After weeks of dealing with a dog that didn't seem to be doing too well, I realized that there had to be something I could do. I began looking around for a great veterinarian who could help, and I was able to find an excellent provider that accepted my insurance. They were really great to work with, and they came to our rescue when our animal seemed past the point of return. I wanted to start a new blog that would help other people to learn when to take their dogs, cats, birds, and other animals to the vet when they need to.
As a new gardening season gets underway, many folks are eager to add some colorful blooms to their backyard landscapes. Pet owners need to beware of toxic flora, however. Some of the most gorgeous flowers and showy foliage can be deadly if your dog or cat takes a nibble in the garden bed. Find out which popular garden plants are safe additions for your outdoor haven and which ones you need to banish from the scene.
Different Levels of Toxicity
Not every poisonous plant has the same effects on every pet. Some plants will cause mild toxicity symptoms, but others can put a pet's life in jeopardy. Some plants that are deadly to cats will not pose the same detrimental outcome to dogs. If your dog or cat was fine before he headed outdoors to romp and explore, beware if he develops any sudden signs of toxicity. Such signs and symptoms include the following:
- Excessive drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Appetite loss
- Increased water intake
- Respiratory difficulty
- Tremors
- Lethargy
- Weakness
- Confusion
- Staggering gait
- Diminished coordination
- Seizure activity
If you suspect that your pet consumed plant material, or if you observe any of signs of toxicity in your pet, contact your veterinarian immediately. In some plants, only certain parts of the plants, such as the stems, the leaves or the flowers, are poisonous. In other cases, all parts of the plants pose toxic threats. By choosing the right plants for your garden and avoiding the wrong ones, you will keep your furry friends out of harm's way.
Plants to Avoid
The best way to keep your pet safe is to keep poisonous plants off of your property altogether. Some popular specimens to avoid include the following:
- Aloe vera
- Amaryllis
- Azalea
- Rhododendron
- Begonia
- Boxwood
- Caladium
- Chrysanthemum
- Clematis
- Coleus
- Crocus
- Cyclamen
- Daffodil
- Dahlia
- Foxglove
- Gardenia
- Geranium
- Gladiola
- Hyacinth
- Hydrangea
- Iris
- Ivy
- Kalanchoe
- Lantana
- Larkspur
- Lavender
- Lilies
- Lupine
- Marigold
- Morning glory
- Oleander
- Peony
- Rose of Sharon
- Tulip
- Wisteria
- Yew
If you tend a vegetable garden or fruit trees on your property, be aware that the following are toxic to pets as well:
- Avocados and avocado plants
- Chives
- Garlic
- Grapes
- Hops
- Leeks
- Onions
- Potato plants
- Pepper plants
- Pits from stone fruits, such as cherries, peaches, plums, apricots, and almonds
- Rhubarb
- Scallions
- Tomatillo plants
- Tomato plants
Pick up any fallen fruit from fruit trees before your pets can find them, and enclose your vegetable garden with a tall enough fence that your pets cannot access it.
There are many more garden flowers, shrubs, vines and other plant specimens that are toxic if your dog or cat ingests them. When planning your landscape, consult with the Pet Poison Helpline for a more complete list of poisonous plants. This reference will also inform you which pet species are endangered by each plant as well as what specific toxic effects the plant will have if your pet grazes on it.
Safe Plant Choices
While the toxic list above may have included many of your favorites, there are plenty of popular plants that are safe for planting in your garden. Some of these safer options include the following:
- African violets
- Alyssum
- Aster
- Gerbera Daisy
- Impatiens
- Jasmine
- Pansy
- Petunia
- Purple passion
- Snapdragon
- Sunflower
- Sweet potato vine
- Zinnia
Choosing safe flora for your yard is just one step in reducing toxicity threats.
Poisonous Gardening Products
When planting and caring for your garden spaces, avoid using mulch that is made with cocoa bean shells. Like chocolate, cocoa bean shells contain theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and cats when consumed. Choose a mulch that is made from untreated wood, such as pine or cedar.
Similarly, when you shop for such garden products as herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers, try to seek out pet-safe options whenever possible. When you apply such products to your yard, keep your pets indoors, and do not let them outside until the products have dried.
If you have an enthusiastic digger, pay attention to where your pooch is excavating. The blooming time for those springtime tulips and daffodils may be long past, but their bulbs remain in the ground. These bulbs are highly toxic if your tunneling dachshund discovers them and starts eating them.
Wild Things Grow
Keep in mind that while you can control the selection of plants that you contribute to your landscaping projects, you never know what wild plants may sprout up in your yard. For example, a foxtail is a common weed that grows wild, and although it is not toxic, the exposed sharp seed pods are dangerous to your dog or cat. If they become embedded in your pet's skin, irritation, infection, abscess and even death can result.
Wild mushrooms are another example of unwelcomed wild flora that can sprout up in backyards, especially following a rainstorm or period of high humidity. Many wild mushrooms are toxic and can be deadly if your pet nibbles on them. If you catch your dog eating a wild mushroom, be sure to harvest the uneaten portion and place it in a plastic bag to show your veterinarian. Each morning, before you let your pets outdoors, take a stroll yourself and inspect your yard for any new weeds, wildflowers, and mushrooms that have appeared. Remove them all before giving your pets the green light to dash outside.
Colorful flowers and ornate foliage add lush beauty to your outdoor surroundings. By choosing your plants wisely and following these tips, your pets can safely enjoy their outdoor time as much as you do. For more information, contact your local pet hospital.