What can I use to kill weeds that won't make dogs sick?

Anna Bright
by Anna Bright
Is there anything that will kill weeds that won't make the dogs sick? Anything besides hoeing.
Anna Bright, Lancaster, CA
  20 answers
  • Rebecca B Rebecca B on Feb 19, 2016
    I use table salt, 26% strength vinegar and dishwashing soap mixed together to spray on weeds where I will not be growing anything else like sidewalk cracks, paths and driveways. I use 26% vinegar and dishwashing soap mixture on weeds in my garden where I grow flowers and vegetables. Be sure to protect the plants you want to keep when you spray. 26% vinegar can be purchased online at Amazon. The vinegar you purchase in grocery stores is usually just 5 or 10% and is not strong enough to kill the weeds. Some weeds can be destroyed by using baking soda to make the soil inhabitable for weed growth. baking soda takes several weeks though.
  • Robin Grabner Robin Grabner on Feb 19, 2016
    I am getting a torch for my weeds. 4 acres I am not digging any up. Just burn the little suckers!
  • Avianut Avianut on Feb 19, 2016
    If it's just a one time deal, you can rent a torch at a Rent-All
  • Victoria Larsen Stencils Victoria Larsen Stencils on Feb 19, 2016
    I've used straight vinegar and it works great but so does mixing it with salt and dish soap. I just bought a hand held burner and plan to use that this spring.
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Feb 19, 2016
    The vinegar,salt and soap method does work but make sure when you spray no other plants or grass will be effected.
    • See 1 previous
    • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Feb 19, 2016
      @DORLIS I know how to do it but thanks. You keep replying to an answer I am giving the home talker.
  • Patricia Patricia on Feb 19, 2016
    The only thing I use for weeds and invasive vines I want to get rid of, like poison ivy, virginia creeper, and any toxic plant is a tablespoon of Dawn dish liquid, two cups cheap dollar store salt and a gallon of apple cider vinegar. I mix it and use a sprayer. Works great, but considering not all weeds are bad. Do some research and you will find that some are eatable as well as medicinal. So please be kind to your weeds, :)
  • Patricia Favata Patricia Favata on Feb 19, 2016
    Vinegar
  • Nadia Sammartino Sims Nadia Sammartino Sims on Feb 19, 2016
    A spray bottle of white vinegar with a drop of dish soap to make it stick. Some people add a bit of salt. Works great. Just protect your other plants when spraying.
  • Janet Janet on Feb 19, 2016
    boiling water
  • Jennie Herrick Jennie Herrick on Feb 19, 2016
    One thing that I've found that works overnight is boiling hot water. The best part is that you can use water that you have used for cooking that you would have poured down the sink and tossed out. Instead of letting that water go down the drain, drain it off into another pan then take it outside and pour it directly on the weed you want to get rid of! It's Genious!! You get your dinner and kill those pesky weeds too!! Good luck and have fun!!
  • Louis Lieberman Louis Lieberman on Feb 19, 2016
    there is a defoliant spray alled roud-up=it's slow working but very efficient- it's absorbed into the leavs in a few hours + doesn't leace any residue
    • See 2 previous
    • Johnnye Denman Johnnye Denman on Feb 19, 2016
      @Louis Lieberman Round-up does leave residue--highly toxic residue that is a carcinogen. Don't use Round-up on your yard if you care about the welfare of children, pets, or adults who touch anything that grows.
  • Sheri N Sheri N on Feb 19, 2016
    Rebecca's answer is the one I use! It works great only if you spray your weeds on a "very hot" day. Usually it will kill the weeds within 24 hours. Also you can cut off the bottom of a gallon plastic jug to protect small flowers and such while spraying.
  • UpState UpState on Feb 19, 2016
    Watch out for "cooking water"....if there is any food or grease residue in the water - good chance it will attract bugs / ants / etc.... may create a worse situation than you started with....think it out.
  • Candy cane Candy cane on Feb 19, 2016
    The best weed killer that really works: one gallon of vinegar plus 1/2 cup off salt plus 2 tablespoons of dawn dish liquid. I use it as a spray or pour it into the cracks of cement on my patio. It is no problem for my three chihuahuas who are very low to the ground. I got the formula from Pinterest and have used it for years.
    • See 1 previous
    • Mis4562441 Mis4562441 on Feb 20, 2016
      @Candy cane we use it too. We like it so much we use it all over in our gardens. I don't have to worry if I get it on my clothes or if it sprays back in my face.
  • Janie Janie on Feb 19, 2016
    If killing weeds that are here and there you can spot treat by pulling the top off the weed and pour white vinegar on it. The weed will absorb the vinegar to it's roots and kill it. If treating a large weed infested area the spray method using the above recipes is the way to go.
  • Cindy Smith Cindy Smith on Feb 19, 2016
    Boiling water and salt, I have cats and 6dogs and have been doing this for 20 years
  • Kat3215070 Kat3215070 on Feb 20, 2016
    Pour salt on them
  • Susan Susan on Feb 21, 2016
    Sprinkle baking soda and water it in.
  • Fran Leaky Fran Leaky on Feb 22, 2016
    I have been using just boiling water for years. Between the cracks in the walk and driveway. Even the stones of the patio
  • Liliana Wells Liliana Wells on Mar 29, 2016
    Look into horticultural vinegar. Google for recipes online.