I know from experience that keeping your pet safe is obviously your top priority. While the below products advertise as being pet friendly you should always read the label to make sure you are completely satisfied before using. I also advise not to let your pet out until any product you use is completely dry. I often get asked what is the best weed killer to use for those that have pets? Ideally you would use natural ingredients but that is not always possible. Instead I would recommend whatever product you use keeping your pet away from the area as long as possible after using any product. The longer the better.
I personally use Roundup but I always ensure I apply it before I am taking my dog out of the house for at least a few hours. I would not allow them on the area for most of the day. I am always honest in my reviews and would not recommend you use any chemical products if you cannot wait enough time for it dry. It essential to wait for all the below products to thoroughly dry before allowing children or pets into the garden.
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WeedKil Glyphosate Free Weed Killer
- Glyphosate Free
- Child, Wildlife, Pet Friendly Weed Killer
- Organic and Eco-Friendly
- Suitable for Annual and Perennials
- Treats Up to 35sqm

- ✔️ GLYPHOSATE FREE FORMULA: If you’ve been looking for a weed killer that is…
- ✔️ READY TO USE, FAST ACTING WEED KILLER: WeedKil child and pet friendly…
- ✔️ECO-FRIENDLY, NATURAL, ORGANIC WEED KILLER: Weedkil works in low…
Roundup Fast Action Weedkiller
- Pump and Go Spray System for Easy Application
- Up to 10 Minutes of Continuous Spray
- Child and Pet Safe Once Dry
- Refillable
- Treats up to 150sqm
Roundup are one of the leading manufacturers, and their fast action solution is one of the most efficient to use a pet friendly weed killer. It does use glyphosate, a powerful ingredient that effectively kills plants at the root, ensuring maximum results in just a day or two after application.
This solution is a child and pet safe weed killer, although you should wait for the liquid to dry before allowing children or pets on the area, which doesn’t take too long. Once in the soil it takes a few days to kill the plant at the root, after which it slowly breaks into the soil without causing any harm, usually in around seven days after treatment.
Results speak for themselves, with this powerful solution effectively killing the toughest invasive plants in your garden, including brambles, dandelions, and bindweed.
I personally use and recommend this product to friends and family as it is very effective. However as I mentioned above I would only apply Roundup when I was planning to take my dog Dennis out for the day. When I let him back to the area the solution would be completely dry and sufficient time would have passed.

Resolva 24H Ready to Use Weed Killer
- Fast Results within 24 Hours
- Treats up to 105sqm
- Child and Pet Friendly Weed Killer Once Dry
- Suitable for Annual and Perennial Weeds
- Breaks Down Naturally After Application
If you require a product that gives you the fastest results possible then be sure to check out the Resolva 24H. as the name suggests, this solution shows results in as little as 24 hours, with the powerful ingredients combining to kill off plants from the root.
Some of the tougher weeds may take a day or so longer to die off, although they do show signs of dying off in just 24 hours. Application is made easier thanks to an adjustable spray nozzle, allowing you to target precise areas without damaging your plants and flowers. I found it extremely easy to use and the coverage was generous with each container covering over 100sqm.
It does effectively kill most weeds too, including those deep-rooted perennials that are tougher to remove. Expect it to effectively remove docks, nettles, dandelions, bindweed and much more. It also safe for children and pets once dry. As always I urge caution when using any weed killing product around children and pets. Ideally you would not allow them near the area for at least 24 hours after applying.
Weedol Rootkill Plus
- Fast Acting with Visible Results in 24 Hours
- Child and Pet Safe Weed Killer Once Dry
- Kills Broad-Leaved Weeds and Grasses
- Treats 87sqm (brush weeds), 102sqm (perennial weeds), 111sqm (annual weeds)
Suitable for all broad-leaved and grass weeds, this product is a versatile weed killer that can be used throughout the garden including paths, driveways, and around the base of various bushes, shrubs, and hedges.
How much treated area it covers depends entirely on the type of weeds, as some require more solution than others. It comes with enough solution for roughly 100sqm, give or take depending what you are dealing with.
As glyphosate is the main ingredient it packs a serious punch, effectively killing all plants from the root outwards. Results often show in just 24 hours, with the plants completely dead in a few days. You should let it dry before allowing pets near, after which it is 100% safe. I recommend to be extremely careful when using a product that contains glyphosate, especially on an area used by children and pets. I know that Glyphosate is extremely strong which is why it so efficient at killing off weeds. Wait until the product has completely dried before allowing them near the area. Ideally wait until the next day.
Scotts Miracle-Gro Roundup Tough Weedkiller
- Effective Against Deep-Rooted Weeds
- Visible Results in 1-2 Days
- Pet Friendly Weed Killer Once Dry
- Treats Up to 90sqm
When you need a powerful solution that kills off deep-rooted weeds like brambles and nettles, look no further than this product. Absorbed into the leaves and then carried deep into the root system, problematic weeds like brambles, nettles, thistles, bindweed, and other woody weeds don’t stand a chance.
Results take about a day or to show, with the plant dying shortly after. It comes with a handy applicator spray that makes it easier to target specific plants while avoiding touching others. The solution is potent but a child and pet friendly weed killer once dry.
It comes with enough solution to treat up to 90sqm, with the best results typically in June to September or during growing season.
I have researched, analysed and tested dozens of pet friendly weed killers to help you choose the most suitable product for your needs. If any of the above do not appeal to you read my guide on natural alternatives below to help give you some ideas.
Pet-Friendly Alternatives to Using Commercial Weed Killers

