Protecting Your Pup this Spring: Toxic Plants to Avoid

Springtime has finally arrived! The days are getting longer, birds are starting to sing, and warmer weather is filling the air. As we welcome this change in season, it is important to be aware of plants beginning to emerge from the newly thawed ground. For anyone with a hearing dog, or a canine family member, it is important to keep your beloved four-legged companion safe, allowing them to continue being a consistent support and partner. 

Plants Toxic to Dogs

When you are outside in your yard this spring, take a look around to ensure toxic plants are excluded from areas your dog explores and visits. Dogs do not inherently know when plants are toxic and may actually take interest in new plants as they begin to grow in the yard, especially if they have an appealing smell. As you may also have read in our previous blog post, even highly trained dogs, like Sandy, allow their curiosity to get the best of them, and for puppies, everything is a new opportunity to explore. 

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), here are some harmful plants to be aware of this spring:

• Tulips: While a beautiful, colorful addition to spring gardens, they can cause vomiting, depression, diarrhea, and hypersalivation in dogs. 

• Hosta: Often located in areas with limited sunshine, these shade-loving plants can be harmful to dogs when ingested.

• Hydrangea: A sun-loving bush with colorful flowers, can cause gastrointestinal issues.

• Black Walnut trees: While the tree itself is not toxic, the nut that it produces can be harmful as they can quickly decay and grow mold after falling from the tree, causing gastrointestinal distress and even seizures in dogs.

• Sago Palm: Often used as an ornamental shrub in temperate zones, it’s considered one of the most toxic plants for dogs. Symptoms of ingestion include vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and nosebleeds.

• Azalea and Rhododendron: Eating even a few leaves can cause serious health issues in dogs, including vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, paralysis, coma, and death.

• Lily of the Valley: Symptoms of ingestion include diarrhea, vomiting, a drop in heart rate, and cardiac arrhythmia.

• Daisies: These common garden flowers can cause gastrointestinal issues in dogs, especially if they eat a large amount of the plant.

What to Do if Your Dog Eats a Toxic Plant

While we try our best to prevent our four-legged family members from getting into harmful things, it may still happen. In the event that you suspect your dog has ingested a poisonous plant, here are some helpful things to remember according to the AKC:

1. Make sure to contact your vet, an emergency vet clinic, or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661).

2. Try to identify the plant, or if you are unable, bring in a sample or photo, if possible, so that the vet can provide appropriate treatment. 

3. Different varieties of poisonous plants require specific treatments, so it is best to avoid inducing vomit, unless directed by your vet. 

Taking measures to keep your dog safe, such as avoiding having poisonous plants, or blocking access to areas with these types of plants, will ensure you both enjoy the warmer weather and upcoming summer.

To view a full list of toxic plants and learn more about keeping dogs safe, visit the American Kennel Club and ASPCA.