Brugmansia
Spring is here! As the days grow warmer and longer, we’ll be futzing in the yard more, putting in new plants and caring for the ones we already have. Unfortunately, many of America’s favorite garden ornamentals can have deadly consequences for your dog, cat or rabbit.
As you’re planning this year’s garden, take a look around and make sure you don’t have one of these common garden plants that could kill your pet. If you do, pull these toxic plants out immediately and transplant them to an area of your garden off-limits to your pets.
- Oleander: One of the most toxic garden plants, this large, lush bush is ubiquitous to the Southwest. Unfortunately, all parts can be fatal if ingested, not only to your pets but also to your family.
- Lantana: Another common bush ornamental, lantana can cause severe digestive upset, sluggishness, weakness, bloody diarrhea, kidney and/or organ failure and death.
- Angel’s Trumpet (Brugmansia): The beauty of this tree makes it a perennial favorite in warm climates throughout the country. Angel’s trumpets might be gorgeous and smell heavenly, but they are extremely toxic — all parts can be fatal if ingested.
- Azaleas: A shrub that explodes with flowers from January until the first heat of summer, azaleas can cause stomach irritation, abdominal pain, abnormal heart rate and rhythm, convulsions, coma and neurological damage.
- Jimson Weed (Datura, moonflower): Although certain kinds of Jimson weed can be beautiful, the plants are incredibly toxic for epts and can cause rapid pulse, respiratory distress, dilated pupils, restlessness, nervousness, twitching, frequent urination, diarrhea, depression, weight loss, weak pulse, convulsions, coma and death.
- Castor Bean: Highly toxic, castor beans can cause nausea, abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, tenesmus, dehydration, shortness of breath, excessive thirst, weakness, muscle twitching, convulsions, coma and death.
For a complete list of dangerous plants for cats and dogs, check out the ASPCA’s guide to toxic and non-toxic plants.
Do you have any of these shrubs or flowers in your yard? Will you be moving them now that you know they’re dangerous to your pet? Let me know your thoughts in the comments section.
