Garden Dangers For Dogs

One of the good things about living in Louisiana is that we can enjoy beautiful gardens all year long. Many of our canine patients also enjoy sunning themselves in pretty yards, or on balconies, terraces, and verandas. It’s important for pet owners to know what is and isn’t safe for their pups. In this article, a New Orleans, LA vet goes over some things that can endanger Fido in the garden.

Plants

Many popular plants are toxic to our furry friends. That list includes azaleas, oleanders, honeysuckle, lilies, tulips, narcissus, rhododendrons, jasmine, castor bean, cyclamen, kalanchoe and marijuana. Sago palms are also extremely dangerous for dogs. Fido often eats the seeds, which have a flavor he likes. Unfortunately, these are very poisonous. Ingestion can be fatal! You can get more information on unsafe plants at the ASPCA site here, or by contacting the The Louisiana Drug and Poison Information Center at 800-222-1222.

Insects

We definitely have our fair share of mosquitos here on the Gulf Coast. Mosquitoes carry heartworms, which can be fatal to your canine buddy. Ticks are another dangerous bug: they can spread Lyme disease to both people and pets. Then there’s poisonous spiders. We now have three types to look out for, as the Brown Widow has recently joined the Black Widow and Brown Recluse here in Louisiana. Snakes are also a concern. We have seven types of venomous snakes here, including the Easter Diamondback and the Eastern Copperhead. Many snakes like to hide under plants and beneath porches, which are areas Fido loves sniffing around in.

Escape

Make sure that your fencing is secure, and that your pooch can’t go over, under, or through it. A good, self-latching gate is also important. Given that, unfortunately, animal theft is an ongoing issue, you may also want to install security features.

Chemicals

Fertilizer, pesticides, bone meal, and blood meal are just a few of the lawn/garden chemicals that can be dangerous to dogs. Water thoroughly after applying chemicals, so they soak into the ground, and use non-toxic pest removal methods.

Tips

Fido should always have shade, a comfy shelter, and water available outside. However, he should never be left outdoors unattended for extended periods of time. Your furry best friend should live indoors, with the rest of the family! Please contact us, your New Orleans, LA animal clinic, anytime. We’re here to help!