Canines Beware: Toxic & Poisonous Plants

 Tis the season for flowers being planted and blooming. Something many don't realize is that there are plants and flowers that can be toxic or poisonous to our furry canine best friends - especially for those who have pica. I have compiled some information on several flowers and plants to help keep your dogs safe!

Here are some of the most common toxic plants and flowers for dogs:

• Azalea
• Buttercups
• Chrysanthemums
• Gardenias
• Gladiolas
• Hibiscus
• Hyacinth
• Hydrangeas
• Mums
• Primroses
• Rhododendrons
• Sweet peas

These plants can cause a variety of symptoms in dogs, including vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, seizures, and even death. If you think your dog has eaten a toxic plant, it is important to call your veterinarian immediately.

Here are some tips to help keep your dog safe from toxic plants:

• Know the plants in your yard. If you are not sure whether a plant is toxic, it is best to err on the side of caution and keep your dog away from it. There is also a nifty app many phones can get from the play store called, "Lens," which can help you identify plants by taking a picture of it and allowing it to search Google using the picture you take.
• Keep plants out of reach of your dog. If you have plants that are toxic to dogs, it is important to keep them out of reach, such as on a high shelf or in a room that your dog cannot access.
• Supervise your dog when they are outside. Even if you think you have taken all the necessary precautions, it is still a good idea to supervise your dog when they are outside. This way, you can quickly intervene if they try to eat a toxic plant.

If you think your dog has eaten a toxic plant, it is important to call your veterinarian immediately. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action and provide treatment if necessary. This goes, not only for your home, but while out and about on your walks, too. Not all homes have pets, so there is little regard on what plants they add to their landscaping, or what wild flowers may grow on the route you walk your dogs.

Here are some additional information about the toxic plants and flowers mentioned above:

• Azalea: All parts of the azalea plant are toxic to dogs, including the leaves, flowers, and stems. Symptoms of azalea poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, seizures, and death.
• Buttercups: The leaves, stems, and flowers of the buttercup plant are toxic to dogs. Symptoms of buttercup poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, abdominal pain, and jaundice.
• Chrysanthemums: All parts of the chrysanthemum plant are toxic to dogs, but the leaves and flowers are the most toxic. Symptoms of chrysanthemum poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, seizures, and death.
• Gardenias: The leaves, flowers, and stems of the gardenia plant are toxic to dogs. Symptoms of gardenia poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and difficulty breathing.
• Gladiolas: The leaves, flowers, and bulbs of the gladiolus plant are toxic to dogs. Symptoms of gladiolus poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and seizures.
• Hibiscus: The leaves, flowers, and stems of the hibiscus plant are toxic to dogs. Symptoms of hibiscus poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and difficulty breathing.
• Hyacinth: The bulbs of the hyacinth plant are the most toxic part, but all parts of the plant are toxic to dogs. Symptoms of hyacinth poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, seizures, and death.
• Hydrangeas: The leaves, flowers, and stems of the hydrangea plant are toxic to dogs. Symptoms of hydrangea poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and difficulty breathing.
• Mums: All parts of the mum plant are toxic to dogs, but the leaves and flowers are the most toxic. Symptoms of mum poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and seizures.
• Primroses: The leaves, flowers, and stems of the primrose plant are toxic to dogs. Symptoms of primrose poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and difficulty breathing.
• Rhododendrons: All parts of the rhododendron plant are toxic to dogs, but the leaves and flowers are the most toxic. Symptoms of rhododendron poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, seizures, and death.
• Sweet peas: The leaves, flowers, and stems of the sweet pea plant are toxic to dogs. Symptoms of sweet pea poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and difficulty breathing.

If you are unsure whether a plant is toxic to dogs, it is always best to err on the side of caution and keep your dog away from it.

-The Shark Amongst the Paws