You hide the chocolate, ensure the food is quality and water is fresh, and never let your best friend run free unless you’ve scoped out the area first. You look for broken glass, damaged fences, and oncoming traffic. But a lot of common landscaping plants can be just as dangerous for our four-legged friends.
Letting Fido run free in your yard is probably something you love about your space. But, your dog may not appreciate your lawn the same way you do. A few simple steps can help you protect both your lawn and your pup.
Florals
Rhododendrons aka Azaleas
Beautiful and easy to maintain, these bushy plants are a common choice throughout much of the country. But these perennials contain grayantoxin which is fatal to dogs, cats, and horses. Common signs of illness include diarrhea and physical weakness, which can then lead to heart failure.
Tulips & Daffodils
These perennials bloom in the spring and are common throughout much of the United States. Well-loved for their showy color, the bright reds and yellows can attract the attention of your dog, too.
The highest toxicity in both plants is found in the bulb and is a concern for dogs who love to dig. When ingested, both plants can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, and even depression. If your pup swallows a daffodil, the alkaloids can also lead to heart arrhythmia.
Begonias
While more common in the southern U.S., begonias are a popular choice for flower beds and planters in the north as well. What may begin as a curious snack could end in vomiting and hypersalivation for dogs and cats. If Fido returns again and again, kidney failure may follow. This is due to soluble calcium oxalates, which are also found in many varieties of lily.
