Spring has sprung!

Spring has sprung! And, if you are like most American homeowners, that means lawn and garden season. But, do you choose landscaping plants or weed your garden with your pets in mind?

More research is emerging on the connection between house/ garden plants and pet poisoning.  One of the most common toxic plants is a weed, Deadly Nightshade (aka Belladona – seen below). It is not only poisonous to cats and dogs, it can also poison children as its berries contain atropine, known to cause respiratory issues as it limits saliva and fluid production.

 Another plant popular with gardeners is the common landscaping bush, the English Yew, which is one of the deadliest plants on the planet! Who doesn’t remember playing with those red berries as a child? Little did we know then that those berries contain a cardiac inhibitive with no known antidote!

The lovely rhododendron (with its cousin, the azalea) is a gorgeous bush, avid flowering plant, and deadly toxin!  All parts of this plant are deadly – causing severe cramping, vomiting, coma, and even death. Best to steer clear of this beauty all together!

 

These are a small sample of all the known toxic plants but some of the most common. For a more complete listing of poisonous plants, broken down for cats, dogs, and even horses, as well as a list of non-toxic ideas, check out the ASPCA’s website at the link below. 

A great guideline for the pet, and plant, lover in all of us!

Link to Toxic and Non-Toxic plant lists at the ASPCA:

http://www.aspca.org/Pet-care/poison-control/Plants.aspx