Pet-Safe Plant Choices - What Common Plants Are Toxic? 🐕
For those of us with furry friends, we know that pretty much anything can be on their food menu… including your plants! And unfortunately, not everything in the garden will be a tasty treat for your pets. Read below to learn about common toxic plants, recommended alternatives, and what to do if your pet ingests a toxic plant.
Common Plants Toxic to Pets
Hostas: Deer love them as you may have learned from prior experiences! But for dogs and cats, they can lead to vomiting and diarrhea.
Hydrangeas, Rhododendron and Azaleas: We love all of these shrubs! But unfortunately, they can be harmful to pets. They can all cause gastrointestinal issues, and in severe cases, the Rhododendron genus can cause cardiovascular failure.
Daffodils and Tulips: These pops of color in the early spring can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain if your pets decide to chew on them. The most toxic parts are the bulbs, which obviously don’t pose much threat, unless your pets decide to dig them up!
English Ivy and Wisteria: Both of these common climbers are toxic to pets, causing symptoms ranging from drooling to severe gastrointestinal distress. Wisteria can also be especially toxic to humans. Since they’re invasive (excluding native wisteria), there are plenty of reasons to move on from this plant in the garden.
Boxwood and Yew: These evergreen hedges may give you a natural fence line, but they’re both highly dangerous to pets. All parts of the yew plant (especially the berries) are highly toxic and can cause sudden death in pets. Boxwoods contain toxic alkaloids that can cause gastrointestinal distress and respiratory problems
Iris, Peonies, and Lantana: These common perennial flowers are stunning in bloom, but they can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even liver damage.
Aloe Vera: Yes! Aloe, something so beneficial for humans, can cause vomiting, lethargy, and diarrhea if dogs or cats take a taste.
Native Pet-Friendly Alternatives
Purple Coneflower, Monarda, Black-eyed Susan: These hardy native perennials are safe for pets and add a splash of color to any garden. The list of non-toxic native flowers is long! These are just a few to consider.
Switchgrass, Muhly, River Oats: Most of our native grasses will add texture and movement to your garden without posing any harm to pets. It’s also great for erosion control and wildlife habitat. There are plenty of options to choose from, so give it a google. These are a few safe bets.
Beautyberry, Spicebush, Blueberry, Buttonbush, Serviceberry: These native shrubs will offer safety for pets, habitat for critters, and beauty to the garden.
What to Do if Your Pet Ingests a Toxic Plant?
Contact Your Veterinarian: Call your veterinarian immediately and provide them with as much information as possible, including:
- The type of plant ingested
- The amount consumed (if known)
- Any symptoms your pet is exhibiting
- Your pet’s size, breed, and age
Do Not Induce Vomiting Unless Directed: Only induce vomiting if specifically instructed by your veterinarian or a pet poison control center. Inducing vomiting can sometimes cause more harm, depending on the type of toxin ingested.
Contact a Pet Poison Control Center: If you cannot reach your veterinarian, consider calling a pet poison control hotline, such as the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center or the Pet Poison Helpline. They can provide guidance on what to do next.