Spring is when we plant new plants and get our yards ready to shine. While preparing the outdoor areas for the family to enjoy, just make sure you take the steps to ensure that it is safe for the pets as well. There are numerous house and garden plants which can be toxic to animals. What follows is a list of potential hazards to various pets.

Brunfelsia, more commonly known as the “yesterday, today and tomorrow” plant, causes convulsive seizures in dogs that resemble strychnine poisoning Bailey. This plant is mostly a house plant but could be in sheltered gardens in the southern part of Texas.

Cycads, low growing palm trees which are used both indoors and outdoors, are another type of plant that is toxic to dogs as they tend to chew on the roots. The cycad has a toxin in the root and stems that is toxic to the liver. When the liver is affected, the dog’s body stops producing the normal, endogenous clotting factors and the dogs start bleeding excessively, to the extent that they can bleed to death,” explains Bailey.

Lilies – While brunfelsia and cycads may not be known to cause problems in cats, lilies are especially harmful to them. Once cats ingest lilies, they develop nausea and vomiting. Then they get depressed and stop eating. Cats must be treated by a veterinarian, preferably within 24 hours and not later than 48 hours. They are very toxic to the kidneys.

Kolanchoe is a type of house plant that is known to be toxic. This plant contains a chemical which is similar to the human heart medication, digoxin. The garden plant oleander also contains digoxin-like compounds. Both kolanchoe and oleander can be toxic to all animals, including dogs and cats, if ingested.

Rhubarb leaves – Rhubarb makes a fine pie and it’s a staple in many vegetable gardens, but the leaves are poisonous and can cause kidney failure. For a complete list of plants and plantings that can be dangerous to pets, visit www.avma.org.

Pesticides – All pesticides can cause problems in dogs and cats if the chemicals are stored incorrectly and misused. Labels on all chemicals should be read very carefully and followed, especially when used around pets. Animals do not have to eat the toxin, they can become exposed through the skin and in the case of volatile agents, can be exposed just by breathing the contaminated air.

Lawn fertilizers – Lawn fertilizers are very toxic to pets. Store fertilizers in a place far from where your dog or cat — and children– can get at it. After applying it to your lawn, follow manufacturer instructions on how long you should wait before allowing your pet into the area. If you see a sign posted on a lawn that tells you to keep your pets off, abide by it.

Slug and Snail Killing Pellets - Never scatter slug and snail killer pellets in gardens or flower beds if you have pets of if neighborhood pets have access to your yard. Dogs find the small blue poisonous slug pellets tasty. Use a commercial bait trap or pellet holder that´s out of reach to pets instead.

Cocoa bean mulch – It’s becoming common to mulch a garden with the fragrant spent shells of cocoa beans. But just like chocolate, dogs like to eat them and they are toxic. According to the ASPCA …. “Eaten by a 50-pound dog, about 2 ounces of cocoa bean mulch may cause gastrointestinal upset; about 4.5 ounces, increased heart rate; about 5.3 ounces, seizures; and over 9 ounces, death.” For more information, see Cocoa Bean Mulch As A Cause Of Methylxanthine Toxicosis In Dogs

Rat and mouse poisons – Controlling vermin becomes an issue again in the spring. Be aware that the same properties of common rat and mouse poisons that make them irresistible to pests will also attract your pet. If consumed, these can be fatal to your animal.

Cleaning products – Spring cleaning is an annual tradition in many households, but make sure the cleaning products don’t hurt your animals. If the label states “keep pets and children away from area until dry” follow those instructions carefully, and store all chemicals out of reach of children and pets.

Paint and paint thinners
If you’re putting a fresh coat of paint on the house, keep the pets away. Paint thinners, mineral spirits and other solvents can cause severe irritation or chemical burns if swallowed or even if they come in contact with your pet’s skin. Latex house paints typically produce a minor stomach upset, but some specialty paints may contain heavy metals or volatile substances that could be harmful if ingested.

Chemicals in Pressure Treated Decks - Don´t let your dog lie directly on a wood deck that has not been sealed. Most wood decks are built from lumber that´s been pressure treated and preserved with toxic chemicals. Sealants should be applied every 2 years. Since toxic chemicals from treated wood can leach into the soil, never let pets crawl underneath a deck to sleep or play.

Spring is a great time to enhance and enjoy the outdoors. Taking the time to make sure that everything you put in and on your yard is safe for your furry friends and will ensure this time is special for the entire family.

Poisonous Plants for Dogs and Cats
 

* please note: this list is not all inclusive