Poisonous Plants To Keep Your Dogs Away From

So you decide it’s time to add a new family member. Whether it be beast or baby there are things that need to be done around the house and yard to get ready for your new arrival.  Unlike kids, a puppy is chewing, digging and eating things in a matter weeks. This means your home has to be puppy proof BEFORE the puppy arrives. Or if your new dog is arriving for Christmas make special note of the common decorative plants that can be poisonous and even fatal to your dog.

One of the less talked about issues is that of poisonous landscape plants.  What we find attractive to look at could be deadly to a dog or puppy.  From rashes to death many of these plants are very common in landscapes and homes.  If you do not know what is growing in your yard, contact a local landscape company or nursery to identify all flowers and shrubs.  This one preventative step could not only save you an expensive trip to the veterinarian hospital, it could potentially save your dog’s life.

These common plants are know to cause dermatitis or rashes on your pooch.  Outside the home Cactus, Chrysanthemums, Ficus, Poison Ivy, Poison Oak and Poison Sumac need to be removed from the dog’s reach and Poison Ivy and Oak should be removed for everyone’s, dog and human, comfort.  Inside the house you need to keep Pothos Ivy, Primerose and Schefflera out of reach or better yet, out of the home if the dog is left inside.

The next group of plants are known to cause stomach upset from gas to diarrhea and vomiting.  Unless you know for certain that your dog or puppy has consumed one of these plants, always take your dog to the vet if severe diarrhea or vomiting exists, ESPECIALLY in a puppy, to find the cause.  Dehydration in a puppy can lead to serious conditions and should be taken seriously. Outside you will want to keep Amaryllis, Aster, Baby’s Breath, Boxwood, Cala Lily, Carnation, Chrysanthemums, Cyclamen, Daffodil, Freesia, Gladiolas, Holly, Hyacinth, Hydrangea, Kalanchoe, Peony, Morning Glory, Poinsettia and Tulip plants out of your dog’s yard.  Many of these plants are used inside for holiday decorating as well as common house plants; Pothos Ivy, Scheifflera, English Ivy, and Clematis all of which should be kept well away from the reach of your dog.

Now we are getting into the plants that have no business being anywhere near your dog’s yard or in your house if your dog comes in.  These plants cause damage to the organs such as the kidneys, liver, stomach and heart.  Though not fatal if the dog is treated immediately, permanent damage can be done if the dog consumes enough or is left unattended after consuming.  The Azalea (in small amounts), Crocus, Foxglove and Junipers.

These plants will cause DEATH in dogs and puppies and your dog should not be allowed any contact with them.  If you suspect your dog has consumed one of these plants call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 1-800-222-1222 IMMEDIATELY!  The plants are; Agapanthus, Azalea in large amounts, Cyclamen, Delphinium, Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia), Foxglove, Lantana, Larkspur, Mistletoe, Oleander, Rhododendron, Sago Palms.

Visit ASPCA’s website for more information on poison control and plant identification.