Spring is the best. All that time outside, napping in the sun, sniffing new smells, chasing squirrels. Paradise! Spring is also when the humans are burying lots of stuff in the ground, pouring water on it, and then picking parts of the things that popped out of the dirt and bringing those parts inside. I donât see the point (you arenât even digging up the whole plant), but you all seem to enjoy it.Â
Now, Iâm three years old in human time, so I know been around the block a few times, peed on some fire hydrants, chased some pigeons, barked at the chihuahua two buildings down... The point is, I know stuff. And one of the things that I know is that there are some plants that you Do Not Eat if you donât want to feel sick. I guess these plants donât bother you humans too much, because you plant lots of them every year. But some of them are Not Good for dogs.Â
So before you bury them, think about whether or not the things you stick in the ground will stay there. If they will be pulled up, played with, or chewed on, choose your plants with that in mind. And if you see your dog or cat, or a neighborâs dog or cat, tasting your plants, please consider replacing them with some pet-safe plants!
{{NOTE: Most of these plants are also dangerous to cats, and some to horses. Some of these plants are more dangerous than others. If youâre concerned, or think your plants might be nibbled, do some research before planting.}}
{{NOTE 2: This list is just some of the more common flowers. A lot of plants have been left off. For a more complete list of dangerous plants for pets, as well as symptoms to watch for, check out https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants}}
-Amaryllis (Belladonna Lily, St. Joseph Lily, Cape Belladonna, Naked Lady, and others)
-Autumn Crocus (Meadow Saffron)
-Azalea (Rosebay, Rhododendron)
-Begonia:Â Most toxic part is underground, so watch your diggers!
-Carnations (Pinks, Wild Carnation, Sweet William)
-Chrysanthemum (Daisy, Mum)
-Clematis (Virginâs Bower, Leatherflower)
-Cyclamen (Sowbread): Tubers are really dangerous to eat
-Daffodil (Narcissus, Jonquil, Paperwhite): especially the bulbs!
-Dahlia
-Daisy
-GeraniumÂ
-Gladiola
-Hyacinth
-Hydrangea (Hortensia, Hills of Snow, Seven Bark)
-IrisÂ
-Lavender (Common Lavender, English Lavender)
-Lily: Especially the bulbs!
-Moss Rose (Wild Portulaca, Rock Moss, Purslane, Pigweed, Pusley)
-Peony
-Sweet Pea (Everlasting Pea, Perennial Pea)
-Tulip: Especially the bulbs!
Think before you plant, and help keep us pets safe!