When Plants Are Poisonous: Keeping Your Pet Safe This Summer

The fact that there are over 700 plant varieties that can make your pet sick is a startling one.   Reactions can range from dermatitis to death; so, it’s critical to keep a keen eye on your pet when you’re out and about now that the warmer weather is upon us and gardening season has begun.

Starting with the basics, something you’re absolutely certain to encounter on daily walks is grass.  Obviously it’s something you’re not going to avoid, but if you see a sign that a lawn has been chemically treated recently it’s best to steer clear of that space and allow your pet to use other, safer facilities.   Even if your dog is not a big grass eater (some dogs love to nibble on it, be it to ease an upset tummy, or enjoy some sweet grass as a snack) the problem occurs when they walk on the chemically treated lawn and then lick their paws.  So, if you see a sign, encourage your dog to explore the new sniffs on a safer lawn.

A Beagle Trots Along On The Grass During His Walk

Given that there’s hundreds of plants that can cause illness, it’s impossible to provide a comprehensive complete list here. The severity of the reaction can often depend on the part of the plant eaten and the amount ingested.  The most toxic plants are:  Potato, Tomato, Onion, Apricot, and Rhubarb (edible stems, toxic leaves).   Flowering plants that are terribly toxic to our pets include(but aren’t limited to) the Autumn Crocus,  Azaleas, Tulips, Lilly’s, Lilly of the Valley, Oleander, Cyclamen, Amaryllis, and Clematis.

Though dogs often naturally avoid eating plants they shouldn’t, it’s always best to just to keep them from coming into contact with the danger in the first place.

If you love to garden, and are also a pet parent some helpful tips are to avoid planting anything that’s poisonous to your pet, or others, in a space where they can access it.   Always keeping a watching eye, and training them to establish clear boundaries as to the areas they’re allowed to venture are necessary steps to be taken to ensure their safety.   Be sure to place a secure fence around your garden, and place any planters in an area that are out of a pet’s reach.   By providing your pet their very own space in the yard with access to fresh water, a shaded shelter, toys, and perhaps even their own kiddie pool will help to detract them from seeking out adventures in areas they don’t belong.

These Labradors Enjoying Summer Fun

If you suspect your pet has ingested anything, and especially if they are displaying signs of illness, seek out veterinary attention immediately.  If you know, or suspect you know,what your pet may have eaten be sure to take note of what it is, and let their medical provider know.

Nothing keeps your pet safer than paying attention to what they’re into, and up to.   So, be mindful and aware of your surroundings, and what your canine companion is sniffing.

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References:

Via Pet MD| Pet Helpful | Canidae |  Gardening with Dogs