My dogs have always enjoyed sitting on my deck. Outdoors on a deck or near the garden might seem like a great place for pets, but their human friends need to make sure the plants nearby are not toxic.
The ASPCA website has a great list with photos of Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants
You can also search the plant database using common or scientific names or even symptoms. The list includes categories for plants toxic to dogs, cats and horses. Remember the "common name" of a plant in one part of the country or world might refer to a completely different plant someplace else. Make sure to check the scientific name of the plant to get the most accurate plant information. Using the scientific name is important because some regional plants with common names might not appear on the poisonous plant list.
Please note that I am not a vet or an animal health expert. According to the ASPCA, the information contained on the ASPCA "plant list is not meant to be all-inclusive, but rather a compilation of the most frequently encountered plants."
Concerned about a potential poisoning?
If you think that your animal is ill or may have ingested a poisonous substance,
contact your local veterinarian or the ASPCA 24-hour emergency poison hotline
directly at 1-888-426-4435.
You might be surprised to find out that some of the plants you thought were safe are dangerous to pets. Did you know Aloe Vera is toxic to dogs and cats?
(Photo above: ASPCA website)
Use NonToxic Gardening Products
Keep your garden safe by also using nontoxic gardening products. Certain toxic products like slug and snail bait might seem tasty to pets but they can cause life-threatening side-effects within minutes! Always contact your vet or an animal emergency hotline poison hotline for the best advice to treat your pet. You need a vet's expertise because methods that work on humans are not meant to be used on pets.
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