Landscaping and Your Pets!
Plants to Avoid
Toxic Plants: Plants like tulips, oleander, and cyclamen are dangerous for pets. Symptoms from tulip ingestion include nausea, vomiting, and rapid breathing, while oleander can cause accelerated heart rate and seizures. Cyclamen’s toxic parts, particularly its roots, can lead to cardiac issues. (https://www.epicgardening.com/pet-safe-garden/)
Lilies and Cats: Lilies pose a significant risk to cats, with both true lilies and daylilies capable of causing kidney failure and potentially death if ingested or even contacted by cats. (https://www.aspca.org/news/tips-pet-safe-yard-and-garden)
Other Hazardous Plants: Sago palms can lead to liver failure and death, while hyacinths, irises, and daffodils cause vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling. Crocuses, especially the fall variety, are highly toxic, causing severe gastrointestinal issues and potential liver, kidney, or bone marrow damage. (https://www.aspca.org/news/gardening-safety-101-your-guide-keeping-your-pet-safe)
Pet-Friendly Plants
Safe Ornamentals: For a pet-friendly garden, consider plants like Black-eyed Susan, zinnia, impatiens, magnolias, petunias, sweet potato vines, pansies, and marigolds. (https://www.oakhurstvet.com/blog/pet-safety-and-gardening-how-to-create-a-pet-friendly-outdoor-space/)
Edible Plants: Pets can safely enjoy basil, catmint/catnip, carrots, zucchini, radishes, raspberries, thyme, sage, and mixed greens. (https://www.oakhurstvet.com/blog/pet-safety-and-gardening-how-to-create-a-pet-friendly-outdoor-space/)
Landscaping Considerations
Compost: Compost can attract pets but may contain harmful mycotoxins. Keep it secure and away from pets.
Mulching: Use pet-safe mulches like pine or cedar. Avoid cocoa bean mulch and chemically treated mulches due to their toxicity.
Pest Control: Opt for pet-friendly pest control methods like diatomaceous earth or nematodes, and avoid dangerous chemicals.
Fertilizers: Choose natural fertilizers and keep pets away from fertilized areas as they can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other health issues.
Sun Protection: Provide shaded areas for pets to avoid overheating and ensure they have access to water.
General Tips
Eliminate Harmful Plants: Regularly inspect and remove dangerous plants from your garden.
Create Barriers: Use fences or raised garden beds to protect certain garden areas from pets.
Beware of Pests and Insects: Use natural methods to control fleas and ticks and maintain a healthy lawn to deter pests.