Your dog is more than just a pet; they are a member of the family, your confidante, your protector and your best friend. We would do anything to keep them out of harm’s way and give them whatever they desired in the world. Want a cushiony and cozy bed right next to mine? Not a problem! Oh, you want to sleep in the bed with me? Well just this once. When that puppy dog look is reaching deep into your soul, you would give in to almost anything when it comes to your dog.

Dogs are not like cats in the sense that they are independent creatures but instead, they seek out and crave attention. If they don’t get this attention, they could actually act out in ways that are reminiscent of a child throwing a tantrum – bathroom accidents inside the house, tearing up the furniture and even damaging items that are around the home. This is never good but it is especially not good if your dog takes it upon themselves to destroy a toxic plant. That’s right, some plants are toxic for dogs and the owners should take care to avoid any potential interactions.

So what plants are toxic for dogs and what ones should they avoid? Keep reading to find out!

Toxic Plants

The following is a brief but not a comprehensive list of the most common plants that your dog should avoid. If you are unsure if a plant(s) strains that are toxic for your dogs, then contact your vet to confirm. You can also reach out to the numerous online forums and blogs that are available for dog care or contact your local animal shelter for a list of toxic plants.

Types of Reactions

There are a couple different types of reactions that your dog could have if they come into contact or ingests part of a dangerous plant. They could experience hot spots, rashes, skin irritations and hives if the leaves of a toxic plant brushes against their coat.

If your dog ingests a toxic plant, they may experience stomach upset, diarrhea, vomiting, fatigue and changes in their appetite. They might begin to eat everything in sight and continue to eat until they are sick, or they might not even touch as much as a sip of water.

Some dogs even experience an attitude or personality change due to the internal struggles they are experiencing but are unable to vocalize. Some do become extremely attached and begin to exhibit signs of separation anxiety, but most tend to shy away from human contact and prefer to be on their own while they are ill. Signs of aggression could also be present as the dog is scared and in pain.

Protecting your Dog

To protect your furry counterpart from potential coming into contact with a toxic plant, remove them completely from the home and instead have them outside in areas that your dog does not frequent. If this isn’t an option, place indoor plants on high tables that your dog cannot reach in sturdy flowerpots that are not easily moved. You can place your potted plants on shelving, windowsills (chest level and up on the average adult) or keep them in an area that your dog do not visit.

Train your dog from an early age that digging in the outdoor gardens is a big no-no and encourage them to spend their time on the open spots of lawn. Make it comfortable for them by keeping your lawn lush and plentiful and ensure to maintain your lawn to prevent damaging the grass. Check out Backyard Boss for the best lawn fertilizers that will fix anything!

You can also create a barrier between your dog and your plants by constructing a wooden fence around the garden bed. Use the opportunity to showcase your creative side by painting the fence an array of color. If you are going to use this method, it is important to give your plants some TLC, so their growing schedule isn’t interrupted by the shifting soil as you put the fence in place.

Conclusion

Our dog is truly our best friend; they love you unconditionally and only ask for love in return. They don’t care what we look like, what clothes we are wearing, and how long we spend in front of the television catching up on reality programs after a long, hard week at work. That is why we should love and cherish them, making sure that any potential dangers are eliminated from the areas in which our dogs will reside, sleep, and play.

As listed, the above plants could be a combination of indoor and outdoor plants; so, caution is needed in both places. Place indoor plants up out of reach of your dog and keep them in areas that your dog does not really go if possible. Erect a fence around the dangerous plants outdoors to discourage curious noses and potential interactions.

There are ways to help your dog avoid the plants that could cause them pain, external and internal damage and even in the most severe cases, death. Use these ways and take comfort in the fact you know you are doing absolutely everything for your furry best friend.