5 Common Plants That Are Harmful to Your Dog

Did you know that the common plants you may very well have in your home or garden can be poisonous and even fatal for your dog? We know that a pup can be tempted to take a bite of just about anything, so that’s why your friends at Scoop Soldiers want to warn you of the common plants your dog won’t want to ingest.

1. Aloe Vera

Great for humans, not for dogs. While aloe vera has a lot of health benefits for people, it’s not the same case with dogs. Aloe contains anthraquinone glycosides which encourage bowel movements. When ingested, these glycosides are metabolized by intestinal bacteria which increases mucus production and water in the colon. Symptoms that your dog may have consumed aloe vera include depression, anorexia, changes in urine color, and more rarely, tremors.

2. Azalea/Rhododendron

This pretty flower isn’t so pretty for your dog, or any animal for that matter. Even a small bite can cause serious health problems such as digestive issues, excessive drooling, loss of appetite, diarrhea, depression, weakness, loss of coordination, leg paralysis, or even comatose or death from weak heart rate. While it’s less likely that your dog will want to take a nibble of this plant, avoid planting any in your garden just to be safe.

3. Tulips

It’s so tempting to want this classic flower in your yard, but with the serious threats it could pose to your dog’s health, you may want to reconsider. The toxic alkaloids are extra concentrated in the bulbs, so especially avoid having tulips if your dog is a digger. If your furry friend eats a large amount, it can quickly cause symptoms such as intense gastrointestinal irritation, loss of appetite, drooling, depression of their central nervous system, convulsions and cardiac abnormalities.

4. Sago Palm

This very common landscaping plant used in locations with mild climates is not only extremely dangerous for your pet, but also lethal. Dogs are very attracted to the Sago Palm because they find it quite tasty, so never turn your back when your dog is around it because every part of it is toxic, especially the seeds. Symptoms can include vomiting, melena, icterus, increased thirst, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, bruising, coagulopathy, liver damage, liver failure, and death. If your dog has any of these symptoms, immediately contact your vet.

5. Milkweed

This cute little plant is so necessary for our beloved monarch butterflies, but if you have a dog be careful around this plant. Milkweed contains galitoxin and cardiac glycosides in all parts of the plant. If not treated immediately, initial symptoms can lead to even more severe issues. At first, your dog may experience vomiting, profound depression, weakness, anorexia, and diarrhea, which could be followed by seizures, difficulty breathing, rapid or weak pulse, dilated pupils, kidney or liver failure, coma, respiratory paralysis and death.

Curious about what plants are dog-friendly, but can up your curb appeal? Contact our friends at Weed Xtinguishers. And, while we may not be able to rid your yard of harmful plants, we can rid your yard of pet waste. Contact us today to schedule your first poop scooping.

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