7 Common Plants that are Poisonous to Dogs
Having a beautiful garden is such a pleasure, but when choosing plants, think about whether your dog will be joining you in your outdoor space. If so, you should try to stick to non-toxic flowers, trees and shrubs, so you can spend your time relaxing in your garden, not watching to make sure your dog doesn’t eat something poisonous. The following are 7 common plants here in Australia that are very toxic to dogs.
#1 - Azaleas
Azaleas are a popular garden plant that grows well in a range of climates. They can thrive from Brisbane to Perth and as far south as Melbourne. However, they are very toxic and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, weakness and even result in cardiac failure. They are a member of the Rhododendron family, which is also toxic.
#2 - Angel’s Trumpets
Although not native to Australia, they have become popular due to their lovely flowers. But these flowers are deadly! The entire plant is dangerous, so if you see your dog eating any part, a vet visit is required. It causes diarrhea, disorientation, paralysis, and death.
#3 - Deadly Nightshade
Another common garden plant found throughout Australia, especially New South Wales and Victoria, is deadly nightshade. As the name implies this plant can kill not only your dog, but humans (so watch your children!). Both the fruit and the leaves are toxic and cause many complications including diarrhea, lethargy, slowed heart rate, confusion, dilated pupils and weakness.
#4 - Eucalyptus
Although Koalas live on this plant, it is toxic to dogs, as well as cats and horses. Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weakness, and drooling.
#5 - Milky Mangrove
Found all over Western Australia, Queensland and New South Wales, this highly poisonous plant can cause temporary blindness as well as skin irritations. In this case, your dog just has to come in contact with the plant, not ingest. It can also cause these same problems in humans, so best to not add this plant to your garden and avoid it on walks!
#6 - Oleander
This popular flower is highly toxic, and can be fatal to children and dogs if enough is ingested. Symptoms include diarrhea, drooling, and lethargy.
#7 - Spurges
“Spurges” is the common slang for the over 200 species of plants in the Euphorbia genus. All of these plants are toxic! And, many of them are native and widespread throughout Australia. It is the sap inside the stems that is poisonous, causing inflammation in the eyes, nose and throat, and blindness.
There are many varieties of plants that are toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and people. If you are working on a garden, it’s good to do your research before you plant to ensure the safety of you and your pets.
Great read and something we should all note. Gardening is such a passion for many and I am love it, and even though in a wheelchair, manage many hours every week, some most days. One little dog in particular does love to help. A gentle reminder like Stay Loyal does often is special. We moved house March last year and had free range in the backyard and lots of work in the front yard. Building a garden is such fun and our 2 little dogs like to help. Dont forget bulbs too are poisonous, especially daffodils, they think they are balls, luckily they must taste awful because they are usually spat out. These days they are taken away while I am bulb planting. Its so easy for them to 'help' with pruning and digging and a regular reminder ensures they dont become ill or worse just because we forgot. Thankyou Stay Loyal. They love their Stay Loyal meals and snacks too. Your articles are a definite bonus too.