Protecting Your Pet

Dr. Birgit Puschner, a lifelong gardener and pet lover, says the greatest danger for animals is often the most surprising to humans. For example, what do oleanders (figure A), yews (figure B) and begonias (figure C) have in common? They all make great landscape plants, unless you're a really inquisitive pet who chews on everything. These plants can be dangerous, even deadly to animals, and all too often, owners won't even know there's a problem until it's too late. "Unfortunately, I think [owners] find out after the fact," says Puschner.

So if Fido and fauna don't mix, does that mean you shouldn't grow potentially dangerous plants? Dr. Puschner recommends a less restrictive approach: watch young pets carefully as they explore and discourage or control behaviors that could be dangerous. And that can mean either making sure that a puppy doesn't have access to a dangerous plant or getting rid of the plant altogether.

But oleanders aren't the only plants that pose a risk to animals. The leaves of rhubarb can cause organ damage. The Japanese yew (Taxus cuspidata) can cause heart problems, and plants that have strong fragrances such as eucalyptus and bay laurel (Laurus nobilis) can cause an upset stomach if ingested in large enough quantities.

And if you think there are lots of poisonous plants outdoors, you might be surprised to learn just how many common houseplants are toxic, too. "For indoor plants, philodendron and dieffenbachia are on the list; they can cause a lot of problems, especially in cats," warns Dr. Puschner. Even lilies, including tiger lilies and Easter lilies, may pose a threat to your unsuspecting pet. And, depending on the climate zone where you live, these may be plants you keep outdoors as well.

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