Protecting Your Dog from Flowers and Plants Toxic to Dogs

As a responsible dog owner, it’s essential to be aware of the various plants that can pose a threat to your dog’s health. Many common indoor plants, outdoor landscaping plants, trees shrubs, and even vegetable garden plants can be harmful or deadly to dogs if ingested. In this article, we’ll explore the most common toxic plants for dogs in these three categories and provide you with the information you need to keep your canine companion safe from harmful flowers and other dangerous plants. Additionally, it’s important to note that using dog waste as fertilizer in grass or gardens is not safe, as it can contain harmful bacteria and parasites that can be detrimental to both plants and human health.

Garden Plants to Watch Out For

• Tomato Plants (Solanum lycopersicum): The leaves and stems of tomato plants contain solanine, which can cause gastrointestinal upset and nervous system problems if ingested by dogs. However, ripe tomatoes are generally safe for dogs to eat.
•  Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum): The leaves of rhubarb contain high levels of oxalic acid, which can lead to kidney failure in dogs.
• Onions and Garlic (Allium spp.):  These vegetables contain thiosulfate, which can damage dogs’ red blood cells and cause anemia.

In a typical vegetable garden, these would be the main threats to dogs. Most other common vegetable plants like tomatoes (ripe fruit is okay), carrots, lettuce, etc. are generally safe for dogs to ingest in small amounts, although large quantities can still cause digestive upset.

The key is really monitoring your dog closely when they are around any vegetable garden and keeping them away from the potato plants, rhubarb leaves, and any onions/garlic growing. Proper fencing or supervision is recommended.

Outdoor Flowers and Toxic Plants, Trees and Shrubs

• Rhododendrons and Azaleas (Rhododendron spp.): These beautiful shrubs contain grayanotoxins that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and even coma or death in severe cases.
• Oleander (Nerium oleander): All parts of this shrub are highly toxic and can cause severe digestive issues, heart problems, and potentially fatal outcomes.
• Daffodils (Narcissus spp.) and Tulips (Tulipa spp.): The bulbs of these spring flowers are particularly toxic to dogs, causing symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and even cardiac issues.
• Hydrangeas (Hydrangea spp.): The leaves and flowers of hydrangeas contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can result in vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy if ingested.
• Foxglove (Digitalis spp.): All parts of this plant are toxic and can cause severe cardiac issues, including irregular heartbeat and heart failure.
• Yew (Taxus spp.): This evergreen shrub or tree contains toxic compounds called taxine alkaloids. All parts are poisonous and can cause stomach upset, breathing difficulties, and even heart failure in dogs.
• Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale): This flowering plant contains colchicine, which is highly toxic and can cause severe vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding, liver and kidney damage in dogs.
• English Ivy (Hedera helix): While the berries are mildly toxic, the leaves and stems contain triterpenoid saponins that can cause drooling, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea if ingested by dogs.

When landscaping your backyard, thoughtful plant selection can help create a safer space for your dog by avoiding toxic options. While out on hikes or walks, stay vigilant as you may encounter poisonous plants, trees, and shrubs. With proper precautions at home and awareness when exploring outdoors, you can reduce the risk of accidental toxic exposures and keep your furry companion safe from harmful flora.

Indoor Flowers and Toxic Plants to Keep Your Dog Away From

• Lilies (Lilium spp. and Hemerocallis spp.): Types: Peace Lily, Calla Lily, Lily of the Valley. Toxins can cause symptoms ranging from gastrointestinal upset to kidney failure and even death.
• Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta): All parts are toxic, especially the seeds. Can cause liver failure and potentially fatal outcomes.
• Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) and Philodendrons: Contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. Can irritate the mouth, throat, and stomach, leading to oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
• Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis): The gel is generally safe, but ingesting the whole leaf can cause vomiting and diarrhea due to saponins.
• Asparagus Fern (Asparagus setaceus): Can cause gastrointestinal upset and, in some cases, skin irritation and allergic reactions.
• Cyclamen (Cyclamen spp.): These flowering plants contain saponins that are toxic to dogs, potentially causing digestive issues like vomiting and diarrhea.
• Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane): Contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing in dogs.

When decorating your own home, choose indoor plants carefully to cultivate a pet-friendly environment free of toxic risks for your canine companion. Remain watchful and attentive when visiting others’ homes, having your dog cared for elsewhere, or in unfamiliar indoor settings, as toxic houseplants may be unknowingly present. By being thoughtful about the greenery in your personal space and exercising caution in new surroundings, you can help protect your furry friend from accidental poisoning.

By familiarizing yourself with the toxic plants for dogs mentioned in this guide and taking necessary precautions, you can create a safer environment for your furry companion. If you suspect your dog has ingested any of these harmful flowers or plants, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control helpline immediately for guidance. Remember, prevention is key when protecting your dog from toxic plants.