As spring arrives (hopefully!), many people will begin their spring planting. Some people prefer to plant gardens outdoors, either floral gardens or vegetable gardens. Others prefer potted plants on the deck or indoors. Despite your choice, it’s important to note that many plants are hazardous to dogs and cats.
Not every part of every plant is toxic. On some plants, the leaves are toxic. On others, it may be the seeds, or the flowers. Many flowers planted in spring start out in the form of bulbs, which can be fatal if ingested. And what dog doesn’t enjoy digging up what you worked so hard to plant?!
Lilies are common plants, especially around Easter, that are very poisonous to cats. Easter lilies, Day lilies, Tiger lilies, & Asian lilies are the most frequent culprits, causing vomiting, kidney failure, and even death.
Sago palms (aka Cycad) are increasing in popularity as household potted plants. These plants can cause liver failure & death when ingested. Other common household plants such as Devil’s Ivy, Philodendron, Elephant Ear & Dumbcane contain insoluble calcium oxalates, which can cause drooling, vomiting, and on rare occasions can cause difficulty breathing.
Other common plants which could pose a hazard to our dogs and cats include:
- Aloe - Amaryllis - Azalea - Bird of Paradise
- Branching Ivy - Caladium - Daffodil - Devil’s Ivy
- Emerald Fern - Eucalyptus - Ferns - Foxglove
- Honeysuckle - Hyacinth - Hydrangea - Iris
- Morning Glory - Narcissus - Nightshade - Oleander
- Philodendron - Poison Hemlock - Rhododendron - Tulip
- Water Hemlock - Wisteria
Note: This is not a conclusive list. For more toxic plants, please visit http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants/
Certain fertilizers and mulches may also be hazardous. Not only could they be poisonous, but they also pose a choking hazard as well as potentially causing an intestinal blockage if ingested. Read packaging carefully, and keep pets out of gardening supplies and away from your work area.
Another common toxin is the wild mushroom. These often spring up after a rainstorm. Before you let your dog outside, check the yard for these poisonous plants.
With spring planting also come herbicides and insecticides. These are also potential toxins for pets. Be sure to read the labels and directions. Keep pets away from sprayed areas until they are dry. If you have a lawn company treat your lawn, advise them that you have pets and ask them to use pet safe materials. Also ask for advice on when to allow your pets on the lawn again.
Keep an eye on your pets around your gardens this spring. Check plants often for signs that your pet may be chewing on them. If you think your pet may have eaten part of a plant, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 1-888-426-4435 with the name and part of the plant ingested, time it may have been ingested, and the weight of your pet.