A commercial strong weed killer is certainly one of the most effective ways of weed control in your garden, yet these products are not always the safe to use for your pets or the environment. Most of the commercial products contain a wide array of chemical ingredients, that while great at killing weeds, may cause more harm than good to your local environment. I urge you to think about whether you actually need to use these strong products or if a natural alternative would suffice.
For example, many of these solutions are dangerous if your dog or cat gets too close, especially if not dry, while all kinds of wildlife in your garden may not be safe from the chemicals. Not only that, using these products throughout the year to control your weeds start to add up! I would highly recommend only using these types of products as a last resort.
This has led many people to look for a pet safe weed killer. Thankfully, we were pretty good at controlling weeds long before chemical products were introduced, with various natural solutions available that have surprisingly effective results.
In this guide I will explore some of the alternatives and explain the the results you can expect, allowing you to choose the best pet friendly weed killer solution for your garden.
Why You Should Be Cautious of Commercial Weed Killers For Pets and Kids
As mentioned above, these products contain a host of chemical ingredients that are potent plant killers but not the safest for pets and wildlife. Yes, many of the above I have reviewed advertised as pet-friendly are relatively safe, although most rely on the solutions drying before they are safe.
Accidents do happen though, so your pet might escape or touch the solution without you realising. Even accidentally inhaling or ingesting can be bad for animals, so you always need to be cautious when applying chemical-based solutions in your garden.
Moreover, these solutions often cause build-ups in the water systems, spreading throughout the eco-system where it potentially harms all kinds of nature and wildlife.
Think of it this way – there is a reason why professionals wear protective gear when using these chemical solutions! Even if safe after drying, accidental contact does cause irritants to human skin, so pets are certainly not always safe when using these products.
Pet Friendly Alternatives for Removing Weeds
Here are some simple ways to remove weeds without the use of chemical solutions!
Hand Weeding
Yes, it is a lot of hard work but removing weeds by hand is still one of the most effective forms of weed control and I would advise you to consider it to create a pet safe garden.. The most important thing to remember is that this is 100% pet-friendly and will never cause any harm to your pets, local wildlife, or the environment.
You only need a few good gardening tools, with most weeds easily removable by hand. Some need a bit of digging with a trowel or fork, especially those in and around the lawn. I have found it relatively easy to manually remove weeds and I am not particularly fit.
Landscape Fabric to Block Weed Growth
Landscape fabric is a great solution to weeds, providing a natural barrier that makes it difficult for them to grow. Place the fabric under any stones, patio slabs, or wood bark to ensure little to no weeds penetrating through to the surface.
Better still, you can place the fabric around the base of plants, shrubs, trees, etc and cover with mulch for even healthier growth. I used this method to prevent weeds growing in a vegetable garden and it worked out great.
Boiling Water Down Cracks and Crevasse
My personal favourite natural method and a great dog-friendly form of weed control, simply pour boiling water into those small cracks and cervices on paths, driveways, and patios. The high temperature of the water kills off any plant or seeds, so even if you have no visible weeds this is a great preventative treatment. Just be careful not to burn yourself! I always use boiling water to remove moss between my paving in the garden. I follow this up with a quick power wash to clean the general area.
White Vinegar
Perhaps the most popular natural weed killer for weed control is white vinegar with water to create your own homemade solution. Keep a high concentration of vinegar (you can even skip mixing with water) and apply to weeds using a spray bottle.
Results are often best seen when applied early in the morning, with the sun helping increase the effectiveness of the vinegar. Make sure to carefully apply on weeds only, as it strong enough to damage or kill other plants too.
A Generous Sprinkle of Salt
Another natural solution, this involves using nothing but salt, which you can apply around the base of any weed to kill it. Be careful with this method though, as the salt damages the soil and makes it unsuitable for other plants, so avoid using on areas where you want to plant.
Also, try to be careful with any residual salt that falls out, as it can irritate pet skin if they walk over too much of it. Again, be sparing with your application and it should be fine.
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FAQ’s
Which weed killer is safe for pets?
If applied correctly and allowed to sufficiently dry then Weedkil, Roundup, Weedol and Resolva can all be used relatively safely for pets.
What is a pet safe alternative to commercial weed killer?
Natural methods including boiling water, white vinegar and salt are all very good alternatives to reducing weeds while keeping your pets and children safe.
Is it safe to use a weed burner for pet friendly weed removal ?
Yes weed burners can be a good option and one I have used several times to remove and control weeds in my garden.
How long should I wait for weed killer to dry before allowing pets out?
Each product will have different dry times and it will also depend on the weather. Read the label on you products for specific information. I would always recommend a minimum of 24 hours.
Can I make my own pet safe weed killer?
Yes. There are various methods but I like to mix 5% white vinegar, 4 tea spoons of salt and 2 tea spoons of lemon to water.
How dangerous can weed killer be for my dog?
Watch the below video to get an understanding of the dangers of using certain weed killer products in area use by pets.
Last update on 2025-02-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API