Landscaping to Ensure your Pets Health and Wellbeing!

Information courtesy Jo Cosgrove, landscaper and an expert at www.Trees.com.

While summer is a great time to be a pet owner there are some hazards of the season that may be obvious like heat strokes and damaged paws. There are also a few plants pet owners should keep an eye out for to ensure their pet’s health and wellness.

Plant expert Jo Cosgrove, shared what plants could be harmful to pets and what to watch out for:

• Aloe Vera – While it is perfectly safe for humans to shmear or even consume aloe pulp, it is absolutely not appropriate for a dog’s system. Saponins in aloe leaves can bring on vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, tremors, and general central nervous system depression.
• Amaryllis and Daffodils – Some very common ornamentals that might be planted around your house. Amaryllis bulbs, which contain the alkaloid lycorine, are often potted and brought inside for holiday decor. Daffodils bloom in mid-spring. These flowers, if ingested, can cause intestinal spasms, low blood pressure, salivation, tremors, vomiting, diarrhea, and even cardiac arrhythmia.
• Baby’s Breath – The bouquet filler in every last-minute grocery store bunch of “I’m Sorry”, Mother’s Day, Birthday, and anniversary roses will cause vomiting and diarrhea.
• Begonia – This very common home and garden plant contains needle-shaped crystals of calcium oxalate called “raphides” that can cause severe inflammation and irritation to any tissues. They are found throughout the plant but are concentrated in the stems and on the root of the plant. They can cause vomiting and excessive salivating as the body tries to purge or dilute the irritant. These symptoms should be reported to a vet immediately!
• Sago Palm – A common houseplant that is adored for its tropical aesthetic can cause liver failure and death in severe cases when ingested by pets. All parts are extremely toxic.