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Dog of the Day: Taeyang!

Meme of the day: They are puppies forever!

A Guide to Dog-Friendly Greenery

Our gardens are often our sanctuaries, vibrant spaces bursting with color and life. For many of us, our dogs are an integral part of that life, happily sniffing through the flowerbeds, basking in the sunshine, and maybe even "helping" with the digging! However, beneath the beauty of our carefully cultivated spaces, there can lurk some hidden dangers for our beloved canine companions.

As responsible pet parents, it's crucial to be aware that some common garden plants, while lovely to look at, can pose a serious threat to our furry friends if ingested. The good news is that with a little knowledge and proactive planning, we can create a beautiful and safe outdoor haven for everyone to enjoy.  

Think of this not as a list of things to fear, but as an empowering guide to making informed choices. By understanding which plants can be harmful, we can take steps to prevent accidental poisoning and ensure our dogs lead happy and healthy lives alongside our flourishing gardens.

Common Culprits to Watch Out For:

While this isn't an exhaustive list, these are some of the more commonly found garden plants that can be toxic to dogs:

• Lilies (of many varieties): While Daylilies and Tiger Lilies are thankfully considered non-toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA, it's important to be aware that many other types of lilies, particularly those in the Lilium and Hemerocallis genera (like Asiatic, Easter, Japanese Show, Rubrum, Stargazer, and Wood lilies), are highly toxic to cats and can still cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs. It's best to err on the side of caution and avoid these altogether if you have a curious pup.

• Sago Palm: This popular landscaping plant is extremely dangerous to dogs. All parts of the sago palm are toxic, but the seeds are the most potent, capable of causing severe liver failure, vomiting, diarrhea, and even death.  

• Oleander: This beautiful flowering shrub contains cardiac glycosides that can affect the heart, causing drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially more severe heart problems.  

• Castor Bean: The seeds of the castor bean plant contain ricin, a highly toxic substance. Ingestion can lead to abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and kidney failure.  

• Azaleas and Rhododendrons: These stunning flowering shrubs contain grayanotoxins, which can affect the cardiovascular and nervous systems. Symptoms can include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and in severe cases, coma or even death.  

• Tulips and Daffodils (especially the bulbs): While the flowers and leaves can cause mild gastrointestinal upset, the bulbs contain higher concentrations of toxins that can lead to more severe vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and even cardiac issues.

• Hyacinths (especially the bulbs): Similar to tulips and daffodils, the bulbs of hyacinths are the most toxic part, causing intense gastrointestinal upset, tremors, and even death.  

• Foxglove: This elegant plant contains cardiac glycosides that can slow the heart rate and cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even seizures.

Recognizing the Signs of Plant Poisoning:

It's vital to be vigilant and know what signs to look for if your dog has ingested a toxic plant. These can vary depending on the plant and the amount ingested, but some common symptoms include:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Excessive drooling

• Lethargy or weakness

• Loss of appetite

• Abdominal pain

• Tremors or seizures

• Difficulty breathing

• Increased or decreased heart rate

What to Do If You Suspect Your Dog Has Eaten a Toxic Plant:

Time is of the essence in these situations. If you suspect your dog has ingested a potentially toxic plant, act immediately:

1. Try to identify the plant: If possible, take a sample of the plant with you.

2. Stay calm: Your dog will sense your anxiety.

3. Contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline immediately: These resources have the most up-to-date information on plant toxicity and can guide you on the next steps. In the United States, the Pet Poison Helpline number is (855) 764-7661.

4. Follow their instructions carefully: Do not induce vomiting unless specifically advised to do so by a veterinary professional.

Creating a Safe and Beautiful Garden for Your Dog:

The good news is that there are countless beautiful and non-toxic plants that will thrive in your garden and pose no threat to your furry friend. Consider incorporating these dog-safe options:

• Herbs: Basil, rosemary, sage, thyme, and dill are generally safe for dogs.  

• Sunflowers: These cheerful giants are usually harmless.  

• Marigolds: These vibrant flowers add color and are typically safe.  

• Zinnias: Another colorful and generally dog-friendly option.  

• Snapdragons: These whimsical flowers are usually safe.  

• Petunias: These popular bedding plants are generally non-toxic.  

• Many ornamental grasses: These add texture and movement to the garden.  

Practical Tips for a Dog-Safe Garden:

• Research before you plant: Always identify plants before introducing them to your garden. Cross-reference with reliable lists of toxic and non-toxic plants for dogs (like the ASPCA website).

• Consider raised beds or containers: These can help keep tempting plants out of your dog's reach.

• Use fencing or barriers: Strategically placed fencing can create dog-free zones in your garden where you can grow potentially toxic plants.  

• Supervise your dog in the garden: Keep an eye on your furry friend while they are exploring.

• Teach your dog "leave it": This valuable command can prevent them from ingesting things they shouldn't.

• Store gardening chemicals safely: Keep fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides well out of your dog's reach.

By taking a thoughtful approach to our gardening choices, we can cultivate outdoor spaces that are both beautiful and safe havens for our beloved dogs. A little awareness and proactive planning go a long way in ensuring their health and happiness while we all enjoy the wonders of the garden together.

Family Photo of the Day: Clarice!

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Sources:

Dog of the day: IG itstaeyangtime

Meme of the day: IG theblacklabrador_poppy