Dog Dangers in the Garden

Dangers in your Garden

Whether bringing your pet to a bed and breakfast or resort that has its own garden (or just beginning your own spring gardening), be careful when you’re letting your pet "smell the roses".

Always watch for groundskeepers spraying pesticides or other materials. Let your pets on to the treated area ONLY after sprays have dried -- or even the next day, suggested the Professional Lawn Care Association of America, based in Marietta, Georgia. Dry granular pesticides being used? Wait until the dust has settled to let your pet roam.

Beyond that, even some common plants are toxic to most animals, according to the American Animal Hospital Association, a Denver-based professional organization for veterinarians. The organization suggests keeping your pets away from several plants, including:

* Avocado
Fatal to birds, this plant's leaves, seeds, stems and skin are considered a cardiovascular toxin. It also can cause kidney or organ failure.

* Amaryllis
A showy flower, whether striped or solid white. Yet, its bulb is considered a gastrointestinal and neurological toxin.

* Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale)
These pretty, petite flowers are considered very poisonous, not to mention a cardiovascular and gastrointestinal toxin.

* Azalea
A lovely bush filled with flowers. Yet, it's a cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and neurological toxin for animals.

* Begonia
A pretty flower to people, but potentially fatal to pets. Can cause kidney or organ failure.

* Castor bean
A shrub-like plant with clustered seed pods, this African native is potentially fatal if chewed.

* Foxglove (Digitalis)
One of its nicknames -- Dead Men's Bells -- is a clue that this bell-shaped, tubular flower can be fatal.

* Hydrangea
A hardy, showy shade-loving flower, the plant contains cyanide.

* Jack-in-the-pulpit
Usually found in the woods, this flowering plant can cause kidney or organ failure.

* Lantana
Its clusters of tiny flowers attract butterflies, yet the plant can cause liver failure in pets.

* Lily of the valley
Known for sweet-smelling flowers, yet potentially fatal to pets.

* Oleander
Its pastel flowers make it a popular bush, yet it's very poisonous and can be fatal to pets.

* Philodendron
Big, leafy, green and showy, this plant can cause kidney or organ failure in animals.

* Poinsettia
The famous Christmas plant can bring on dermatitis in animals. It's also a gastrointestinal toxin.

* Rhubarb leaves
Can cause kidney or organ failure in animals.

* Rosary Pea
A slender vine with pea-shaped pods, this plant can be fatal if chewed.

* Scheffelera (a.k.a. umbrella plant)
This leafy green -- and often indoor -- plant can cause kidney or organ failure.

* Yew
A tree or ornamental plant with needle-like foliage, it is fatal to most animals.
Thank you ASPCA!