A Safe Haven

Barbara Lindholm

DeKalb County Master Gardener

As Americans, we love our pets. They are important members of our family. We will often go to any extreme to make sure that Fido and Fluffy are happy, well fed, and safe.

With pets spending so much time in our yards, it is important to understand which plants are safe for animals and which plants may be harmful. It is incorrect to assume that cats and dogs have an innate sense of what they should and should not be eating. Ingestion of some plants can be fatal or cause serious illness. Physical contact with certain plants can result in severe skin irritation for your pet.

Common garden plants that may cause problems for your pets include perennial foxgloves, larkspur, lupines, lilies and mums. Shrubs with toxic properties are hydrangeas, burning bush, Angels trumpet, yews, azaleas, and rhododendrons.

Cocoa mulch. We love the look. We love the smell. However, it contains theobiomine which is a toxic compound. Depending on the size of the dog and the amount ingested, it can be fatal. Wood mulch is safer. Remember, also, to keep your pets out of compost areas.

Symptoms of plant poisoning can appear in several forms. Your pet may be lethargic, have inflammation around its mouth, exhibit breathing difficulty, drink excessive amounts of water, or be throwing up.

If you suspect toxic plant poisoning, take your pet to the vet immediately. Bring the toxic plant with you, if possible, as this is important in the treatment decision your vet will be making. Quick treatment within the first 4 hours before the poison can be absorbed by the digestive tract or travel to vital organs, should result in a good recovery.

Before you go out to your yard and start pulling out toxic flowers and bushes, you will be happy to know that there are many landscape options that will allow you to keep your favorite plants and still have a yard that is safe for your pet.

Fencing is one of the most efficient ways to keep your pet safe. You can design separate areas for the dogs and for your garden plants.

For those of you who prefer a more open look in your landscape, invisible fencing is a good option. With this type of fencing, you can cordon off your entire yard or restrict small sections of your garden.

Growing your favorite plants in tall containers or on trellises will keep plants up and away from your pets.

An article on pet safety would not be complete without a reminder to keep all yard and garden chemicals stored away from pet areas. Move pets to a safe location when spraying.

For more extensive information on plant toxicity, check the internet.

Creating a pet friendly landscape design for your pets will take some planning and preparation. The pleasure of knowing that Fido and Fluffy have a safe haven where they can enjoy the outdoors will make the effort very worthwhile.

If you have questions or comments about this article, home gardening or about the Master Gardener program, call the Master Gardeners, c/o University of Illinois Extension DeKalb County office at (815-758-8194) or e-mail dekalb_mg@extension.uiuc.edu.