Did you know that certain plants could be toxic to your pets? Pets are naturally curious and may occasionally be tempted to sniff, lick or chew on plants, bushes or trees. However, some plants can harm your pets, so it’s crucial to know which ones pose a risk.
This way, you can avoid planting them in your garden. Gardening expert Fiona Jenkins from MyJobQuote.co.uk has shared her insights on which plants could be harmful to your pets and why. Fiona is a UK-based landscaper with over 25 years of experience in the industry.
Plants to avoid if you have pets
Plants to avoid if you have pets include Oleander. The Oleander plant is the most dangerous plant for your garden as it’s highly toxic to both animals and humans. Even a small amount ingested can result in death.
Physical contact with the plant can also cause severe skin irritations and allergic reactions. It’s vital to keep Oleanders away from children and pets.
If your garden is frequently visited by pets or children, it’s best to avoid this plant entirely. This is the safest measure you can take to protect your pets and family.
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Always wear protective clothing and gloves when handling Oleanders to protect your skin. Another plant to avoid is Foxgloves.
Foxgloves, a common sight in woodlands and gardens, are laced with toxic cardiac glycosides. If an animal consumes any part of this plant, it could lead to severe poisoning.
Deadly Nightshade is another perilous plant, boasting purple and green flowers and smooth oval leaves. It sprouts green berries that ripen to black, all parts of which are poisonous, particularly the berries.
Consumption can lead to a host of dangerous side effects. Lords-and-Ladies, with its large arrow-shaped leaves adorned with purple spots, also poses a threat.
Its flowering spike is encased in a yellow and green hood, and it bears green, red or orange berries depending on their maturity. Every part of this plant can trigger adverse reactions, but the berries are especially toxic.
The plant houses tiny needle-shaped crystals that can cause severe skin irritations, and ingestion can result in a range of hazardous side effects. Monkshood is another plant to be wary of.
Monkshood, one of the most poisonous plants found in gardens, is known for its hooded flowers in various colours. Despite its beauty, all parts of the Monkshood plant are toxic and can cause severe side effects if ingested, even leading to death in large amounts.
Poison Hemlock, a tall plant with hollow purple-blotched stalks commonly found in damp areas, contains toxins harmful to both humans and animals. Even a small amount can have serious consequences.
Lilies pose a significant risk to animals, with all parts of the plant being toxic and potentially causing kidney damage if consumed. This can sometimes prove fatal, so it’s crucial to keep pets away from lilies.
The pollen can easily fall onto an animal’s fur and be accidentally ingested during grooming. Azaleas contain substances known as grayanotoxins, which can cause vomiting, drooling, weakness, diarrhoea, and depression in animals. Severe poisoning from this plant can lead to a coma or even death.
Chrysanthemums are common in UK gardens, but they contain pyrethrins. If consumed by pets, this could lead to vomiting, drooling, and diarrhoea.
In extreme cases, your pet may suffer from loss of coordination and depression. English Ivy contains triterpenoid saponins, which can cause vomiting, excessive salivation, abdominal pains, and diarrhoea if ingested by your pet.
Therefore, it’s crucial to keep this trailing plant out of reach of any curious pets.