Keep dogs away from these six harmful plants

Keep dogs away from these six harmful plants

You may be surprised that dogs may be vulnerable to some things that are completely safe for you, such as certain plants. Many indoor and outdoor plants, even the attractive ones, can be harmful to them, causing mild to severe health problems, and in some cases, these may even be life threatening. As a pet parent, you should be familiar with a few common plants that are toxic to your furry companion.

Aloe vera
Aloe vera is one of the most common household plants, thanks to its healing properties. Unfortunately, it’s anything but beneficial for canines. The gooey gel in aloe vera leaves contains compounds that can cause lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea in dogs if they ingest it. If you still want this plant in your home, place it somewhere your dog can’t reach.

Tulips
These attractive, bright-colored flowers may look appealing inside your home or your garden, but tulips are not your dog’s friend. If they chew on its leaves, they could get an upset stomach. And, if they dig up and eat the bulbs, which are the most toxic, they may experience severe stomach upset, excessive drooling, and depression.

Sago palm
This palm-like tree is beautiful and easy to grow, making it a go-to choice for many homeowners. However, if you have a dog at home, the sago palm is a strict no-no. Every part of this plant, especially the seeds or “nuts,” is highly toxic and life threatening. It may cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and liver failure.

Lily of the valley
The sweet-smelling plant with pretty, white, bell-shaped flowers—no wonder why lilies of the valley are highly sought-after—but don’t be misled by their beauty. Even minimal exposure to any part of the plant can trigger heart problems, like changes in the heart rate and rhythm, in dogs. If ingested, it can lead to vomiting, low blood pressure, seizures, or coma.

Dumb cane
Dieffenbachia, popularly known as dumb cane, is widely used indoors. This plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, and even coming into contact with the plant can cause problems in dogs. If chewed on or ingested, these crystals can produce a burning sensation in the mouth, tongue, and lips of your dog, along with excessive drooling, vomiting, and even breathing difficulty.

Castor bean
When out for a walk with your furry friend in a park or any other place with large-scale outdoor landscaping, watch out for castor beans. If your dog ingests it, they may experience a range of uncomfortable symptoms, such as abdominal pain, extreme thirst, and diarrhea. In severe cases it may cause tremors, coma, and can even be life threatening.