it.

[Freedom]

I used Roundup in the early Spring this year for the dandelions.

I used it when rain was forecast in 2 or 3 days; and I did not let the cats out in the yard until AFTER the rain.

It was enough time for the Roundup to work and kill the weeds. I think it mentions you need 24 hours of no rain for it to work, but I don't remember.

Better to be safe, good for you for asking!

If the cats are in a new home, you really don't want them outside for a bit anyway. You need them inside setting their scent and understanding that THIS is now home. Good luck!

[kuhio98]

Thanks everybody. I'll keep you posted on how it goes.
If we buy the house, we plan to leave the kitties right where they are until we get the yard taken care of and a kitty enclosure built. Once that's all done, then we'd move them over to start sniffing around and checking out their new digs.

[wombat2u2004]

I wouldn't be using Roundup at all with pets around, it's actually a very poisonous herbicide, and I'm quite sure it would make your pets quite ill, even with the smallest amount.
Dandelions are actually easy to kill......pour boiling water on them, that's what gardeners here in Aussie do.
Wom

[crow_noir]

I second this!

I wouldn't be using Roundup at all with pets around, it's actually a very poisonous herbicide, and I'm quite sure it would make your pets quite ill, even with the smallest amount.
Dandelions are actually easy to kill......pour boiling water on them, that's what gardeners here in Aussie do.
Wom

I also found the wonderful benefit of letting the yard grow wild... More wildlife! We're in the middle of the city and hardly ever seen anything besides English Sparrows and Starlings. This year we and our neighbors let our grass (and weeds) grow tall and go to seed before mowing it. We got American Goldfinches!!! That was my first time seeing them besides wayyyyyy out in the country at bird feeders.

[Pam]

.pour boiling water on them, that's what gardeners here in Aussie do.
Wom

Well how about that? I had never heard of that and think it might be worth a try. (Now Wom you wouldn't be kidding us would you? I can see my neighbors getting a good laugh out of me standing there with my kettle of boiling water! )

[wombat2u2004]

Well how about that? I had never heard of that and think it might be worth a try. (Now Wom you wouldn't be kidding us would you? I can see my neighbors getting a good laugh out of me standing there with my kettle of boiling water! )

It won't work Pam, unless you wear a pair of fairy wings on your back.
LOL.....no, it's real mate....try it...I'm sure your dandelions there are the same as ours.....and it works for me.
Just think about it......if it doesn't work for you, then you can always tell your neighbours that you got the idea from some crazy Aussie....LOL
Wom

[wombat2u2004]

Just found this article on a site from a Victorian college.
You don't have to get a steam cleaner....just boil the water in a jug or kettle, and pour some on the plant.

Did you know an effective and
safe way to eradicate weeds is
to steam or pickle them?

Steam them!
As a low tech weed control
method, pour boiling water over
any unwanted plants. The
hardiest weed will die instantly
when coming into contact with
hot water.
Many councils are now using this method with large
pressure steamers on the back
of trucks to immediately kill
neighbourhood weeds without
using expensive and hazardous
chemicals. You can buy steam
cleaners cheaply that can be
carried on the shoulder and a
quick run around the garden will soon eradicate those
unwanted plants. If you are a
good shot, you will not harm any
wanted ones.

Pickle them!
A 5-percent concentration of
vinegar is an effective weed killer
against annual and perennial
weeds such as dandelions,
foxtail and thistle. When applied
to the weed foliage, the acid in
the vinegar acts as a contact
herbicide that kills the plants but
does not persist in the soil or
cause water or other pollution.
For older perennial weeds, you
may need to apply vinegar more
than once. Try heating the
vinegar for added punch.

[Pam]

Wom thank you! I have been hesitant to use weed killer in the back yard because Ripley has been known to eat grass. Though I have never seen him eat a weed, I wouldn't put it past him. Obviously a weed with poison is not something I would want him to try.

The hot water makes sense so I will give it a try. Thank you for the tip! As my neighbors laugh at me I will tell them that my expert landscaper friend from Australia told me about this and remind them that people made fun of Noah when he started to build the ark.

[Kfamr]

Wow Wom, I've never heard of this! I'll have to tell my mother.
It would probably be a heck of a lot cheaper than the crap she uses, and safer.

Although, Florida weeds may be a bit more used to the hot water. Our hose is almost burning when you first turn it on!

[smokey the elder]

Vinegar, how neat!

I think Roundup's claim to fame is that it breaks down very quickly (within days) to harmless by-products. But, I only use it for the most intractable weeds (poison ivy and burdock). I couldn't give a rip about dandelions or crabgrass.

[crow_noir]

Even have had success on ridding unwanted trees this way. When we moved in there were a few trees way too close to the foundation to safely pull them out. What we did was saw them off as close to the ground as possible. Then we drilled a few holes straight down into base. Then we poured a few pots of BOILING water down into the holes. (These were large saplings. Almost as tall as a one story house. Not like HUGE trees.)

Great for sidewalk cracks also (unless you're talking Nightshade. ...I'm going to have to try the vinegar suggestion. Any other suggestions welcome.)

Well how about that? I had never heard of that and think it might be worth a try. (Now Wom you wouldn't be kidding us would you? I can see my neighbors getting a good laugh out of me standing there with my kettle of boiling water!)