Outdoor plants and flowers are a beautiful addition to any garden and can bring life, color, and texture to an otherwise dull space. But if you’re a pet owner, you may want to take extra caution when selecting plants for your garden.
Many common outdoor plants and flowers are actually poisonous to dogs if ingested.
Tulips – Although tulips are beloved for their bright colors and cheerful blooms, they can cause severe gastrointestinal issues in dogs if eaten. Tulip bulbs contain toxins that can lead to drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, and depression.
Lilies – Lilies are one of the most popular springtime flowers but they can be especially dangerous for cats. Dogs may not be as affected as cats but lilies still contain toxins that can cause mild stomach upset or more serious complications such as loss of appetite or respiratory issues.
Azaleas – Azaleas are a popular flowering shrub that is grown in many gardens across the US. However, azaleas contain a toxin called grayanotoxin which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, weakness or even paralysis in dogs if ingested.
Daffodils – Daffodils are another type of flower commonly grown in gardens throughout the US. The bulbs of daffodils contain lycorine which is toxic to both humans and animals if ingested in large quantities.
Symptoms of toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, convulsions and even cardiac arrhythmias.
Conclusion:
It is important for pet owners to be aware of the potential dangers that certain outdoor plants and flowers can pose to their four-legged friends. If you have pets in your home or garden it is best to research common poisonous plants before selecting them for your garden or yard. By taking these precautions you can help keep your pet safe from harm.
