Let’s find alternatives to harmful outdoor plants for your dogs.
Gardening enthusiasts often find solace and joy in tending to their outdoor spaces. However, when you share your home with a furry friend, it’s essential to be aware of the plants in your garden that can be harmful and pose risks to your beloved canine companion. In this post, we will explore harmful outdoor plants for your dogs and provide pet-friendly alternatives for a safe and enjoyable garden for everyone!
1. Azaleas and Rhododendrons
Harmful Plants: Azaleas and rhododendrons are beautiful flowering shrubs that contain grayanotoxins, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and even more severe symptoms if ingested by dogs.
Pet-Friendly Alternatives: Consider planting dog-safe alternatives like butterfly bushes (Buddleia) or potentilla. These plants add color and attract pollinators without posing a threat to your pet.
2. Oleander
Harmful Plant: Oleander is a striking but toxic shrub. All parts of the plant contain compounds that can lead to cardiac issues, tremors, and even fatalities in dogs.
Pet-Friendly Alternatives: Opt for non-toxic options like roses, sunflowers, or lavender to create a beautiful and safe garden for your dog.
3. Foxglove
Harmful Plant: Foxglove is known for its tall spikes of tubular flowers. However, it contains toxins that can affect a dog’s heart, causing irregular heartbeat and other severe symptoms.
Pet-Friendly Alternatives: Plant foxglove alternatives such as coneflowers (Echinacea) or black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia) to maintain a vibrant garden that won’t harm your pet.
Combat Max 12 Month Roach Killing Bait, Small Roach Bait Station, Child-Resistant, 18 Count
$15.39 (as of July 21, 2024 23:37 GMT +00:00 – More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Raid Wasp & Hornet Killer Spray, Bug Killer Kills the Entire Nest, 14 Oz, 2 Count
$9.99 (as of July 21, 2024 23:37 GMT +00:00 – More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
TERRO T300B Liquid Ant Killer, 12 Bait Stations
$10.47 (as of July 21, 2024 23:37 GMT +00:00 – More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
DFAGIE Fly Trap Indoor(1 Device + 5 Glue Cards), Plug-in Flying Insect Trap for Mosquito, Flies, Fruit Flies, Moths, Gnats, Gnat Trap for House Indoor, White
$13.99 (as of July 21, 2024 23:37 GMT +00:00 – More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Stem Kills Ants, Roaches And Flies: Plant-Based Active Ingredient Bug Spray, Botanical Insecticide For Indoor And Outdoor Use; 12 fl oz (Pack Of 1)
$4.48 (as of July 21, 2024 23:37 GMT +00:00 – More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)4. Sago Palm
Harmful Plant: Sago palm, a popular ornamental plant, contains a toxin that can lead to liver failure, seizures, and death if ingested by dogs.
Pet-Friendly Alternatives: Choose safe alternatives like date palms or bamboo palms to add a touch of greenery to your garden without jeopardizing your pet’s health.
5. Citronella Plant
Harmful Plant: While citronella is often used for its mosquito-repelling properties, it can cause stomach upset and skin irritation in dogs.
Pet-Friendly Alternatives: Consider using citronella candles or essential oils instead of planting the citronella plant in your garden. Alternatively, grow lavender, marigolds, or rosemary for natural mosquito control without harming your dog.
6. Autumn Crocus
Harmful Plant: Autumn crocus contains colchicine, a toxic compound that can lead to severe gastrointestinal distress, kidney and liver damage, and even death if ingested by dogs.
Pet-Friendly Alternatives: Choose crocus varieties that are not toxic to dogs, such as spring crocus, or opt for other spring-blooming bulbs like tulips and daffodils.
7. Castor Bean Plant
Harmful Plant: The castor bean plant contains ricin, a potent toxin that can cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and, in extreme cases, organ failure.
Pet-Friendly Alternatives: Grow pet-safe alternatives like sunflowers or zinnias for a colorful and worry-free garden.
8. Yew
Harmful Plant: Yew bushes contain toxic alkaloids that can lead to rapid heart rate, muscle tremors, and death if consumed by dogs.
Pet-Friendly Alternatives: Choose safe evergreen options such as boxwood or holly to maintain greenery in your garden.
9. Tomato Plants (Green Parts)
Harmful Plant: While tomatoes themselves are generally safe for dogs, the green parts of tomato plants contain solanine, which can lead to gastrointestinal upset and other symptoms.
Pet-Friendly Alternatives: Grow dog-friendly herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley alongside your tomatoes for a flavorful and safe garden.
10. Lantana
Harmful Plant: Lantana, though visually appealing, contains toxins that can result in vomiting, diarrhea, and liver damage in dogs.
Pet-Friendly Alternatives: Choose pet-safe flowering plants like petunias or pansies to add color to your garden without endangering your dog.
11. Morning Glory
Harmful Plant: Morning glory vines can be enticing to dogs, but they contain toxic seeds that can lead to gastrointestinal distress, confusion, and hallucinations.
Pet-Friendly Alternatives: Opt for pet-safe climbing plants like clematis or jasmine to decorate your garden trellises and arbors.
12. Japanese Yew (Podocarpus)
Harmful Plant: Japanese yew, often used in landscaping, is highly toxic to dogs and can cause symptoms such as vomiting, seizures, and death.
Pet-Friendly Alternatives: Consider planting non-toxic evergreen shrubs like holly or juniper as a safer alternative.
By being mindful of these outdoor plants that can be harmful to dogs and selecting pet-friendly alternatives, you can create a beautiful garden that both you and your furry friend can enjoy without worries. Remember to supervise your dog in the garden and consult your veterinarian if you suspect your pet has ingested a harmful plant or exhibits unusual symptoms.
Cutter Backyard Bug Control Spray Concentrate, Mosquito Repellent, Kills Mosquitoes, Fleas & Listed Ants, 32 fl Ounce
$9.68 (as of July 21, 2024 23:37 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Zevo Flying Insect Trap Refill Cartridges, Fly Trap, Fruit Fly Trap (4 Refill Cartridges)
$13.48 (as of July 21, 2024 23:37 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Safer Home SH502 Indoor Plug-In Fly Trap for Flies, Fruit Flies, Moths, Gnats, and Other Flying Insects – 400 Sq Ft of Protection
$14.54 (as of July 21, 2024 23:37 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Refills; Compatible with Any Fuel-Powered Thermacell Repeller; Highly Effective, Long Lasting, No Spray, No Scent, No Mess; 15 Foot Zone of Mosquito Protection
$34.99 (as of July 21, 2024 23:37 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
