Choose pet-safe plants for gardening
The nice weather has thankfully finally arrived and garden centres are busy. If you own pets and are planning your summer garden, please consider pet-safe plants. Many plants can put your cat or dog at risk; therefore, please consider their safety before making your purchase. A wellinformed garden centre employee can help you make your safest selection, and there's also the internet. This list of pet-safe plants is only meant to be used as a starting point to consider before you plan your summer garden.
A few of your summer plants may be brought inside for the winter. If you have cats who act as if they are performing in Cirque du Soleil, you will need to consider if the plant should enter your winter home.
A few outdoor plants safe for dogs include sunflowers, snapdragons, dill, marigolds, fuchsias and roses. Plants not safe for dogs include hosta, daffodil, rhubarb, chamomile, garlic, chives, and iris.
Outside plants safe for cats include rosemary, mint, boston fern and spider plant. Outdoor plants not safe for your kitty include lilies, hyacinth, daffodils, chrysanthemums and azaleas.
You will be happy to know if you grow herbs indoors, basil, sage and thyme are safe for pets.
If your pet has ingested a poisonous plant, it may display the following symptoms: vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, lethargy, excessive drooling and seizures. Some pets may suffer blisters, extreme itchiness or skin rashes.
Some plants do not have to be ingested to make your pet sick. The pet may merely brush against the plant and lick off the pollen. If you believe your pet has consumed something poisonous, take them to your veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately.
Toxins or poisons in plants can be concentrated in different parts of the plant, such as its root system, seeds, flowers or leaves. The amount your pet has ingested will also affect the outcome of them becoming ill.
Veterinarians treat a pet who has ingested poison with medications to treat pain. IVs for flushing out toxins may include overnight monitoring or induced vomiting. Your veterinarian will discuss all options with you during your pet's examination.
Responsible pet owners want to keep their pets healthy and safe throughout the year. But with the great weather summer brings, more pets will be outside encountering any unsafe elements. Please adhere to signs posted on properties in your neighbourhood, which show if the lawn has been sprayed. Even pet-safe sprays can irritate their paws.
Hoping you, your pets and your children have a safe and healthy summer.
Please be kind to animals.