Question: My family is about to get our first puppy! My children are so excited, but before we bring our puppy home, I have some questions about our landscape. We have a decent-sized back yard with several nice trees and assorted ornamental plant material. That’s where we want the puppy and our children to play and exercise but I’ve read that some plants are toxic to animals.  Can you help me identify the dangerous ones, and recommend a garden design that is pet-friendly?

 Answer:

I bought a single trusting heart,

That gave devotion from the start.

If you think these things are not for sale,

Buy a brown-eyed puppy with a stump for a tail.

~Anonymous

In addition to keeping pets and children from playing in the road where hazards are obvious, we need to keep them safe during visits to the park, trips to grandma’s house, and our own backyards.

 Dogs exhibit several characteristics that can turn playtime in the yard to an emergency trip to the vet. First and foremost, most dogs like – no, they LOVE – to dig. A natural behavior of most breeds, digging entertains our dogs, and is even more rewarding if the activity results in escape from an enclosed space. A bunny, mole, or chipmunk is natural prey, and one hiding in your choice azaleas is more temptation than many puppies can stand. Therein lies a problem; landscapes created for human enjoyment can harbor plants that are toxic to our pets, including those azaleas.

 In addition to azaleas, here are a few other plants that could sicken or even kill a dog: Crocus (both spring and autumn varieties), Kalanchoe, several varieties of Lily, Oleander, Dieffenbachia, Daffodils, Lily-of-the-Valley, Tulips, and Hyanciths. Symptoms range from vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive drooling to kidney failure and liver damage.

 In some plant species, damage comes from eating leaves and flowers, while in others only roots or bulbs are toxic. If you’re concerned about potentially dangerous plants in your yard, check with your veterinarian or visit online sources such as www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants or the Pet Poison Helpline: 800-213-6680 (there is a fee for the service).

 In addition to careful choices of plant material, we can create dog-friendly gardens containing elements such as paths and areas where they can run and be “on patrol.” Include shade, shelter, and space for “nature calls.” Other than potentially toxic plants, avoid thorny or spiny varieties as eye injuries are possible.

 Providing a safe environment for your puppy may necessitate fencing off a few plants or an area of the garden until the dog learns they are off limits. The use of scent or taste repellents may be enough to keep puppy away until he or she learns that lesson.

 A bit of planning can ensure your family and puppy have a warm and loving future!

For more information about this topic of other horticulture related topics please contact Sallie Lee, Urban Regional Extension Agent, at the St. Clair County Extension office at (205) 338-9416 or email leesall@auburn.edu.

Learn more about what is going on at the St. Clair County Extension office by visiting our website, www.aces.edu/StClair or liking us on Facebook.