Common plants that can be toxic to your pet.

Dogs love the outdoors, and that means being in or around plants. But did you know some of this flora may pose a risk to your pup ? Here are some common species that may pose a serious risk to your pooch! This is not a full list, for more information please visit the links provided! Please share this list to inform other dog owners about potential hazards when out and about! 1. Ivy - Hedera helix

Also known as :- English Ivy, Needlepoint Ivy and California Ivy. All parts of the plant are toxic to dogs, so be careful to not let your dog chew on stems that are on the ground. Symptoms of ivy poisoning range from irritation of the stomach, and breathing difficulties. These symptoms can progress to coma and can eventually be fatal.

2. Water hemlock - Conium maculatum This plant is a highly toxic species and can cause rapid death, in some cases in as little as 15 minutes. Symptoms include dilation of the pupils, a foaming at the mouth, and muscle spasms.

3. Azaleas and Rhododendron species A very common collection of garden plants, all species in the Rhododendron genus which includes Azaleas are extremely toxic to dogs and can be fatal. Symptoms include – an increased and abnormal heartbeat, stomach and abdominal irritation, and convulsions. All parts of the plant can be toxic to dogs.

4. Nightshade – Family - Solanaceae

Again, all parts of the plant can be toxic to your dog. Symptoms include – drowsiness, dilation of the pupils, nasal discharge, trouble breathing and paralysis/uncontrollable shaking of the rear limbs. Nightshade poisoning can again be fatal to your dog. Common species include Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum), and the Bitter nightshade (Solanum dulcamara)

5. Rhubarb - Rheum rhaponticum The stalks and leaves of this plant are toxic to your dog in ingested. Symptoms range from shaking, trouble breathing, increased thirst and urinating and can be fatal.

6. Tulips and Daffodils Though the level of toxicity is not as severe as the species previously mentioned, ingesting tulips and daffodils can still leave your dog feeling extremely ill. Symptoms range from trouble breathing, nausea and vomiting, profuse drooling and diarrhea. The toxin present in tulips and daffodils is most concentrated in the bulbs, so keep an eye on your pup if they go digging around in your newly planted flower beds. It is important to keep bulbs in a sealed container, out of reach of your curious dogs.

7. Spring and Autumn Crocus The spring Crocus is common throughout the spring season, and it is again the bulbs of the plant that can cause harm to your pet. The spring variety is fairly mild in terms of toxicity and will probably only cause some stomach irritation. The Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale) on the other hand is far more dangerous and can cause kidney and liver problems, as well as bone marrow depression.

8. Morning Glory The level of toxicity of these plants is fairly low, but scales with the amount ingested. It is important to note that not all species of Morning Glory are toxic to dogs. Symptoms include – Stomach irritation and upset, diarrhoea, hallucinations, tremoring, and trouble walking.

9. Oleander - Nerium oleander Nerium, commonly known as Oleander, is one of the most common, and most poisonous garden plants. All parts of the plant are known to be toxic, this includes both fresh living plants, as well as dried or wilted plants. The most common symptom of Oleander poisoning is diarrhea, which may or may not be bloody aswell as prolonged vomiting. Other symptoms include excessive drooling, tremors and paralysis. Oleander poisoning can be fatal and should be treated immediately.

10. Sweet pea - Lathyrus latifolius Depending on the amount of the plant that is ingested, the levels of toxicity are usually fairly mild. Common symptoms of sweet pea poisoning include lethargy and weakness aswell as seizures. If enough is ingested then it can be fatal, though this is rare with dogs, and more commonly it is seen in grazing cattle.

*Special note – Fungi* It is important to remember that it is not just plants that can cause harm to your dog but certain species of fungi are extremely dangerous also, and for this reason it is suggested that if you witness your dog ingesting wild fungus that your take them to your veterinarian immediately, preferably with a sample of the fungus, and some details of it's ecology – where it was growing for example, was it growing in a grassy area, or on a tree stump?. There are thousands of species of fungi and the symptoms of poisoning will vary depending on the species ingested. Symptoms range from bloody stools and vomit, to neurological effects such as hallucinations and seizures. Please educate yourself and others about the dangers of these plants and fungi, get familiar with common species in your area and learn to identify them. Prevention is better than a cure. If you think your dog may have ingested any other these species of plant it is important that you get them to a veterinarian as soon as possible, knowing the species of plant that your dog came into contact with may be key to saving their life, again, if it is possible, bring along a specimen of the plant or fungus with you.

#dogs #cats #toxic #plants #summer #spring #outdoors #toxicplants