The Hungry Gardener - Keeping Your Dog Safe - Plants, Vegetables & Fruits That Are Dangeous For Dogs to Eat

Cue The Music!

Here we go 'round the mulberry bush 

 The mulberry bush 

 The mulberry bush…. 

 

 

At our house, it’s the Mulberry tree and the one going around it is Lewie…eating all of the mulberries that have dropped on the ground! Or, as we call it “morseling”. 

 

Definition: morseling (mawr-suhl-ing) 

verb

1. The act of nosing through the grass in search of sweet mulberries to devour by the bushel.

Sentence: "Lewie is out morseling again."

 

 

Thankfully mulberries are not hazardous or poisonous to dogs! But, after a very rainy Spring and early Summer here in the Northeast, we started to see a plethora of mushrooms springing up in our yard.

 

 

 

 

 

Knowing the bottomless pits that Labradors are, we started to worry that Lew would start foraging those too, so we looked up hazardous plants, vegetables, grasses, and fruits that can be found in a backyard and are dangerous for dogs to eat (ps: mushrooms are one of them).

 

Here are 10 dangerous things for dogs to eat in your yard:

1. Azaleas: These beautiful shrubs contain toxins that can cause digestive upset and more severe complications if ingested by dogs.
2. Daffodils: The bulbs of daffodil plants are toxic to dogs and can lead to gastrointestinal issues, tremors, and heart problems.
3. Oleander: This ornamental plant contains cardiac glycosides that are poisonous to dogs and can be fatal if ingested.
4. Tomato Plants: While the fruit itself is generally safe, the leaves and stems of tomato plants contain a toxic substance called solanine, which can cause gastrointestinal distress and nervous system depression in dogs.
5. Rhubarb: The leaves of rhubarb plants contain oxalic acid, which can be toxic to dogs and lead to drooling, abdominal pain, and kidney damage.
6. Lily of the Valley: This fragrant flower contains cardiac glycosides that can cause vomiting, irregular heartbeat, and seizures in dogs.
7. Sago Palm: All parts of the sago palm, especially the seeds, contain a toxin called cycasin, which can result in liver failure if ingested by dogs.
8. Mushrooms: Some backyard mushrooms can be highly toxic to dogs, causing a range of symptoms from mild gastrointestinal upset to organ failure.
9. Grapes and Raisins: These seemingly harmless fruits can be toxic to dogs and can lead to kidney failure if ingested in large quantities.
10. Avocados: Avocado fruit and pits contain persin, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other digestive issues in dogs.

 

We knew about many of these - but not about avocados!! Shockingly, we have given Lew slivers of avocados in the past - but no more. Who knew???

 

So what is safe for them to eat? According to Rover.com - here are a few options:

10 dog-friendly blooms:

1. Roses: Classic and safe, sprinkle some petals on your salad for a gourmet touch. Just watch out for thorns!

2. African Violets: Easy to care for and won't harm your dog's curious palate.

3. Snapdragons: These bright annuals add charm to your yard and pose no risk to your pet.

4. Orchids: A plethora of varieties and hybrids are generally non-toxic for pups. Do some research to ensure you're growing a safe one.

5. Garden Marigolds: A pop of color in your garden, just make sure your dog doesn't eat too many.

6. Pansies: Lively, sweet, and apparently tasty. Enjoy a rainbow of colors without worry.

7. Petunias: Fragrant and beautiful, these blooms won't harm your furry friend.

8. Sunflowers: Golden beauties that are safe for dogs and cats. Just watch their tummy intake.

9. Zinnias: Quirky and colorful annuals that dogs can safely munch on.

10. Gerbera Daisies: Bright and cheerful classics that make great gifts for dog owners.

 

And Moses? He hates anything that grows in the dirt. He’s more of a meat and cheese guy!

 

Have a safe summer and happy morseling!! 

 

 

 

Resource: https://www.rover.com/blog/safe-flowers-for-dogs/