Dogs Around Plants

For many dogs, nothing is more liberating than a good romp through the garden during the prime blooming season of spring and summer, but as a pet owner, make sure that your beautiful flower beds don't turn into a puppy buffet. Many flowers that we don't think twice about are deadly poisonous to our canine friends.

If you have planted tulip or narcissus bulbs and your dog likes to dig, keep a sharp eye out. If ingested, these bulbs can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation and depression of the central nervous system, along with convulsions. Azaleas and rhododendrons are also to be treated with caution, as they can cause your pet to become very sick, and sometimes even put them in a coma, culminating in death. The cyclamen, amaryllis, chrysanthemum, geranium, and peace lily have also been known to poison dogs, so be wary of planting these in your garden. Be especially careful with plants such as the crocus, calla lily, and foxglove, as these have been known to cause death.

While bouquets of flowers in your home can be quite beautiful, these also need to be watched with care. You never know when your dog could decide to be naughty and knock over the vase. Potted poinsettias are a common Christmas-time decoration, but if your pup gets a hold of one, it will result in an upset stomach and mouth irritation. The Easter lily will also cause significant problems to your pet, including stomach pains and vomiting, though it will not be fatal to the dog.

Overall, take extreme care with the floral decorations in your house and yard. Your dog is precious and there are plenty of flowers which can create a safe and lovely environment in your home.