by Tracy Thomas

Created on: July 09, 2009   Last Updated: July 15, 2009

Everyone loves a beautiful garden. The species and variety of plants you choose when landscaping your yard can add color and fragrance that will be enjoyed by all for many years to come. Yet quite a few of the common plants that are placed in gardens tend to hide a dark secret; if ingested, they can be toxic to your pets.

There are more than 700 plants that can cause toxic reactions in your pets with symptoms ranging from mild nausea to even death. It is important to take caution and consider the types of plants you place in your yard, especially in areas where your pets have ready access.

Following is a list of the most common toxic garden plants and the type of toxin that they contain:

Avocado (leaves, seeds, stem, fruit and skin): Cardiovascular toxin

Autumn Crocus (entire plant): Cardiovascular toxin

Azaleas (entire plant): Cardiovascular toxin

Bird-of-Paradise (pod): Gastrointestinal toxin

Boxwood (leaf): Gastrointestinal toxin

Calla Lilly (entire plant): Kidney/Organ failure toxin

Daffodil (bulbs): Gastrointestinal toxin

Day Lily (entire plant especially toxic to cats) Kidney/Organ failure toxin

English Ivy (entire plant): Gastrointestinal toxin

Foxglove (leaves): Cardiovascular toxin

Iris (leaves and roots): Gastrointestinal toxin

Lily of the Valley (entire plant): Cardiovascular toxin

Morning Glory (seeds and roots): Respiratory toxin

Narcissus (bulbs): Gastrointestinal toxin

Oaks (shoots and leaves): Kidney/Organ failure toxin

Oleander (leaves): Cardiovascular toxin

Potato (shoots, sprouts): Gastrointestinal toxin

Rhododendron (leaves) Cardiovascular toxin

Tomatoes (leaves and stem): Gastrointestinal and Respiratory toxin

Yew (bark, leaves, seeds): Cardiovascular toxin

There are many signs that your pet may have ingested a toxic plant. Those signs include diarrhea or vomiting, drooling, slobbering, frothing at the mouth, seizures, skin rash, and lethargy or staggering. If you suspect that your pet may have ingested a toxin, consider it an emergency and call your veterinarian immediately. If you know which plant the animal ingested, make sure you bring a sample of the plant in with you so the veterinarian can identify it. It is important to note that there can be a lag of from two to three days following ingestion of the toxin before any symptoms will appear.

Treatment for your pet may include the use of activated charcoal to bind the toxin and delay absorption in the intestinal tract, IV fluids or medication that induces more urine to flush the toxin out of the kidneys, blood or plasma transfusions, medication to control seizures, or anti nausea medication.

If your goal is to experience years of enjoyment from both your garden and your pets, think about replacing plants that are toxic to your animals or at least limit the access to those that appear on the list. Your animals will thank you and you will avoid many expensive veterinarian bills in the process.

Sources:

http://www.healthypet.com/library_view.aspx?id=133

http://www.dogs-central.com/dog-poisoning.htm

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