Plants and Dogs – They Don’t Always Get Along!

As our dogs become more and more a part of the family, they typically are given more freedom to wander around our home or yard. This makes it very important to be aware that some house plants, be it in your home or garden, may be harmful or fatal if eaten.

Flowers, while beautiful to look at, can be poisonous to your dog. Keep bulbs such as daffodils or hyacinth out of your dog’s reach. If eaten, they can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea and may be fatal.

In the yard, be aware that an iris’ underground stem may cause severe, but not usually serious, digestive upset. Bulbs from a crocus may cause vomiting and nervous excitement. Lily of the valley and foxglove have caused irregular heartbeat and pulse accompanied by digestive upset and mental confusion. In large amounts, foxglove may be fatal.

There’s nothing better than fresh vegetables in the summertime. However, sharing them with Fido isn’t always a good idea. One of the worse offenders is rhubarb leaves. If eaten in large amounts, they can be fatal. Tomatoes can be somewhat problematic to dogs with lethargy, drooling and diarrhea. Though great on burgers, onions or garlic can cause their share of problems if fed in large amounts, including anemia and weakness.

One way of keeping our homes looking nice is landscaping. When landscaping a dog-friendly yard, avoid plants or shrubs that will produce berries and seeds. What could be more tempting than bright berries on the ground? Some of the berries from yew, jasmine or wisteria can cause mild to severe digestive upset, such as nausea, vomiting or may be fatal. It is best to consult with your local nursery for the best advice on a pet-friendly yard.

If you think your dog has eaten something he/she shouldn’t, a call to your local veterinarian can be the best course of action. Give them a description of your dog’s symptoms and they will be able to direct you.

Remember what they say about best-laid plans, as long as you are always proactive and use good common sense, you and Fido will have a long, happy, healthy relationship.