By Pat Lawrence
Dogs
digging in the garden can have disastrous results for the flowers
and for the dog. Many common plants are toxic for canine companions
and some can be fatal. Amarylllis bulbs can cause upset stomach, shock,
coma and even death to a dog. Daffodil bulbs can be fatal, too. All
parts of foxglove, but especially the seeds can cause seizures, heart
failure and death for dogs.
The leaf blades of rhubarb can cause convulsions, coma or death for
a pet. All parts of an umbrella plant are toxic and eating them can
bring on respiratory or kidney failure. Eating azaleas can cause a
dog to have weakness, upset stomach or drooling. If a large amount
is eaten, it can cause coma or heart failure.
Poison ivy doesn't generally make them itch, but many other ivies
are quite poisonous for dogs, causing hyperactivity, labored breathing,
drooling, fever, dilated pupils or staggering. Sometimes, eating ivy
can even be fatal for a pooch.
Munching the top growth of buttercups can cause upset stomach in
dogs, as can chowing down on morning glory. A pet acting oddly may
have tasted the morning glory or tried the periwinkle. Both can cause
dogs to have hallucinations.
During the Christmas season, canines that sample the Poinsettias
may experience only mild symptoms, but it is a good idea to put your
poinsettias on the mantle instead of the floor, since they can also
be fatal.
Chrysanthemums, including spider mums, can cause skin irritation.
Carrots and potatoes are fine for dogs, but spinach and tomato vine
can cause a number of toxic side effects. All parts of Asparagus fern
are toxic to dogs. Sweet smelling Jasmine is quite dangerous to pets,
and can cause seizures, weakness, respiratory failure or death. Larkspur
generally causes excitement or depression for dogs and can be fatal.
A little greenery goes a long way for a dog and these are just a
few of the plants that can cause pet owners a lot of grief. Some plants
only give symptoms of irritation, but the size of the dog and the
amount of the plant eaten affects how toxic any particular plant will
be. Puppies can be particularly susceptible to dangerous plants, so
keeping them out of the garden completely will keep your vegetables
and your pets safe.
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