Dogs are particularly inquisitive, and once the warmer seasons arrive it's essential that owners are aware of the plants bordering their houses. During the Spring and Summer dogs delight in spending more time outside and there are few things more exciting than sniffing and possibly tasting every type of grass, flower or shrub available. Sadly this can frequently result in an upset stomach, a visit to the veterinarian or even worse. Therefore dog owners must keep wary to keep their four legged friends away from problems. Although there are many plants which are known to be harmful to dogs, let's take a look at 4 warm weather plants harmful to dogs.
Azaleas and Rhododendrons
These multi-colored, blooming shrubs are a favorite of landscapers early in the year and are usually found in gardens throughout the United States. A good looking shrub frequently used by homeowners as elements of their landscaping, few recognize that this shrub is toxic to their dog. Unfortunately, the ingestion of only a few leaves can result in a variety of problems, including: vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, drooling and in severe cases, even coma and death. The results of ingestion generally occur within a few hours and there is no specific treatment for this form of poisoning. Normal treatment should include the removal of the plant material (induction of vomiting, etc) and treatment of the symptoms. Without serious complications, the forecast for recovery ought to be good.
Tulip and Daffodil Bulbs
Tulips and Daffodils are colorful blooming plants which are a springtime favorite and generally catch the attention of curious dogs. It's normal for dogs to dig in dirt since this pastime is built into many breeds and it's often pursued for exercise, enjoyment, boredom, or another reason. Generally the flowers placed in your yard ought to be of the greatest concern, since bulbs are what contain the material dangerous to dogs. Signs of ingestion include gastrointestinal discomfort, drooling, decrease in appetite, depression of the central nervous system, convulsions and cardiac irregularities. There are no particular treatments for poisoning from Tulip and Daffodil bulbs, however some symptoms could be relieved by rinsing out the dog's mouth, giving intravenous fluids and giving your dog drugs to stop vomiting. In a nutshell, the best way to avoid this sort of situation is to dig up the bulbs and store them for planting during the next season.
Rhubarb
Many gardeners enjoy the chance to grow summer Rhubarb, but few understand that the leaves of this plant are toxic to dogs. The toxin in rhubarb is oxalate, which is associated with death in dogs who have consumed a quantity of oxalate rich leaves. Commonly, a substantial amount of Rhubarb leaves would need to be ingested to risk death; a dog weighing 35 pounds would need to eat about 2.75 pounds of leaves to obtain a lethal dose. Despite the fact that consuming this amount is unlikely, eating as little as 6 ounces of Rhubarb leaves would make the same dog sick. The signs of oxalate poisoning consist ofweakness, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, burning feelings, labored breathing, convulsions and even death. Treatment should be provided by a vet and could include inducing the dog to vomit and administration of activated charcoal, IV fluids and medicine as needed. Naturally, if you have Rhubarb in your yard, fence off the area during the entire growing season.
Fruit Trees
Many people enjoy having fruit trees around their house, but often what's suitable for humans is not always good for dogs. Apple, cherry, peach and apricot trees contain toxic substances that can create complications for your dog. Although the toxicity can vary based on the type of tree, it's a good idea to keep your dog clear of these kinds of trees. The stems, leaves and seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides which convert into the poison cyanide when combined with the acid in a dog's stomach, so be certain to keep your pet far from this temptation. Depending on the dose, symptoms may include gastrointestinal upset, poor coordination, breathlessness as well as shock, coma and death.
Dogs are enjoyable and curious companions that frequently seem to get into mischief. By becoming mindful of the types of plants that may pose a hazard to your pet, you can be ready to help in the event he or she become ill.
Azaleas and Rhododendrons
These multi-colored, blooming shrubs are a favorite of landscapers early in the year and are usually found in gardens throughout the United States. A good looking shrub frequently used by homeowners as elements of their landscaping, few recognize that this shrub is toxic to their dog. Unfortunately, the ingestion of only a few leaves can result in a variety of problems, including: vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, drooling and in severe cases, even coma and death. The results of ingestion generally occur within a few hours and there is no specific treatment for this form of poisoning. Normal treatment should include the removal of the plant material (induction of vomiting, etc) and treatment of the symptoms. Without serious complications, the forecast for recovery ought to be good.
Tulip and Daffodil Bulbs
Tulips and Daffodils are colorful blooming plants which are a springtime favorite and generally catch the attention of curious dogs. It's normal for dogs to dig in dirt since this pastime is built into many breeds and it's often pursued for exercise, enjoyment, boredom, or another reason. Generally the flowers placed in your yard ought to be of the greatest concern, since bulbs are what contain the material dangerous to dogs. Signs of ingestion include gastrointestinal discomfort, drooling, decrease in appetite, depression of the central nervous system, convulsions and cardiac irregularities. There are no particular treatments for poisoning from Tulip and Daffodil bulbs, however some symptoms could be relieved by rinsing out the dog's mouth, giving intravenous fluids and giving your dog drugs to stop vomiting. In a nutshell, the best way to avoid this sort of situation is to dig up the bulbs and store them for planting during the next season.
Rhubarb
Many gardeners enjoy the chance to grow summer Rhubarb, but few understand that the leaves of this plant are toxic to dogs. The toxin in rhubarb is oxalate, which is associated with death in dogs who have consumed a quantity of oxalate rich leaves. Commonly, a substantial amount of Rhubarb leaves would need to be ingested to risk death; a dog weighing 35 pounds would need to eat about 2.75 pounds of leaves to obtain a lethal dose. Despite the fact that consuming this amount is unlikely, eating as little as 6 ounces of Rhubarb leaves would make the same dog sick. The signs of oxalate poisoning consist ofweakness, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, burning feelings, labored breathing, convulsions and even death. Treatment should be provided by a vet and could include inducing the dog to vomit and administration of activated charcoal, IV fluids and medicine as needed. Naturally, if you have Rhubarb in your yard, fence off the area during the entire growing season.
Fruit Trees
Many people enjoy having fruit trees around their house, but often what's suitable for humans is not always good for dogs. Apple, cherry, peach and apricot trees contain toxic substances that can create complications for your dog. Although the toxicity can vary based on the type of tree, it's a good idea to keep your dog clear of these kinds of trees. The stems, leaves and seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides which convert into the poison cyanide when combined with the acid in a dog's stomach, so be certain to keep your pet far from this temptation. Depending on the dose, symptoms may include gastrointestinal upset, poor coordination, breathlessness as well as shock, coma and death.
Dogs are enjoyable and curious companions that frequently seem to get into mischief. By becoming mindful of the types of plants that may pose a hazard to your pet, you can be ready to help in the event he or she become ill.
About the Author:
Regina T. Roby is a passionate pet owner that has lived through countless canine emergencies with her curious Labrador Retriever Paco and hyper Yorkie Bob. As a result, she's found dog insurance indispensable in restricting big veterinary costs and believes that every pet owner should by a pet insurance policy.