If you have spent time at the Idaho Botanical Garden or walked around the Rose Garden of Julia Davis Park, you've probably noticed some of the amazing flowers that are in full bloom. They are amazing to look at, but be aware, your pet may not be just admiring them. Your pet may be thinking about how delicious those flowers might taste.
Why is this? According to Ahna Brutlag with the Pet Poison Helpline:
"Most pets use their sense of smell and taste to investigate things that are new to them. When they come across interesting plants or other items, their first reaction is to smell it, which often leads to tasting it."
What does that mean for you? Whether you take a stroll at a park, or visit a friend or family member with your pet in tow, keep an eye on your furry friend. Being aware of what plants are harmful or poisonous can help you avoid an unplanned emergency trip to your veterinarian.
Here are a few of the more dangerous plants to avoid when you are out and about with Fluffy or Fido.
Sago Palm
Palm trees are not common in most parts of Idaho. In fact, there are only a hand full of palm trees that can handle our cold January temperatures, and the Sago Palm is one of them. If you and your pooch do happen to cross paths with one, be very cautious. The leaves, seeds, and nuts of this palm tree are very poisonous to dogs. Keep your canine away!
The Sago Palm is by far one of the most deadly to dogs. If your dog does happen to nibble on just a small amount of any part of this tree, your dog could experience severe vomiting, bloody stools, stomach lining damage, liver failure, or even death. It is important to get your dog into an emergency vet clinic if you see your dog eating part of the tree, or if any of these symptoms appear.
Lilies
Beware cat owners! Lilies are beautiful, but they can be a real danger to your feline friend. Peace lilies, Peruvian lilies, and Calla lilies only cause minor issues if they are ingested. Other types, such as the Tiger, Asiatic, Easter, Japanese Show, and Day lilies are highly dangerous to cats. Even if a kitty licks pollen from its fur or eats as few as two petals, it can cause the feline to go into kidney failure. If you see your cat nibbling on any part of a lily or drink water from a lily vase, get your cat into emergency care right way! Your veterinarian will know what to do to help prevent permanent damage.
Crocuses
This perennial plant usually blooms in the spring or fall. The spring Crocus plants are more common and, if consumed, generally only cause upset stomachs, vomiting, and diarrhea in canines and felines. However, the fall-blooming Crocuses, (think Meadow Saffron, White Wall Flowering Crocus, and Fall Flowering Crocus Mix) are toxic and can cause severe vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding, and multi-system organ failure. We can't say it enough: if you see any of these symptoms in your pets, please get them to your veterinary clinic right away.
Fertilizers and Soil Amendments
The dangers to your pets don't end with just plants, flowers, and trees; fertilizers and other soil amendments (bioproducts, compost mixtures, etc.) can potentially cause your favorite furry friend to get sick. Most store-bought fertilizers are relatively safe for pets. However, the fertilizers and other soil amendments that contain blood meal, bone meal, and iron can smell and taste good to your pet. Ingesting these types of products can cause damage to your pet's gastrointestinal tract and cause pancreatitis. Get your pet to your vet as soon as possible if you know they have ingested any these products.
If you would like more on what other plants are dangerous to pets, download our ebook When Pets and Plants Don't Mix.
Boise offers some of the best parks, hiking paths, and water recreation for you and your pooch. Get out and enjoy it, be mindful of what flowers, plants, and trees your encounter.
