We’ve all been praying for warmer weather and springtime. And, just like humans, your pets have been looking forward to warmer weather as well. If you have dogs and cats who are inside/outside animals, there are certain plants that you’re going to want to be careful of because they can be poisonous.
We’re not including lawns and grasses here but you do know that certain lawn pesticides can be problematic for your animals.
No, we’re talking about shrubs, vines, herbs and even flowers and trees that can poison your furry best friend. Here’s some information you can use and if you click on this link you can download and print a copy of the poisonous plants list from the Humane Society.
Not every part of a plant is toxic but we will tell you what parts are or, conversely, which plans are poisonous in their entirety.
Flowers
Autumn crocus: While this post is really about spring flowers, shrubs and vines if you plant autumn crocus bulbs in the spring they can poison your pets. The entire plant is toxic but if you like the flowers – especially in a fall garden that is dying back – plant them deeply in a container and hang it in a place where neither your cat nor your dog can get to it.
Bird of paradise: Only the pods of this plant are toxic so that’s what you need to look out for.
Daffodils: If you have a dog like a Jack Russell terrier whose middle name is “dig”, you want to make sure you do not plant your daffodils directly into the garden. The bulbs are poisonous to pets.
Jack in the pulpit: We love this wildflower but it’s not friendly to animals. The entire plant is poisonous, especially the roots and leaves.
Shrubs
Holly: This beautiful shrub produces berries in the fall and winter and also drops them on the ground. And it’s the berries that are toxic to animals.
Lupines: Lupines are a flowering shrub that are native to desert and drier areas. If you live in this kind of climate, please know that the seeds and pods are toxic to cats and dogs.
Garden Plants and Flowers
Potato: If you’re planning to grow potatoes in your garden this year, know that the shoots and sprouts of potatoes are poisonous to animals.
Nicotiana: Also known as a tobacco plant, the leaves of this garden flower are quite poisonous.
Philodendron: Many homeowners choose to put their house plants outside in the spring, summer and fall. Your philodendrons should either be kept inside or placed up high enough that dogs or cats can reach them. The entire plant is poisonous.
English ivy: This is actually an ornamental vine but we wanted to include it in the garden plants category. The entire plant is toxic especially the leaves and berries so keep it away from pets.
Download and print the entire poisonous plant list from the Humane Society and keep it handy to keep your pets happy and healthy.
Image credit: istockphoto.com