If you’re like us, you may have spent the recent surprising weather outdoors sprucing up your garden! I myself just potted a pink lantana, gal Lavandula, Gerber daisies and some marigolds. While they bringing in an amazing amount of color, they can also introduce potential dangers for your pets. For instance, of those four plants I just mentioned, did you know that lantanas are dangerous to dogs? You might think, ‘surely any plant that is poisonous my dog would know to avoid’ but as any longtime pet owner knows that’s just not the case. Cats are known for their curiosity and who hasn’t had a dog that got into what they shouldn’t? Without further preamble let’s look at some of the most common plants poisonous to dogs in Arizona.
Plants Poisonous to Dogs
Lantana
Lantana, those beautiful flowers of pink, red, orange, and yellow are toxic to both cats and dogs. The levels of toxicity in it are generally mild to moderate so keep an eye out for any of the following signs of ingestion! Lantana goes by many names including Wild Sage, Red Sage, Yellow Sage, as well as Shrub Verbena, so be careful if your garden contains any of these.
Signs & Symptoms
- Weakness
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Depression
- Possible Liver Failure
Potato
You might be trying to grow some potatoes in your own home plot. While a delicious, healthy vegetable for people, the same can not be said for dogs. Raw potato, skins, roots all contain toxins that are harmful to your pooch. The solanine and chaconine present will induce food poisoning like symptoms and worse. They can vary widely based on the size and overall health of your dog, if they are small or eat an alarming amount in a very short time the symptoms should be mild. Don’t hesitate to get vet assistance, however!
Signs & Symptoms
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Bleeding
- Fever
- Excessive drooling
- And many others.
Lilly of the Valley
Lily of the valley, while not a true lily, still has complications that go along with it. It is very poisonous and must be cared for proactively! Dogs and cat who ingest any of the plants will experience severe symptoms. If you suspect your pet has ingested any lily of the valley seek vet care immediately.
Signs & Symptoms
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Slow heart rate
- Seizures
- Death
Oleander
This outdoor shrub is a popular one. It’s evergreen, has beautiful flowers and can be found growing all over the place here. As omnipresent as it seems to be, it is also incredibly poisonous to dogs and cats (and humans and horses too!) Oleanders contain poisons like cardenolides or bufadienolides, toxins known as cardiac glycosides that target the heart specifically. Lily of the valley has these as well.
Signs & Symptoms
- Nausea
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Tremors and Seizures
- Death
The list really does go on. For a full accounting of the various plants that are poisonous to dogs and the parts to specifically be on the lookout for, see the Arizona Humane Society Fact Sheet. If you suspect your pets have ingested anything on this list, don’t hesitate, call your vet right away and be sure that the mild food poisoning doesn’t spiral out into anything worse! If you’re in the Tucson area and need vet attention, give us a call at Acoma Animal Clinic. Knowing what your pet may have ingested can mean you and your pet gets the right care and are on the path to healing as fast as possible.
