Aug 16th 2020
Backyard plants dangerous to our dogs and cats
As summer 2020 rolls along and the worldwide pandemic continues, the back yard has becomes our most frequented vacation destination. Now is a great time to further educate ourselves and take inventory of plants that are toxic to our dogs and cats.
Here is a list of the more common plants and flowers that may be dangerous for your pet:
Almond, apricot, cherry, nectarine, peach, and plum trees and shrubs
Aloe Vera
Amaryllis
Caster Bean
Chrysanthemum
Cyclamen
Corn Plant
Daphne
Daylily and True Lily
Dogbane
English Ivy
Foxglove
Gloriosa Lily
Golden Pothos
Hibiscus
Hyacinth and Tulip (especially the bulbs)
Hydrangea
Kalanchoe
Lily-of-the-Valley
Mother-in-Law Tongue
Mountain Laurel
Narcissus, Daffodil, Paperwhite, and Jonquil
Oleander
Peace Lily
Philodendron
Poison Ivy
Poison Parsnip
Poison Hemplock
Poinsettia
Rhododendron and Azalea
Rosary Pea
Sago Palm
Schefflera
Stinging Nettle
Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow Plant
Yew Bush
The potentially dangerous items listed above can vary from mildly toxic while others may cause severe illness or even death. The degree of toxicity depends on different factors, such as the type of animal (cat, dog, or other species), the amount ingested; and the part of plant ingested (bulb, leaf, or flower). You can find more detailed toxicity information for the above items and other dangers for pets on the website of a pet poison control center (see contact information below).
Act Quickly
If you think your pet has eaten something potentially dangerous, call your veterinarian or a pet poison control center right away.
Pet Poison Control Centers
Pet Poison Helpline, 855-764-7661, http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, 888-426-4435, www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
Author’s note: Steve Whitney is a degreed environmentalist (MS, BS, OSU, Natural Resources) and a lifelong owner and trainer of horses, dogs and cats. He is also the owner ofSit. Stay. Forever. Safety First Pet Products