Toxic Outdoor Plants for Dogs and Cats

Toxic Plants for Your Pets

With nicer weather come some additional risks we need to be on the lookout for as pet owners. Plants are starting to grow back and thrive across most of the country, and it is important to get a handle on toxic plants in your yard as soon as possible so they do not spread.  This is also important information when you are planning your landscaping. This also goes for the vegetables, herbs, and fruits you may want to buy for your gardens. Keep your pets safe by always checking and eliminating any toxic plants in your yard.

What are toxic plants?

Toxic plants are any plants that can cause harm to your pet.  Some plants are entirely toxic, whereas other plants just have toxic parts. Different parts of a plant can also have different levels of toxicity. The entire avocado tree is toxic to dogs; however, the leaves, skin, and pit of the avocado are more dangerous if they are ingested than the roots or branches.

All toxic plants are not equal

It is important to know that not all toxic plants are the same. It is also important to realize that not all animals will react the same. Some plants (or parts of the plant) are only toxic to certain animals. Eucalyptus is toxic to many animals like cats and dogs, but it is the main food staple and is completely safe for Koalas.

Individual animals can also have different reactions to the same thing. Two dogs can eat the same thing and one may have an upset stomach whereas the other one could end up having to be rushed to the ER. The different reactions could be based on size, the amount consumed, medical factors, and just individual differences. The most similar example I can give is food allergies or a bee sting. Some people may just suffer from itchy skin and being miserable whereas another person could have their throat close-up and almost die. Unfortunately, you most likely will not know how severe of a reaction will happen until it is too late.

*This goes for other items like chocolate. I hear more and more people say that chocolate isn’t that bad for their pets because their dog has eaten it and nothing happened. Many factors contribute to reactions. Be careful what your pet can get into. You may not always be so lucky*

Possible symptoms

There is a wide arrange of symptoms that your pet could display if they had eaten a toxic plant. They could have several digestive issues such as throwing up or diarrhea. They could be lethargic, fearful, or have excessive drooling, muscle tremors, or even seizures. Due to the wide array of symptoms, it is best to keep an eye out for any sudden change in behavior, appetite, or bathroom use. This may not be due to plant toxicity, but it is better to be vigilant and proactive with any sudden change.

What to do if you suspect poisoning

If you suspect that your dog may have ingested any part of a toxic plant, you should monitor them for any symptoms that may arise and try to find out what plant they ate. Depending on the plant and symptoms they are showing you may want to bring them immediately to the nearest vet clinic or call ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for further directions. It is always helpful to have a first aid kit on hand. Find out what we recommend having in your first aid kit for you and your dog,

As mentioned before, some plants and pets can trigger different responses, sometimes fatal. Therefore, it is better to act quickly in these situations rather than sit back to wait to see what happens. Talk to a professional and follow all recommendations.

List of Plants Toxic to Dogs and Cats

Please remember that this is not a complete list of toxic plants. Be sure to check online before planting anything in your yard and what to watch out for during your travels. For more tips on what else you should do before your vacation with your dog, be sure to check out the corresponding post. Keep in mind, that some plants are more toxic than others. Before making your final decision on what you want to plant, make sure you know the risks and what symptoms to watch out for.

Toxic Vegetables and Herbs for Dogs and Cats

Common Toxic Flowers for Dogs and Cats

Dangerous Weeds for Dogs and Cats

Common Toxic Vines for Dogs and Cats

Conclusion

We all want to keep our pets healthy and safe and the best way to do that is to be aware of anything dangerous that they may encounter. By avoiding having toxic plants in our yards, we can be confident that there is one less danger out there to our pets. With regular yard checks to ensure we catch any toxic plants before they take root and spread, we can stay ahead of the problem. Even if you do not think that your pet would eat your plants, it is impossible to know that for sure. They often will nibble on different greenery such as blades of grass when they are outside. Please let me know if there is a common toxic plant for dogs and cats that I might have missed so I can add it to the list. Let’s do what we can to keep our fur kids safe!

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