Pet Food
Pet poisonings occur in many ways, including encounters with toxic plants. As a dog owner, it’s important to understand that although plants can add beauty in and around your home, there are certain ones that should be avoided in order to keep your four-legged friend safe.
Know the Danger Around You
When it comes to plants, dogs usually aren’t that smart about knowing what’s safe to chew on. Unfortunately, this natural curiosity can be dangerous, resulting in side effects that can range from milder ailments such as gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, drooling, diarrhea) to more severe effects such as organ failure and in some cases, even death. This is why it’s so important for you as a pet owner to be knowledgeable regarding the potential dangers lurking around you.
Common Plants to Avoid in Arizona
There are a number of common plants which should be avoided because they can be toxic to dogs. Some that can be found in Arizona include:
- Azalea
- Castor bean
- Century plant
- Chinaberry tree
- Cyclamen
- Daffodils
- Jimson weed
- Lantana
- Mexican Bird of Paradise
- Oleander
- Sago Palm
- Tulips
This list is far from extensive and learning them all can be tough. To make it easier, consider printing out a quick-reference list like this one to keep on hand.
Select Your Plants With Care
The good news is that you don’t have to ban all greenery from your pet. In fact, quite the opposite. While the list of toxic plants is long, so is the list of non-toxic ones.
Great Plants for Pet Owners in Arizona
Some plants you might consider in and around your home could include:
- African Violets
- Begonias
- Boston Fern
- Christmas Cactus
- Coleus
- Hoya
- Jade Plant
- Marigolds
- Orchids
- Roses
- Rubber Plant
- Spider Plant
The more you know about poisonous plants, the more proactive you can be in limiting your pet’s exposure to them. To learn more about poisonous plants and your pet, the ASPCA offers detailed lists for dogs and cats of plants that are both toxic and non-toxic.
If you believe that your animal is ill because they have ingested a poisonous plant, contact your veterinarian or the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center at 1-800-222-1222. You can also call the National Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435.
