Every now and then, dogs and cats start itching for more fiber in their diets. This usually ends up with them chewing up your yard plants or parts of your garden. Normally, this isn’t disastrous. It clues you in that you need to perhaps change their feed or something similar. However, there are many common plants in your yard that look harmless, but are really poisonous to dogs and cats. Some of these cause annoying side effects, but some can cause more severe reactions, and even death. Here are a few common yard and garden plants you should avoid if you have pets.
Daffodils
Also known as Narcissus and Jonquils, these sunny perennials are a favorite in spring. If your pet has a propensity for digging up bulbs in the flower gardens though, you should be concerned. To dogs and cats, this lovely flower causes severe abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or even heart attack in rare cases.
Hydrangea
These beautiful drooping blossoms exude a sense of peace and calm. However, they contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can cause lethargy and diarrhea in dogs and cats. The greatest concentration of cyanogenic glycosides are in the flowers and leaves, but all parts are poisonous. If your pet seems to have eaten any part of the plant, even if they appear normal, take them to the vet. For more on Hydrangea poisoning, visit http://pets.thenest.com/hydrangeas-poisonous-cats-10246.html
Azalea
Azalea leaves can cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and even send your pet into a coma. Warning signs are abnormal weakness, blindness, and abnormal heartbeat. If you think your pet has eaten Azalea, take him to the doctor immediately. With proper treatment, most pets recovery quickly.
Holly Berries
Holly makes good ground cover if you’re trying to hide an a/c unit or add a little color to your yard, but the bright red berries are toxic. http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/holly/ says that for most dogs, the symptoms will be merely vomiting, diarrhea, and inappetite. Do take your pet to the vet if they have eaten holly, just in case.
Holly is notoriously difficult to remove, so a fence around the holly, if possible, can keep pets out or remove it all together.
Sago Palm
This common palm can be found on every Georgian street. They can grow to great sizes, and their dark foliage is more attractive than the drier California Fan Palm. However, the Sago is not a palm at all, but a sycad. Sycad contain toxic cycasin, the consumption of which causes horrific damage to a pet. Sago Palm can cause the stomach lining to deteriorate, bloody stool, vomiting, liver failure, and even death if not treated in time. If you pet has ingested Sago Palm, drop everything and take him to the vet, immediately.
Avoiding these plants will keep your precious pet safe and healthy. If you have these in your yard, remove them or make sure your pet won’t have access to them. Keeping your animals safe is your top priority so make sure your yard is pet-friendly.
