Safe Plants to Have In Your Garden

Pet owners who are also avid gardeners should be extra cautious when they are planning for their spring garden, as there are a lot of seemingly innocent plants that are toxic to dogs and cats. In this article, we outline a few common plants that pet owners should and shouldn’t consider as part of their gardening efforts.

Plants that Aren’t Safe for Pets

Here are some examples of plants that should be kept well away from your furry friends.

Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum is a popular choice of gardening plant, especially due to their beautiful flowers. Unfortunately, chrysanthemum is toxic to both dogs and cats due to the presence of a natural insecticide called permethrin. Pets that consume chrysanthemum may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and a lack of coordination. Keep these flowering plants well away from your furry pal.

Azalea

Azalea is another favorite among gardeners. Unfortunately, a small nibble can put your dog or cat in great danger due to a toxin called grayanotoxins, which is present across all parts of the azalea plant. This particular substance may disrupt cellular metabolism or your pet’s nerves and muscles. Four-legged friends affected by azalea poisoning may show symptoms such as vomiting, hyper-salivation, and seizures.

Chives

Chives are one of the easiest perennials to grow in the backyard and can be a good addition to many home-cooked dishes. They are part of the same family as onions, garlic, and leeks. However, these species of plants are known to be poisonous for cats and dogs as they contain compounds that attack red blood cells. Pets affected by chives poisoning may show symptoms such as vomiting, a high heart rate, and the presence of blood in the urine.

Note that the ASPCA has a comprehensive database where you can find out if certain plant species are toxic or non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Plants that Are Beneficial for Pets

Here are some examples of plants that could be beneficial to your purring pal or canine companion directly or indirectly.

Basil

Basil is considered to be one of the healthiest herbs due to it containing nutrients like iron and calcium. For pet owners, they are a great addition to the garden for several reasons. First, basil is a pest-repelling plant. The scent from the basil could help repel irritating pests such as mosquitoes and flies.

Basil is also safe for pets to consume in small amounts. Adding a bit of homegrown basil to your pet’s diet could help them gain the appropriate nutrients needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Spider Plants

In addition to growing outdoor plants, you could also consider having some potted plants around the household for air purifying purposes. The spider plant is just one of many great suggestions. Spider plants can aid the health of both pets and humans by removing harmful pollutants like formaldehyde from the air.

The result of your spring gardening efforts can be beneficial to your pet in so many ways. Just be sure to do some research beforehand to ensure you aren’t growing anything that could be toxic to your pet.

About the Author

Sam Choan is a gardening enthusiast who likes to blog about topics related to sustainability, conservation, and natural DIY. Check out his blog Organic Lesson to learn more about his experiences in green living.