I had always heard that they were poisonous to animals, i.e. Cats, Dogs, Rabbits, etc. I can't say I am not too worried about cats, as they don't usually enter my backyard (we have a 6 foot tall privacy fence and two cat-hating dogs, so they don't take their chances.) The neighborhood cats DO like to poop randomly in our front gardens, ick...but they haven't been as bad this year. As far as rabbits are concerned, they are everywhere around our neighborhood, but like the cats, they don't cross into dog territory.
However...I worry about the DOG factor. I have two dogs...that love, LOVE, LOVE their backyard. They love to munch on the grass, but I have never seen them show any attention to any of the other plants in the backyard.
So I didn't think I wanted to take my chances with the planting the Foxgloves in the backyard. So I decided to do a little research today. I was surprised to find that 7 of the 13 plants we currently have growing in our backyard are considered poisonous to dogs:
Morning Glory - Clinical Signs: Gastrointestinal upset, agitation, tremors, disorientation, ataxia, anorexia. Seeds may cause hallucination, may cause diarrhea.
Peony - Clinical Signs: Vomiting, diarrhea, depression
Wisteria - Clinical Signs: Vomiting (sometimes with blood), diarrhea, depression
English Ivy - Clinical Signs: Vomiting, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, diarrhea. Foliage is more toxic than berries
Hydrangea - Clinical Signs: Vomiting, depression, diarrhea. Cyanide intoxication is rare – usually produces more of a gastrointestinal disturbance.
Hosta - Clinical Signs: Vomiting, diarrhea, depression.
Foxglove - Clinical Signs: Cardiac arrhythmias, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, cardiac failure, death.
So my thoughts? It's really on the Foxgloves that scare me a little...seeing as how they are the only ones mentioned to possibly lead to DEATH; also seeing as how the other 6 plants have been in the backyard now for 1+ years with no issue...I think I am safe with just planting the Foxgloves out front and proceeding with new backyard plants with caution.
Who knew a pretty garden could impact my furry little friends so much.
4 comments:
Oh man thats crazyy, and scary.
Foxgloves in front for the win.
I wish you'd stop making me feel bad for buying you poisonous flowers.
haha!!! Oh please...you shouldn't feel bad...it's me who should. I really, really want to put them in our backyard...no matter if they ARE poisonous...that's where I want them!!! :P
I LOVE THEM!
My sister & I were JUST talking about posionous flowers. Do you have Buttercups where you live... did you know they were posionous. Blew me away, especially since I remember gathering them & once even tasting them as a kid.
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