After work and on weekends many people will take time to enjoy the warm weather
and work in the garden. If you are a pet owner, you might want to
keep Rover away from the rhododendron. Like many other common ornamental
plants, it' s toxic.
According to the American Animal Hospital Association, plants that
beautify our homes both inside and out such as azaleas, daffodils
and larkspur are harmful to most animals and children. Azaleas and
the entire Rhododendron family pose cardiovascular, gastrointestinal
and neurological threats. Even plants that provide us with essential
vitamins and minerals like tomatoes and avocados are toxic. If ingested,
the leaves and stems of tomato plants can have negative effects
on the stomach, intestines and nervous system.
If you happen to grow one or more of these plants, don't panic.
There is no need to tear up the garden or throw away your beloved
house plants. Simply keep pets and children away from your plants.
Dr. Merry Crimi, past president of AAHA, says her veterinary practice
answers lots of calls from clients inquiring about plant-eating
pets. Yet the actual incidence of pet poisoning by plants is minimal.
Nibbling on plants is normal behavior, she says, especially for
cats.
"Safe, non-toxic plants are a normal part of their diet. Sometimes
they do it out of sheer boredom." A safe bet for cat owners is to
grow oat grass in a pot and place it by a sunny window. "My cat
loves it," says Dr. Crimi.
Dogs are grass nibblers too, and that's okay as long as the grass
hasn't been treated with chemicals. Dogs are also dirt diggers,
which could lead owners to believe they have eaten a plant if it
has been shredded in the process. Rarely, though, do dogs actually
eat the plant. However, if your cat or dog does eat a plant, Dr.
Crimi recommends taking them to the veterinarian, especially if
the plants are Philodendrons or dumb canes (Dieffenbachia).
These are probably the two most common houseplants in the United
States and the ones that produce the most questions from clients.
"For some reason, cats are attracted to dumb canes," Dr. Crimi
says. Ingestion of both types of plants could cause intense pain
and burning sensations in the mouth and throat areas. Dumb cane
toxins could also cause kidney problems resulting in death. Other
plants that could be fatal include hydrangea, kalanchoe, lily-of-the-valley,
castor bean and foxglove.
Symptoms of plant poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of
appetite, mouth swelling and salivation. When going to the veterinarian,
Dr. Crimi advises clients to bring a leaf. Otherwise identification
of the plant could be a problem, and treatment varies depending
on the type of plant and the amount eaten.
Of course, there are other garden hazards besides plants. In the
summer Dr. Crimi sees more bee stings than plant poisoning cases.
"Dogs like to bite at them while they are flying." Again, getting
to a veterinarian is very important. Some dogs, like humans, are
allergic to bee stings, and drug injections might be needed.
Compost piles are another hazard. Although many animals are attracted
to them, it's best to steer pets away because the bacteria that
break down garbage produce toxins.
Insecticides are a third garden hazard if they contain pyrethrin.
Pyrethrin is a neurological toxin that has natural and synthetic
forms. Check product labels for these names: pyrethrin I and II,
allethrin, resmethrin, and permethrin.
In spite of your garden's hazards, you can enjoy summer with your
pet by following these tips from AAHA:
- Keep your pets out of vegetable and flower
gardens.
- Encase compost piles or use commercially-made
containers.
- Keep pets off lawns sprayed with chemicals.
Read the product label or ask the lawn care company for proper
drying time and compounds used. Wash pet's feet with mild soap
and water if exposed.
- Properly dispose of and store all pesticide
containers up and out of sight of your pets. Make sure the lids
are tight and the containers undamaged.
- Use slug bait in an enclosed bait trap.
For more information on poisonous plants and chemical poisoning,
contact the local poison control center or a veterinarian.
