A Word of Caution for Pet Owners
Like many Pittsburghers, I’m happiest in my garden. I go crazy with flowers, using hanging baskets and annuals to provide a nice color scheme to our flower beds and outside living areas. My gardens also include many perennials that are enjoyed year after year.
When I brought my yellow lab home, I took inventory of all the plants and flowers in her reach. Being a puppy, I knew she could get in trouble if she ingested the wrong plants. Even as a grown dog, she gets into things in the yard as many dogs do.
I asked Dr. Doug Knueven, of the Beaver Animal Clinic, to offer some suggestions regarding your garden.
When planning your garden, it is important to take your pets into consideration. Both dogs and cats sometimes partake of the vegetation that is made available to them. If your pet is able to access your garden, then it is possible they will eat some of its vegetation. A surprising number of garden plants are toxic if consumed by pets and can cause a wide range of serious problems. The following is only a partial list of toxic garden plants.
Azalea, Calla Lily, Clematis, Daffodil, Dieffenbachia, Easter Lily, English Ivy, Gladiolas, Holly, Hyacinth, Iris, Morning Glory, Oleander, Philodendron Pertusum, Rhododendron, and Tulip.
For a complete listing of toxic plants and other poisonous substances, check out the ASPCA animal poison control web site at ww.aspca.org. It may not be practical to eliminate all of the potentially toxic plants from your gardens. If this is the case, then either restrict your pet’s access to the garden with a fencing system or watch him very closely when outside.
Another garden hazard to your pet is cocoa bean shell mulch. This pleasant smelling garden accessory is a by-product of chocolate production and has recently gained popularity among homeowners. Some dogs find the mulch irresistible and may eat large quantities of it. Unfortunately, the shells contain a toxin called theobromine which can cause seizures, heart arrhythmias, and death in the unsuspecting animals.
If you think that your pet has consumed a toxic plant, call your veterinarian immediately. The ASPCA also has an emergency Animal Poison Control Center Hotline available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at (888) 426-4435. There is a charge for using this service.
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