In my experience, most keen gardeners love dogs. There is just something about gardens and dogs which go together (apart from the digging)
However, many common garden plants are toxic for dogs. it is a good idea to learn what these are. Here is a list of some of the most common plants which fall into the toxic category.
In reality, dogs are unlikely to eat these plants, but it's best to be on the safe side.
Dieffenbachia
There are actually many different varieties of Dieffenbachia. They are sometimes known as dumb canes. They originated from the tropical areas of the new world ranging from Mexico to Argentina. They are widely cultivated as ornamental house plants.
Dieffenbachi can cause a burning sensation in areas of the mouth including the tongue and lips. It can also cause vomiting and lead to difficulty swallowing.
Oleander
Oleander is also known as Nerium. it is native to a very large area of the world stretching from Portugal across North Africa, the Middle East and as far as China. It has been cultivated in a wide variety of colours and is sometimes sweet scented. It grows best in subtropical areas. it is toxic to many animals which makes it a good choice for deer-resistant hedges.
Oleander is very toxic to dogs and can cause fatal heart abnormalities. it also causes muscle tremors, vomiting and bloody diarrhea.
Daffodil
The daffodil is a member of the narcissus genus which are mainly perennial bulbs flowering in the spring. They are one of the oldest cultivated plants and there are records of them being grown in Europe dating back as far as the 16th century. They are a native of meadows and woodlands in southern Europe and Africa.
The whole plant is toxic to dogs but the bulb itself is the most toxic. It can cause abdominal pain, arrhythmia, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions and a drop in blood pressure.
Autumn Crocus
The autumn crocus, also known as meadow saffron, is an autumn flowering plant which looks very similar to true crocuses. The whole of the plant is toxic, with the most important part being the fruit and leaves.
If ingested by dog it can cause vomiting, seizures and kidney and liver damage.
Azalea
Azaleas are a member of the rhododendron family. They have been in cultivation for hundreds of years and there are more than 10000 cultivars. They are widely grown in ornamental gardens.
Just a small amount is harmful to dogs. It causes vomiting and diarrhea. More severe cases can involve a drop in blood pressure, coma or even death.
Sago Palm
The sago palm is dangerous for dogs. eating it can lead to liver failure and death. Small amounts cause vomiting, diarrhea and bleeding disorders.
It is a native of the Ryukyu islands of southern Japan. It is one of a number of species grown to produce sago. it is also grown widely as an ornamental plant.
Tulip
The Tulip is a spring flowering bulb. It usually has bright flowers which are grown in a profusion of colours. They became widely cultivated, starting in the 17th century. They are adapted to temperate climates and are native to a wide band stretching from Southern Europe to Central Asia.
The bulb Is the part of the plant which is most toxic to dogs, but the whole of it is poisonous. It causes oral irritation, drooling and nausea.
Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe, also known as widow’s thrill or the mother-in-law plant, is native to Madagascar and tropical Africa. It is part of a genus of around 125 tropical succulent flowering plants.
It is commonly used as a house plant.
In dogs it can cause vomiting and diarrhea and occasionally heart arrhythmia.
