Spring Prep: Gardening Do’s And Don’ts

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Whether you have indoor plant babies or are into gardening come springtime, some plants can be highly toxic to your furry family members. Having a green thumb and a pet can mix well, as long as you make sure to select plants that are safe for your animals, or do a great job of keeping them separate.

Here’s a list of some common toxic plants:

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Tulips are toxic to dogs, cats and horses. They cause vomiting, diarrhea, depression and hypersalivation. The most toxins exist in the bulb part of the plant.

Sago palm can be deadly to dogs, cats and horses. If you suspect your pet has eaten any amount, contact your vet right away. These plants cause liver damage.

Rhododendron (also known as azaleas) can cause heart problems in dogs, cats and horses.

Dumb cane (dieffenbachia) can burn the inside of your dog or cat's mouth and cause difficulty swallowing.

Lilies are only toxic to cats, but they do cause kidney failure, so contact your vet right away if your cat has ingested some.

Instead, try these non-toxic alternatives:

African violet

Boston fern

Magnolia bushes

Fuchsias

Money plants

These are just a few suggestions. The ASPCA has an exhaustive list of plants and interactions with dogs, cats and even horses. It’s a great resource you can find here.

If your dog or cat is acting lethargic, having trouble breathing, or your pet-parent instincts are telling you something is off, speak to your vet, or call the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) or the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Hotline (888-426-4435).

Check out these links for more of our pets coverage:

-FDA Says Dogs Are OK In Outdoor Dining Areas

-Rare ‘Unicorn’ Kitten Found In Colorado Shed

-How To Keep Pets Safe During Severe Weather

-Is Sargassum Seaweed Dangerous For Pets?

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