Spring is here! For all the green thumbs out there who love gardening, springtime means getting outside and waking up the yard and flower garden after a long winter’s nap. And for those who love spending time outside with their pet near a garden area, it’s important to know which springtime flowers, other plants, and garden fertilizers and chemicals can be dangerous to pets.
If you planted bulbs shallowly in the soil for some springtime color, remember that dogs love to dig in the dirt and bulbs just under the surface are an easy find. If a dog ingests the bulbs of flowers like daffodils, tulips and hyacinths, it could result in vomiting, diarrhea, and profuse drooling. Be sure to keep an eye on your pet in areas you know bulbs are planted.
Harmful bulbs: Proceed with caution when using tulips, daffodils, or hyacinth bulbs, as ingestion can result in vomiting, diarrhea, and profuse drooling.
Toxic Plants: Baby’s breath, boxwood, carnation, clematis, hydrangea, peony, and morning glory can all cause an upset stomach.
In areas your pet frequents, steer clear of plants like azaleas, crocus, foxglove, juniper, lantana, lilies, or rhododendron. These plants can cause organ damage, or even death in severe cases.
Plants are not the only thing in your garden that can be harmful to your pet. Chemicals like fertilizers and growth supplements, especially those containing carbonates and organophosphates, can be very harmful to your pet. Some symptoms your pet may experience if these chemicals are ingested are excessive drool, breathing problems, and seizures.
If you believe your pet has ingested any of these plants or chemicals, watch for the signs and symptoms of poisoning. Some possible symptoms include: vomiting, diarrhea, gas, excessive drool, breathing problems, shaking, and seizures. If your pet experiences any of these symptoms, call your veterinarian or a 24-hour poison help line for guidance and assistance.
We hope you will enjoy all that springtime has to offer as your garden awakens! Keeping these tips in mind will help you make sure your pet stays safe and protected.
