Gardening and landscaping are often deemed as serene activities, bringing about a sense of satisfaction as they transform your yard into a vibrant and eye-pleasing oasis. But when it comes to our beloved dogs, there’s a crucial element to consider – the safety of the plants in the landscape. According to Blooms Landcare, a well-known landscaping service provider, homeowners should be mindful of the plant selection when getting landscape services as many common plants can be surprisingly toxic to dogs.
This article aims to highlight the top ten poisonous plants for dogs, empowering dog owners to cultivate a safe environment for their pets.
Sago Palm (Cycas Revoluta): A common sight in warmer climates, the Sago Palm, with its feathery foliage, adds a tropical touch to landscapes. But every part of it, particularly the seeds, is toxic to dogs. Ingestion can lead to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, liver failure (ASPCA, 2021).
Oleander (Nerium oleander): The pink or white flowers of oleander may beautify a yard, but all parts of this shrub are deadly. When ingested, it can cause abnormalities in a dog’s heart function and rhythm, including potential death (Pet Poison Helpline, 2021).
Rhododendron and Azaleas (Rhododendron spp.): According to the Pet Poison Helpline, even a few leaves from rhododendrons and azaleas can cause severe issues like drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, coma and death.
Foxgloves (Digitalis purpurea): Foxgloves are beautiful but deadly. They contain a compound called digitalis, which can cause cardiac arrhythmias, heart failure, and death in dogs (Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 2021).
Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale): These lovely fall bloomers carry colchicine, a toxic compound. Ingestion can lead to severe gastrointestinal distress, kidney and liver damage, and respiratory failure (ASPCA, 2021).
Tulips and Hyacinths (Tulipa and Hyacinthus): While the entire plant can cause irritation, the bulb is particularly toxic. If ingested, it can lead to symptoms like excessive drooling, vomiting, or even difficulty breathing (Pet Poison Helpline, 2021).
Dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia): Also known as dumb cane, this popular houseplant is dangerous for dogs. The crystals found within the plant can cause severe inflammation, difficulty swallowing, and in severe cases, asphyxiation (ASPCA, 2021).
Lilies (Lilium spp.): Although more toxic to cats, lilies can also pose a threat to dogs, causing gastrointestinal symptoms and, in some cases, kidney failure (Pet Poison Helpline, 2021).
Daffodils (Narcissus): These cheerful spring bloomers contain lycorine, a compound that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, low blood pressure, and heart problems in dogs (Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 2021).
Yew (Taxus): Often used in hedges and ornamental landscapes, yew is deadly. Its needles and seeds can cause a sudden drop in heart rate, muscle tremors, and in severe cases, death (ASPCA, 2021).
Creating a landscape that’s beautiful and safe for your pets is an attainable goal. Avoid these plants in your garden, and always consult with your landscape service about pet-safe alternatives. Supervise your pets while they’re outdoors, and if you suspect plant poisoning, contact your vet immediately.
