Did you know that certain plants may be poisonous to your pets? Pets are typically quite curious and may be tempted from time to time to sniff out, lick, or chew on plants, bushes or trees.
Unfortunately, though, there are certain plants that could cause harm to your pets, so it’s important to know which plants could be dangerous for them. That way, you can avoid planting them in your garden.
Gardening expert Fiona Jenkins at MyJobQuote.co.uk has explained everything you need to know about which plants could be toxic for your pets and why. Fiona is a UK-based landscaper with more than 25 years of experience in the industry.
Plants to avoid if you have pets
Oleander
The Oleander plant is the most dangerous plant you can have in your garden due to it being very toxic for both animals and humans. This plant is very poisonous and if you ingest even just a small amount of it, this can result in death.
Any physical contact with the plant can also cause severe skin irritations and allergic reactions. It’s important to keep Oleanders away from children and pets. If you have pets or children in your garden regularly, it’s best to avoid this plant at all costs.
This is the safest thing you can do to protect your pets and your family. Whenever you are handling Oleanders, it is very important that you wear protective clothing and gloves to protect your skin.
Foxgloves
Foxgloves are a common woodland plant that grows in nature. They are also a common plant in gardens. However, this plant contains toxic cardiac glycosides. If an animal ingests any parts of this plant, it can result in serious poisoning.
Deadly Nightshade
Deadly Nightshade is a unique plant with purple and green flowers and untoothed oval leaves. This plant features several green berries that then ripen into a black colour. Every single part of this plant is toxic, and the berries are particularly poisonous. Ingesting the berries can result in a range of side effects that can be very dangerous.
Lords-and-Ladies
This plant features large, arrow-shaped leaves that have purple spots on them. There is a flowering spike that has a yellow and green hood surrounding the flower. The plant also features green, red or orange berries, depending on their ripeness. All parts of this plant can cause negative reactions. However, the berries are particularly poisonous. There are small needle-shaped crystals contained within this plant that can cause severe skin irritations. Ingesting the plant can cause a range of dangerous side effects.
Monkshood
Monkshood is one of the most poisonous plants you can find in your garden. This plant features hooded flowers in varying colours, making it very pretty to look at. This is why it is such a popular garden plant. All parts of a Monkshood plant are poisonous. If any parts of this plant are ingested, it can cause some severe side effects. The poison in this plant may result in death if large amounts are ingested.
Poison Hemlock
Poison hemlock is a tall plant with hollow purple-blotched stalks. This plant is most commonly found in damp areas. It contains toxins and is poisonous to humans and animals. Ingesting even just a small amount of this plant can cause some serious side effects.
Lilies
All parts of a lily plant can be toxic to animals and can lead to kidney damage if ingested. Unfortunately, this can sometimes be fatal to the animal. It is important to ensure you keep your pets away from lily plants. Lily pollen can easily fall onto your pet’s fur, which they may then accidentally ingest when they groom themselves. This is why you should avoid it at all costs in order to protect your pets.
Azalea
Azaleas contain substances known as grayanotoxins. These toxins can produce vomiting, drooling, weakness, diarrhoea, and depression in animals. Severe poisoning from this plant can lead to a coma or even death.
Chrysanthemum
These are popular blooms in UK gardens. However, they contain pyrethrins. If ingested, this could cause vomiting, drooling, and diarrhoea in pets. In severe cases, your pet may experience loss of coordination and depression.
English Ivy
English Ivy contains triterpenoid saponins. These can cause vomiting, hypersalivation, abdominal pains, and diarrhoea if your pet ingests this plant. That is why this trailing plant should be kept away from any curious pets.