Completing your landscaping with the perfect plants can take your home to the next level, increasing its value while also providing a beautiful appearance. There are many beautiful and popular plants, however, that are toxic for dogs. JGM dog doors in homes throughout Phoenix allow your dog to come in and out whenever they please, but when there are toxic substances in your yard, this freedom can become a problem. Below is a list of seven common and extremely toxic plants to avoid planting.
| Name | Picture | Toxicity | Toxic Part of Plant | Symptoms | Time Period for Symptoms | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Castor Bean/Castor Oil Plant |  |
Extremely High | The seeds of the plant are the most toxic part. | Diarrhea, stomach irritation, abdominal pain, increased heart rate, convulsions, collapse, death | Most symptoms appear within 18 to 24 hours after ingestion. Death typically occurs with 36 hours due to anaphylactic shock and stomach irritation | Call vet immediately if your dog has ingested castor seeds. The plant is primarily found in Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, California, and Oregon |
| Yew |  |
Extremely High | Any part of the tree except for the berries (bark, leaves, etc) | Trembling, weakness, stomach upset, difficulty breathing, incoordination, sudden death due to cardiac failure | Death is very sudden – cows and horses can die from yew poisoning within 5 minutes. Signs can show up to two days later. | Yew is extremely common and oftentimes is used as an ornamental shrub. Make sure to never leave clippings in your yard. |
| Cherry, Plum or Peach Trees |  |
Extremely High | Damaged leaves, pits and all other parts of the plant | Respiratory problems, anxiety, collapse, staggering, sudden death | Few minutes to about an hour for symptoms to set in and death to occur due to cyanide poisoning. | Symptoms occur rapidly. If your pet is still alive 2-3 hours after ingesting the leaves or pits, they will usually survive, but it is always best to contact your vet. |
| Oleander |  |
Extremely High | The entire plant is toxic, fresh or dried and can kill even in small amounts | Cardiac issues, stomach irritation, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, collapse, trembling, coma, death | Signs develop quickly and can cause death with little to no warning. | This plant is common in warm climates such as California, Arizona and Florida, as well as indoors. If you see your dog eating this plant, call your vet immediately. |
| Mushrooms |  |
Extremely High, depending on the variety | The entire mushroom is poisonous | Symptoms can range from vomiting and bloody diarrhea to coma and death | Symptoms develop 2-5 hours after your dog has ingested the mushroom, with death occurring 4-6 days after ingestion | Make sure to comb your yard on a regular basis to make sure that no mushrooms have sprouted, especially in wetter climates. |
| Tulips |  |
Moderate | The bulb of the plant is the most toxic part | Severe stomach irritation, central nervous system depression, cardiac abnormalities, convulsions, drooling, loss of appetite | Symptoms will develop in a few hours. Usually, the dog will vomit out the toxins, unless it is a Lily of the Valley, in which vet attention is immediately required. | If you have a pooch that enjoys digging, make sure there are no tulip or other plant bulbs available to him. |
| Tobacco |  |
Low to Severe | Any tobacco product is potentially lethal | Vomiting, diarrhea, incoordination, collapse, respiratory difficulties, respiratory paralysis | Smaller dogs are more affected than larger dogs. Call a vet as soon as possible. Symptoms typically occur 10-15 minutes after ingestion. | Never allow your dogs to be near tobacco plants or products like canned chew and cigarettes. Make sure they do not have access to spit cups or ash trays either. |
While all of these plants are toxic to your pooch, there are plenty of beautiful plants you can safely plant in your yard. Marigolds, blue daisies, butterfly irises, bottlebrushes, roses, sunflowers, African daisies, and African violets are plants with spectacular flowers that can safely be planted in your backyard. If you have a garden, consider planting beets, carrots, ginger, cucumbers, strawberries, and zucchini squash. Banana trees and feather palms are dog-friendly trees as well.
To inquire about a custom dog door designed and installed by the experts at JGM Pet Doors in Phoenix, contact us today.
