Any Google search for plants toxic to pets will result in a full page list of plants that are harmful to animals. Some owners refuse to have certain plants in their homes and gardens. While others take a laissez faire approach and don't worry. What's a pet owner and lover of all plants to do?
I wish I knew.
We have cats and a golden retriever, and a recent addition of guinea hens. There's 20 acres and ticks galore. My kids are grown (ish) and I grow just about everything I can here in SW Michigan. I don't have to worry about my kids eating digitalis or lupine. But I have neices and nephews. And that worries me. They like to put anything and everything in their mouths, and they love to feed pets treats.
The list of toxic plants is too long to list in this blog post. My biggest concerns are lillies, buckwheat, coleus, dahlias, daffodils, chamomile, gladiolas, Ammi, hellebore, hydrangea, larkspur, mint, peony, dianthus, geranium, tarragon, tomatoes, tulips and yarrow. Whew. I knew there was a bunch!
I like to use the ASPCA website. You can search by pet type and see the reaction to individual plants. Check out the ASPCA website:
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants
I avoid planting anything they might eat nearby the house, the deck, water or food sources, their dog runs, and where they go to the bathroom. I don't leave tulip or plant bulbs out unattended where our pets can take one to play with or chew on. Trust me, they would! I don't tease them with the plants, or keep them within daily reach. I may grow crates of tulips and lillies, but it's not on my back deck or near food sources. We watch them when they are in the garden with us. If they are eating grass or sniffing at plants, I take note. Our pup is usually on a leash, because, well, our neighbors know Bennie really well! The cats, well. They have their own agenda.
Most plants seem to cause GI issues such as nausea, vomiting or diarhhea. Skin reactions are quite common as well. If you suspect your pet has ingested something harmful, experts recommend calling your vet or the ASPCA poison control 24-hour emergency poison hotline at 888-426-4435. Better to be safe than sorry.
