After a long winter we are always itching to get out and plant. We wait for the first bulbs to appear and the forsythia to bloom to know that Spring is on the way. Thank goodness, I say. This year, due to our unusual weather, my bulbs started to sprout early. Great to see them but we always get a late frost, which makes them want to hide again. But, I hit the garden centers and nurseries as soon as I know the spring flowers have arrived. This is two-fold.
I also own a landscaping/gardening business, so this is my season and customers start calling. I know not everything will be available yet but I love seeing what’s arrived and new. When I am picking out flowers, for myself or customers, I am always mindful if they have pets who will be sharing the space. Gardening with pets in mind is the best way to keep them safe and happy.
Gardening with Pets
Did you know that there are many flowers that are poisonous to your pets (and sometimes your children and you)? We always want everyone to enjoy the yard and need to be respectful to all. I would not want to plant something only to find out that it did harm or had to be removed. Gardening with your pets in mind can limit some of the plants you get but there are so many others that you can enjoy and maybe will find a new love.
Harmful Plants
Lilies
Around Easter the stores are plentiful with lilies. As soon as you are close you can just smell them. To me, they are very distinct and I can smell them a good bit away. I really enjoy the smell, but it’s not for everyone. That’s okay. But any type of lily should be kept away from your pets (both cats and dogs).
Discomfort can include diarrhea, vomiting, excessive drooling, decreased appetite and possible heart failure with lilies.
Daffodils
One of the first flowers to bloom every year. We wait for their beautiful heads to pop letting us know that spring is on its way. But they can also be a target for a dog out enjoying the yard as well. Just a munch here or there. No big deal, right? Wrong.
Eating these flowers can cause intestinal spasms, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors and low blood pressure.
Gladiola
These beautiful flowers are the backbone of many gardens. They stand tall with multiple flowers going down the stems. They come in an array of colors to compliment any garden. The bulbs are planted in the fall for a summer show.
If your dog were to eat these they will likely experience drooling, lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea.
Ivy
Ivy is known for climbing houses and covering, well, everything. It is beautiful in its own right. It can grow almost anywhere and fills in spaces quickly. But it is also difficult to keep tame. This is a plant that can be grown in a container to enjoy the beauty and keep it away from your pets.
Ingestion of ivy can cause abdominal pain, excessive salivation, vomiting and diarrhea.
Aloe
Who would have thought that this wonderful homeopathic plant could be toxic to your pets? We use it for cuts and burns. Aloe juice has recently become very popular.
Many people grow these plants in their homes for easy access but others also grow them in the yard. Either way they are not good for your pets.
Symptoms of aloe ingestion are tremors, central nervous system depression, lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea.
Tomato Plants
Thousands of people plant tomatoes every year. We can’t wait for the new varieties and planting them in our gardens. While tomatoes are good for your pets, the plant is not.
Tomato plant ingestion can cause weakness, slow heart rate, dilated pupils, confusion, drowsiness and gastrointestinal issues.
Azalea
Azaleas are one of the most beautiful bushes that also flower. In the southeast you will find them in many landscapes as they are able to tolerate sun and some shade. Grown and trimmed together, they also produce a gorgeous hedge.
But if a dog were to start chewing on this bush they are likely to have serious gastrointestinal issues, a weak heart rate, discoordination and can be potentially life threatening.
Tulips
If you go to any public garden in the spring you will see tulips by the hundreds. You could not ask for a more breathtaking site. We are not the only one’s that they attract, so are many dogs.
If a dog were to eat tulips they will likely show gastrointestinal problems, central nervous system depressions, convulsions and possible death.
Mums (Chrysanthemum)
We are likely to see these flowers in the fall. They come in an array of colors such as yellow, purple, orange and red. But if you’re like me, you plant them in your garden afterwards for them to come back year after year.
If your pet eats one of these they are likely to experience drooling, skin rash, vomiting and diarrhea.
Begonia
Begonias are a beautiful shade loving plant. It is a great way to provide color to your shade garden along with hostas and ferns.
Eating a begonia will likely cause drooling, vomiting and irritation in the mouth.
Conclusion
Gardening with your four-legged friends can be a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors. However, it pays to stay alert when pairing plants and pets – while some vegetation may only cause minor discomfort in our beloved pets, others have more dangerous effects that can prove deadly if ingested. Regardless, make sure whoever is tending to your garden knows which species are hazardous so you can keep all of them safe!
What other plants do you know that are toxic to animals?
If you are interested in learning more about adopting a new pet, check out this post: Are You Ready to Adopt a Pet
If you found this post helpful, please share it with someone who may benefit from it. I greatly appreciated your support! It may save a pet’s life.
