We know that you love your garden, you also love your pets, and sometimes your pets love to chew on the plants in your garden which is why it is important to select plants that are safe for your pet if they do happen to ingest your beautiful vegetation. Some poisonous plants can cause a range of medical problems, from an upset stomach and vomiting to being outright life-threatening. It is important for pet owners to know how to identify these plants and steer clear of them to protect their furry friends.

Plants That Are Toxic to Dogs and Cats

You have a beautiful yard for your dog to play in and a lovely garden for beloved feline to relax in. But did you know that some plants are toxic to your dogs and cats? Rethink your spring gardening selections by knowing which plants to avoid for pet safety.

Steer Clear of Tulips

These are among the most popular spring bulb-based plants, but they also happen to contain allergenic lactones and alkaloids concentrated in the bulb. The flowers and leaves are not an issue, but if the pet digs up the bulbs and takes a bite, it can result in excessive drooling, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Keep Cats Away From Lilies

Cats are susceptible to serious kidney damage if they ingest any part of a Tiger Lily, Day Lily, Easter Lily, or Asiatic Lily. Potentially fatal consequences are possible when a cat eats as few as 2 or 3 petals or leaves from these varieties. If your cat has ingested any amount of these particular lilies, get it to a vet immediately.

Oleander is a NOleander for Pet Owners

The oleander is a large shrub used often in outdoor landscapes. However, the oleander’s leaves and flowers are highly toxic to pets, resulting in vomiting and a reduced heart rate that can be fatal.

Azaleas: Pretty but Deadly for Pets

Azaleas produce beautiful flowers that enhance many gardens, but this attractive plant can be extremely toxic for pets. If the pet eats just a few leaves from the azalea plant it can result in severe vomiting and diarrhea, as well as excessive drooling. If the pet falls into a coma, the ingestion of this plant could be fatal.

Foxglove Plants are Toxic to Dogs and Cats

Regardless of the beautiful floral spires, the foxglove is highly toxic to dogs and cats. Ingesting foxglove can cause heart arrhythmias, diarrhea, vomiting, and cardiac failure resulting in death.

Sago Palm can Threaten Your Pet’s Life

These ornamental palms are extremely toxic to pets, leading to life threatening symptoms that include excessive vomiting, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, liver damage, and liver failure. These plants grow in more tropical plant hardiness zones so those who live in the mid-northern U.S. will not have to worry about their pets getting ahold of the sago palm.

English Ivy: Popular but Extremely Dangerous to Pets

This popular decorative vine contains a toxin called triterpanoid saponin that can be a heath hazard for pets. If dogs or cats eat the leaves of the English ivy plan it can result in diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

Landscaper List provides a comprehensive, nationwide list of landscaping resources. Contact a landscape company in your area for assistance in selecting pet-safe plants or plants to avoid for pet safety.