Child & Pet advice
Child & Pet Safety
At iGrow Carpet, we want everyone to enjoy the lawn — including the four-legged members. Here's everything you need to know about keeping children and pets safe when using our fertilisers.
The Short Version
Water in your fertiliser after applying. Once the granules have dissolved and the lawn has dried, it's safe for children and pets to return.
That's it. ✓
Step-by-Step
1
Keep children and pets off the lawn while applying
Just common sense while you're spreading product around.
2
Water thoroughly after application
This washes the granules into the soil where they start feeding your lawn. Use a hose, sprinkler, or let the rain do it for you.
3
Wait for the lawn to dry
Once it's dry, children and pets can return.
Relying on Rain?
If you're letting the weather do the work, you'll need a decent amount of rainfall — not just a light drizzle. As a rough guide, you're looking for at least 4–5mm of rain to properly dissolve the granules and wash them into the soil. A quick shower that barely wets the path won't be enough. If the forecast shows prolonged or steady rain, that's ideal. If it's just "chance of showers," you're better off watering it in yourself.
⚠️ Until the product has been watered in, keep children and pets off the lawn.
Why Water In?
Watering in does four important things:
Dissolves the granules
Nothing left on the surface for little hands or paws to pick up.
Gets nutrients to the roots
Where your lawn actually needs them — not sitting on the surface.
Reduces staining risk
Granules containing iron can stain patios, paths, and get tracked indoors.
Gets your fertiliser working faster
Instead of sitting waiting for rain, nutrients get to work straight away.
Different Pets, Different Rules
🐕 🐈
Dogs & Cats
Generally low risk once the fertiliser has been watered in and the lawn is dry. If they walk on the lawn before watering, give their paws a quick rinse.
Once dry ✓
🐇
Rabbits & Guinea Pigs
Need more caution because they eat grass. Keep off treated areas for at least 7 days after application, even after watering in.
7 days wait ⚠️
🐓 🦆
Chickens, Ducks & Geese
Don't apply fertiliser to areas where poultry graze — they'll mistake granules for seed or grit. Fence off treated areas or don't treat areas they access.
Don't treat ✗If you keep rabbits or guinea pigs, consider either treating their grazing area separately and keeping them off it for a week, or moving them to a different part of the garden while the treated area settles.
Quick Reference
| Who | When can they go back on the lawn? |
|---|---|
| 👶 Children | Once watered in and lawn is dry |
| 🐕 Dogs | Once watered in and lawn is dry |
| 🐈 Cats | Once watered in and lawn is dry |
| 🐇 Rabbits | 7 days after application |
| 🐹 Guinea Pigs | 7 days after application |
| 🐓 Chickens / Ducks / Geese | Don't treat areas they graze |
Storage
Keep all fertiliser products stored safely out of reach of children and pets. A locked shed or high shelf in the garage works well. Always keep products in their original packaging so you've got the instructions and safety information to hand.
What If Something Goes Wrong?
🚨 If a child or pet ingests fertiliser, contact your GP, NHS 111, or vet immediately. Have the product packaging to hand — it'll help them give the right advice.
Most cases of accidental contact result in nothing more than mild stomach upset, but it's always best to seek professional advice straight away.
Still Got Questions?
If you're unsure about anything, just get in touch. We're always happy to help.
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