7 plants dogs should stay away from
Having plants at home serves more than just the purpose of accentuating your existing home décor. For many, growing plants help boost mood, lower stress, and creates a more breathable environment. After all, natural beauty is something that everyone appreciates. However, there are many poisonous plants for dogs that can trigger allergic reactions and severe health problems. Here are the seven most common household plants that you should keep out of your pet’s reach.
Aloe vera
Aloe Vera is one of the most common but poisonous plants for dogs that can be kept indoors and outdoors. However, it contains compounds that encourage bowel movements. Accidental ingestion can result in vomiting and diarrhea.
Azaleas
Blooming flowers help accentuate your home décor and are one of the main reasons why azaleas are a common indoor houseplant. But all parts of this colorful decorative piece are highly toxic for dogs. Accidental ingestion can trigger abdominal pain, excessive drooling, loss of appetite, vomiting, weakness, and even tremors.
Tulips
Springtime without tulips at home? That doesn’t sound right! But the problem actually lies within the plant’s beauty, especially in the bulbous part and the large petals. Ingesting these parts will trigger mild vomiting and diarrhea. If the symptoms go unnoticed for long, dogs can experience faster heart and respiratory rates. Immediate medical attention is advisable when the symptoms start to flare up.
Citrus plants
Lemon plants contain essential oils and psoralen compounds that are good for humans. But dogs cannot digest the peels and plant materials apart from the edible fruit. Symptoms may develop slowly depending on the quantity of plant ingested. The same goes for orange and grapefruit plants.
Allium plants
Garlic and onion are common plants found in herb and vegetable gardens. But they belong to Allium species, which are highly toxic for dogs. It contains compounds that can damage vital red blood cells leading to oxidative damage. Abdominal discomforts, gastrointestinal problems, and changes in energy levels indicate Allium poisoning.
Snake plants
Snake plants are a popular addition to indoor gardens known for their unique shape and arrangement. They don’t bloom with flowers but sprout long leafy structures with vibrant green color patterns. But these leaves are also loaded with a toxin called saponin that can trigger severe gastrointestinal problems. Drooling, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting are among the most noticeable symptoms. Further, severe poisoning can lead to ruptured red blood cells.
Golden Pothos
Golden Pothos are attractive decorative plants commonly seen in vertical gardens. But this exotic-looking beauty is quite a toxic piece and should be kept away from your pet’s reach. The leaves and the stems contain calcium oxalate crystals that can cause burning and irritation.
Prescriptions for flea and tick control
Eliminating poisonous plants is just the first step. You can further protect your pets from common infestations.
Simparica®
Simparica® chewable tablets are given once a month for all-round flea and tick control. It is suitable for dogs aged six months or older among most breeds.
Frontline®
Frontline® offers 3-in-1 protection by killing fleas, ticks, & lice, repelling common bugs like mosquitos or stable flies, and providing a protective shield for 30 days.
Nexgard®
Nexgard® flavored chewable is suitable for puppies aged eight weeks and older given every month to counter flea and tick infestations.
There are several other poisonous plants for dogs, but these are the ones that you’d commonly find in most homes. Your awareness will help prevent major health complications in your pets.