Pets are the main giver of many wonderful benefits that we humans receive and it is our responsibility to provide the best environment for them that we can, this includes reducing any exposure to chemicals and other toxins that may harm them.

Many animals groups encourage people to adopt or otherwise own pets and to help them enjoy the many benefits of owning common household pets.  Because wild animals can carry diseases that are dangerous to people, you should never adopt wild animals as pets or bring them home. We must teach our children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if the animal appears to be friendly. One must always ask permission of both the owner and the animal before we attempt to pet them or otherwise handle them.

I will be writing a series of articles designed to help you keep yourself and your pet healthy. In today’s article I will cover some of the various harmful plants that we should know about and avoid planting. The same plants are also harmful to kids too. In my next article I will write about what natural sprays you can use in pest control that is safe around children, yourself and your pets.

Harmful plants 

 Check your gardens and homes for plants that may be poisonous to their pets and decide if you really want them or not and replant something better and safer. Plants that you think looks great, may in fact pose a threat to your cat or dog - so it is advisable to take time out and compose an audit of your garden, houseplants and any flower arrangements. 

Here are just a few plants to watch out for:

Laburnum

Dogs can eat the seeds, which can cause agitation, cramps and fits and is often fatal.

Daffodils

Pets chewing bulbs are the main cause but often eating the flowers can cause vomiting and give your pet a bad case of diarrhea. Just a small portion of a bulb can be fatal to some small pets (the lethal dose is just 15g). Daffodils are used as a barrier around your property to control gophers and other under ground animals because it is so toxic to most mammals. If you must plant these make sure your pet in not in the habit of chewing on plants. You can deter them by spraying a little Tabasco sauce and water.

Lily of the valley

Dogs and cats that chew or swallow the leaves causes vomiting and diarrhea, as well as it has been shown to affect the heart and your pet may collapse or have fits.

Cherry Laurel

Pets that chew these leaves can cause death in minutes.

Castor oil bush

This is both an indoor and outdoor plant, and dogs seem to want to eat the seeds. After eating the seeds, there is a latent period of 12 to 72 hours, after which time there can be an episode of severe and lengthy  stomach problems from cramps to uncontrollable bowel movements. The poison is usually fatal within two to three days. Usually best not to have this plant around. The white milk it gives off is also highly toxic and if it comes into contact with the eyes will cause damage.

Philodendron

All parts of this ornamental houseplant is toxic, but the leaves are the ones that are usually chewed or eaten. There are effects that through contact causes irritation to the eyes and mouth, which causes excessive salivation. After eating the plant, the effects are more general and include vomiting and diarrhea, with mild to moderate gastroenteritis. In cats, the condition usually develops into a more serious condition, and can be fatal.

These are just a few of the plants that can cause harm to your cat or dog. You can find out more information as a member so join today if you need more.

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Andy Lopez

Invisible Gardener

InvisibleGardener.com