Summer is the perfect time to bring your dogs with you for vacation. But did you know that certain plants that you may encounter along the way pose a serious risk for your dogs? That’s right. Even those summer plants you put in your garden may also be toxic to them. Today, we’re bringing you a list of 10 dangerous summer plants that could harm your furry friends.
10. Foxgloves
Foxgloves are a garden classic, and you must admit they’re beautiful. But behind that beauty lies a toxicity to both humans and dogs when ingested. This plant contains compounds that affect the heart, which show symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. There are severe cases like irregular heart rhythms and a potential cardiac failure.
9. Yew
Yews are commonly found in gardens; you might easily spot them at your neighborhood park. However, they also fall into the toxic plant category for dogs. Even with just small amounts of Yew, it can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. In severe cases, it causes seizures and acute heart failure, which can harm your dog’s life. If you see or even suspect that your dog has chewed or eaten any part of a Yew plant, bring them to the vet immediately.
8. Oleander
Oleanders are native to Northwest Africa and Southeast Asia but now grow in the Southwestern parts of the United States, like California and Texas. They contain toxic components called cardiac glycosides. Yup, just like the Lily of the Valley, wherein all parts of the plant are toxic. Signs that you can see in poisoned dogs are collapse and seizures that can lead to death.
7. Lily of the Valley
Lily of the Valley may look delicate and clean, but it can be deadly for your dogs. They contain deadly cardiac glycosides that affect the electrical activity of your dog’s heart. These white flowers have some signs that show your dog has a slowed heart rate and low blood pressure. They can be observed through diarrhea and seizures that can lead to death.
6. Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums are commonly seen in cut flower bouquets, but be careful when bringing them home around your dog. Why? These flowers cause gastrointestinal upset and coordination problems from their pyrethrin content. Once your dogs nibble on this, they will likely show symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling.
5. Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas feature beautiful shades that may be lovely to look at. However, they contain cyanogenic glycosides that release cyanide once your dog ingests them. Symptoms that your dog has been poisoned are vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Although serious poisoning may be rare, keeping them off your dogs is important, as we do not want them to feel discomfort.
4. Azalea
If you live in North America, look for these poisonous and highly toxic Azalea flowers. While they usually bloom from spring through fall, there may still be sightings of these flowers outside. Even a little ingestion of 0.2% of their grayanotoxins can affect a dog’s heart and intestinal tract. Symptoms include drooling, changes in heart rate, and coma. In the worst case, Azaleas can bring death to dogs.
3. English Ivy
Going out for a hike this summer with your dog? Look out for English Ivy. Its toxic components, called triterpenoid saponins, can irritate the mouth and intestinal tract when they consume its leaves and berries. Signs of toxicity that you can see when your dog ingests them are oral irritation, drooling, and diarrhea.
2. Autumn Crocus
While they’re named Autumn Crocus, they can also grow in the summer. They’re considered highly poisonous to dogs when ingested. The highest concentration of toxins in this plant is found in their bulbs. Colchicine is highly toxic to dogs and can cause sudden death when a dog eats even as little as 0.8 milligrams of it. Their toxic tendencies show through a burning sensation in the dog’s mouth and throat, as well as seizures.
1. Sago Palm
The Sago Palm is a highly poisonous plant with a toxic cyasin component. It’s a molecule in the highest concentration in seeds and some plants. If cyasin is broken down in your dog’s gut, then it can cause significant damage to their liver. Early signs are vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling that you can easily spot within 15 minutes to an hour after ingestion. Meanwhile, liver failure can be spotted through symptoms within two to three days and may appear as yellowing of your dog’s skin or an imbalance.