Most pet owners also have gardens, and most gardens have plants and flowers, which are pretty, but many outdoor plants can also be harmful to our pets. Moreover, some plants can even kill our pets, and many people don’t realize how potentially dangerous some ordinary plants can be for our pets. Therefore, in this article we will discuss some plants and flowers common in many gardens that can be hazardous to our pets, depending on where you live, so read on to learn more.
Poison Ivy is one you would think to be the most dangerous to our pets, while in fact there are many other plants far more dangerous. With that being said, poison Ivy can be dangerous although it’s not very common for pets to be affected by poison ivy due to their fur, which will make it hard for the oils to reach their skin. Nevertheless, signs your pet has been affected by poison ivy can be swelling and itching at the point of contact, vomiting or diarrhea and it can also cause stomach pain.
Another dangerous plant, is foxtails, which are potentially lethal to our pets, and although it’s probably not a plant you might purchase, in some states they are extremely common plants. Foxtails have spikelets that can attach to your pet with the little barbs, then the foxtail can work its way under the skin causing internal damage and even death. Therefore, after each walk you should brush your dog with a fine tooth comb, like a flea comb, as this may help to remove any harmful debris as well as flea and ticks that he may have picked up.
There are many other plants to be aware of that cannot be discussed in just one article, but other plants to look out for are Aloe, which can be toxic and Azalea which is highly toxic for pets. In addition, Carnation, Dahlia, Hibiscus, Holly, Lilies, Milkweed and even Morning Glory can all be either harmful or deadly to our pets. If you’re not sure if a plant is dangerous to your pet, the best bet is to get rid of it. Finally, if it is in your garden, it is best to speak with your local vet about which plants are especially lethal to your pet, so you are informed and can keep an eye out for dangers to your pet while out and about too.