DIY Network

Pet-Friendly Gardening and Landscaping Making sure Fido, Fifi and Garfield stay out of trouble when it comes to garden plants and pesticides From "Dirt On Gardening" episode DDOG-103

	Raised beds are one method of keeping your plants at paw's length from inquisitive pets.
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For gardeners who are also pet enthusiasts, it's important to be aware plant varieties that can be toxic to dogs and cats. Armed with that information, you'll know which varieties to avoid planting when landscaping areas to which your pets will have access. It's knowledge that could save your pet's life--or at least prevent an unexpected and costly trip to the vet.

Safety Alert: Check with your local poison-control center for a list of plants native to your area that may be poisonous or harmful to your pets. And if your pet exhibits unusual signs of distress, or you suspect that he or she has ingested a poisonous plant or substance, don't take chances--call the vet right away.

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Plants and Other Substances That May Be Poisonous to Pets

In general, cats have a more discriminating palette than dogs and tend to have better intuition when it comes to knowing which plants not to munch on--but that doesn't mean they're not susceptible to garden toxins. Dogs, on the other hand, are perpetually curious, tend to explore, and will dig and chew without hesitation.

Veterinary toxicologist Dr. Bob Poppenga provides information to DIY's The Dirt on Gardening on potentially toxic or hazardous plants. Below is a list of some plants, pesticides and other substances you'll want to avoid in order to create a pet-friendly garden.

Figure A

Cardio-Toxic Plants

A number of plants can cause heart problems or heart failure if ingested by pets. Oleander (figure A) is one common ornamental plant that contains cardio-toxins. In fact, a single mouthful of the leaf of this plant could kill an average-sized dog. Other common garden varieties that contain cardio-toxins include:

Rhododendron, azalea and rosebay - contain toxins and can cause serious gastrointestinal upset.

Mushrooms, Mold and Fungi

Some mushroom species and cycads (such as sago palms) can cause liver failure. Heavy rains can lead to increased mushroom growth and have been linked to increases in reported poisonings in dogs. It's best to rid mushrooms from your yard whenever you see them. Here are some things you should know:

• Always assume that any ingested mushroom is highly toxic until a mycologist positively identifies it.
  
• Toxic and non-toxic mushrooms can grow in the same area.
  
• Beware of fungus growth. There is risk of blastomycosis, which can lead to pneumonia-like symptoms and potentially fatal organ damage in dogs. Blastomycosis thrives as mold spores in soil.
  
• Walnuts and walnut husks lying on the ground can become infested with a mold that produces neurotoxins.

Figure B

Another potential hazard to pets is cocoa hull mulch a popular and commercially prepared garden mulch. Most people know that chocolate contains compounds that can be toxic to dogs, mulch made from cocoa beans (figure B) contains similarly harmful compounds. The smell and taste of this innocent looking mulch is very appealing to pets, yet it can be deadly because it contains theobromine. Avoid using this type of garden mulch if you have pets.

Non-Toxic Plants

The following plants can be considered pet-safe and generally are good selections for pet-friendly landscaping.

• Bamboo
  
• Blue-eyed daisy
  
• Pampas grass
  
• Common snapdragon
  
• Purple passion vine
  
• Cornflower
  
• Crape myrtle
  
• Spider plant
  
• Spotted laurel
  
• Garden marigold

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RELATED PROJECTS: Organic Fertilizers No Friend to Pets Plants and Pets Quick Tip: Pets and Digging WEB EXTRA: Web Promise: List of Poisonous Plants

ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
	Pet-Friendly Gardening and Landscaping
	The Hakone Foundation and Japanese Garden
	Vertical Gardening and Bamboo Trellis
	Do-It-Yourself Salsa Garden