You might think that garden plants are safe to use around your pet, especially if you grow your own. But even with backyard gardeners, there are some plants that are hard to avoid getting toxic. In fact, many garden plants are actually more dangerous than poisonous weeds. Some are also difficult to find in stores and other markets. If you’re wondering what to do with these garden plants, here are some tips:
* Azaleas are one of the prettiest and most common landscape plants. They’re a part of nearly every landscape around the world, from homes to parks. Many people enjoy keeping them as a part of their landscaping because they’re so beautiful. But azaleas are especially hazardous for dogs and cats. The leaves of this plant can cause severe symptoms for both pets and humans and eating just a couple of leaves can cause diarrhea and vomiting.
* Oleander blooms are also very pretty. However, they’re dangerous for cats and dogs, because they have a bitter taste on their soft, furry ears. An oak leaf is especially lethal, as it contains a chemical that causes vomiting, nausea, stomach ache, and abdominal pain. But with caution, there’s no reason to take a risk with Oleander blooms. Just like with any other part of your plants or garden, remember that an oak leaf can cause poisoning if swallowed. If it’s ingested, contact your vet immediately.
* Tree-shape shrubs are another of those garden wonders that give your garden a rustic, natural feel. However, you should be careful with these plants. Because many tree-shape shrubs can easily be uprooted, there’s always the danger that they could fall and injure your dog. Dog-safe plants include evergreens, maples, oaks, and buckeye, among others.
* Junipers aren’t actually shrubs at all; they’re actually trees. And although junipers are fast growing and pleasant to look at, they’re dangerous for both dogs and cats. Junipers are best left alone. Their bark can be toxic to animals, especially in large or concentrated amounts.
* Do flowers really scare your pet? Yes, some do. However, not all flowers are dangerous for dogs. Some breeds of cats are naturally allergic to flowers. If your dog has a severe allergy to certain flowers, try a non-allergenic flower in your garden instead.
* Foxglove is one of those plants that most people don’t hear about. It’s often used as an herbal remedy, but has also been used to treat canine diarrhea. Foxglove contains tryptophan, an amino acid that helps to create serotonin. Serotonin is a natural mood enhancer, making it possible for your pet to relax and enjoy life more. As an added bonus, foxglove also has vitamin A, which can help prevent common skin problems.
As if the health benefits weren’t enough, foxglove can also cause an assortment of digestive problems, including flatulence and vomiting, depending on its levels at any given time. So even though there are plenty of positive things about sex, don’t give them to your canine unless your vet recommends it. Spp are also highly toxic to cats, so make sure you disinfect your home-plants before introducing a new cat into your garden. And of course, always read labels-some say are considered a toxic waste product and may cause serious side effects.
* Chrysanthemum is another popular garden plant. It’s known for its fragrant flowers, and its fruit, the Chrysanthemum. However, while all of that is pleasant, Chrysanthemum can cause some problems. When Chrysanthemum flowers bloom, pollen from the flower may accidentally get onto your clothing and contaminate your home. As for the fruit itself, Chrysanthemums can grow up to six feet high, and as a result, are often consumed by animals. In fact, many people believe that a pound of Chrysanthemum will make your dog sick.
* The final three plants on our list have names you might not want to share with your pet, but should. These plants, collectively, can kill your dog if they’re ingested, which is why you need to keep these out of reach: azalea, crabgrass, foxglove, and kudzu. Each of these has the potential to be fatal to dogs, though only azalea has been proven so. Foxglove has been tested twice, and both times it was determined that it could cause death, so keep it far away.
While these three plants are definitely no good for dogs, if you’re growing them yourself, you really don’t have a choice. Unfortunately, there are some garden centers that sell products that are dangerous to dogs, too. Make sure that any plants you grow are certified safe by a qualified veterinarian. Then you can enjoy your garden with a peace of mind.