Roundup is an herbicide that is used for weed control. It is a chemical that has applications in agriculture, forestry, and even water treatment facilities. Its active ingredient–glyphosate–kills by stopping a life-critical enzyme in plants, fungi, algae, and various bacteria. It is a known human carcinogen. According to Scientific American, some studies have linked lawn chemicals such as Roundup to higher risks of canine cancer, so Roundup is harmful to dogs.
How Roundup Works
Roundup is categorized as a non-selective herbicide. This means it does not pick and choose which plants to kill. The glyphosate in Roundup kills plants by preventing them from producing proteins that are critical to life. It also prevents the plant from absorbing important nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, and potassium. For a long time, glyphosate had been linked to cancers in humans, but it was not until 2017 that it was formally recognized as a human carcinogen.
The Effects of Roundup on Humans
Several long-term studies–some of them as long as 25 years–have established links between poor health outcomes in humans and higher levels of glyphosate in the body, according to the
Archives of Toxicology. It kills friendly bacteria in the gut and can damage our DNA. It has also been linked to serious illnesses and health disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and autism.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, glyphosate can also cause defects, and various cancers, including heart, liver, and brain cancer. It can also reduce testosterone levels in men and negatively affect hormonal balances. This is why there have been so many Roundup class action lawsuits. When it comes to glyphosate and dogs, there’s no reason to expect your pet couldn’t suffer similar effects.
These are alarming statistics, but the fact of the matter is that glyphosate levels in animals can be much, much higher than in humans, and they can cause serious health issues for them as well.
The Effects of Roundup on Dogs
Roundup and pets are not a good combination. According to several studies, glyphosate levels in dogs can be 50 times higher than the levels in the owner. Dogs may be more susceptible to toxins because they are lower to the ground and have unprotected paws. They may also ingest foods that contain glyphosate.
Chemicals sprayed in one yard can easily find their way into the adjacent yard and even into neighboring homes. These chemicals can lead to various cancers as well as drooling, upset stomach, a loss of appetite, and excessive sleepiness.
Finally, the way your dog synthesizes proteins is not the same as how plants do it, so one might argue that the glyphosate in Roundup will not have a substantial impact on your dog’s health; however, it does affect how certain gut bacteria operate.
Canine immune systems are comprised of billions of tiny microorganisms that reside on the skin, inside the digestive tract, and on the body. These communities–called a microbiome–are critical to your animal’s health.
Since glyphosate can harm the bacteria in these microbiomes, your dog may be unable to absorb various vitamins or synthesize fatty acids that are important for health. Your dog’s immune system can also be affected, and the absorption of vitamins, salts, and nutrients can also be inhibited. Once glyphosate is ingested, it can begin to accumulate in the kidneys.
What to Do if Your Dog Is Injured By Roundup
If you used Roundup and your dog has shown signs of illness, take them to the vet for an assessment as soon as possible. If they receive a diagnosis of canine cancer, it may stem from their exposure to Roundup. The personal injury lawyers at Pintas can tell you if you qualify for compensation if you choose to take legal action.
How Long Should Pets Stay off Roundup Treated Areas?
Roundup’s label claims the product is safe for kids and pets to walk on once it has completely dried. This is because the dangerous chemicals it contains will be taken to the root of any plants. Once that happens, your lawn is safe, in theory at least.
How Can I Kill Weeds Without Harming My Dog?
There are safe and natural alternatives to Roundup that you can use safely around your pets. For example, you may use sprays made with vinegar, botanical oils, and soap to kill weeds in your yard. It may take a little more effort than Roundup, but it will be worth it knowing your dog is safe.
Can Roundup Cause Cancer in Dogs?
If Roundup can cause cancer in humans, it’s natural that pet owners will wonder, “Is Roundup safe for dogs?” The truth is, Roundup can cause cancer in dogs. In fact, due to their small size, it might take a smaller amount to cause cancer in a dog than it would in a larger human. Roundup toxicity in dogs is something every pet lover should take seriously, because glyphosate exposure could rob you of precious years with your beloved pet.
Roundup in the Environment
The truth of the matter is that animals are not only exposed to harmful toxins and chemicals used in lawn treatment. According to Mayo Clinic, grocery store fruits and vegetables can also contain it. As for glyphosate, it can remain in the air, in the water, and dog food. People generally assumed they were safe using gardening pesticides as long as they followed the instructions.
So is Roundup safe for pets? Some may assume that Roundup is safe for pets–and even for children–as soon as it has completely dried; however, toxins can still track into homes and be absorbed into the bloodstream even when dry.
Other Harmful Ingredients
Other toxic chemicals make Roundup harmful to dogs as well. Diquat dibromide is another weed killer found in Roundup. It kills weeds by damaging their cell membranes. It may lead to cataracts in dogs or even cause various developmental issues. Is Roundup poisonous to dogs? It can be. Even after it has dried and is allegedly safe, it has been known to cause vomiting in pets.
Is Roundup Safe to Use 2021?
Roundup is not any safer to use in 2021 than it was at any other time. In fact, according to studies from 2019, there is growing evidence that it is unsafe. That year, researchers from the University of Washington discovered a link between Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and glyphosate exposure in agricultural workers. The same year, a study from the Journal of Hematology & Oncology suggested that multiple myeloma is linked to glyphosates.
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