by Sabrina Martin

Created on: July 14, 2009   Last Updated: July 15, 2009

A lush and beautiful garden doesn't look harmful, and the sweet scent of flowers in full bloom certainly doesn't smell harmful. But did you know there are many common garden plants that are poisonous to pets?

The garden's attractiveness mixed with the curios appetite of a bumbling dog or frisky cat can prove deadly. It's true, sometimes beauty can be deceiving.

Yet there's no need to rush outside and dig up the garden or lock the pets inside. All you need is a way to identify which garden plants are poisonous to pets, and a way to keep the pets and the garden separate.

Below are some common garden plants that are poisonous to dogs according to a list that was compiled by dogpack.com.

1. Many bulbs are poisonous to pets. For instance, the daffodil bulb, gladiolas, hyacinth, and tulip bulbs can be harmful to a dog if ingested.

2. Ferns as well as some flowering plants such as, hydrangeas and poinsettias.

3. Onion and tomato plants as well as other perennials such as the morning glory or foxglove are also dangerous.

4. Lilies, azaleas, and ivy vines.

5. Some shrubs, including holly and rhododendron bushes.

6. Trees that are poisonous to dogs are, avocado, Buddhist pine tree, and the yew.

There are many common garden plants that are poisonous to cats as well. Some of them are listed below.

1. Azaleas

2. Chrysanthemums

3. Daffodils

4. Hydrangeas

5. Ivy

Not all of these plants will cause death in a cat or dog if ingested. Most of them will create gastrointestinal upset which can result in nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some of them, however, such as ivy, can prove deadly if eaten.

In most cases pets will not eat these plants. Many people have large gardens full of these plants, allowing their pets to roam free, without a problem. But it is a good idea to educate yourself about these things if you are a pet owner who also keeps a garden.

The best thing to do if you have a curios pet that likes to dig or chew things, or if you'd simply like to take precautions is to keep some sort of barrier between your pets and the garden such as a fence. Granted this may not always be effective in keeping pets out, especially cats that can climb fences, but it does work as a deterrent, making it less likely pets will get in.

There's no need to panic. A little knowledge and careful planning is usually enough to prevent pets from ingesting and experiencing the harmful effects of poisonous plants. If you're pet does eat any of the plants listed here, however, or shows any signs such as lethargy, panting, vomiting, diarrhea, or exhibits abnormal behaviors it is important to get them to a Veterinarian immediately.

* For an extensive list of every outdoor garden plants that are poisonous to dogs, visit dogpack.com at the following link: http://www.dogpack.com/health/poisonplants.htm

* For an extensive list and photos of plants that are toxic to cats, visit about.com at the following link: http://cats.about.com/od/catsafety/ss/toxicplants.ht m

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