For many of us, spring fever has struck and we’re ready to get our hands dirty with gardening and landscaping around our homes. Before you dig in, double check your planting plans to be sure you’re not making a dangerous landscape for your four-legged companions.

Here are some tips compiled from Richmond SPCA publications, Family Dog Digest and online ASPCA sources.  For more toxicology tips or to view a toxic and non-toxic plant list, visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center’s Website at http://www.aspca.org/apcc. 

Plants that could affect the heart:
• Convallaria majalis; Nerium oleander; Rhododendron species; Digitalis pupurea; Kalanchoe species; Lily of the Valley, Oleander, Azalea; Rosebay; and Foxglove
Plants that could cause kidney failure:
• Lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis species, in cats only); Rhubarb (Rheum species – leaves only); and Shamrock (Oxalis species)
Plants or fungi that could cause liver failure:
• Cycads (Cycad species such as Sago Palm); and Mushroom (Amanita phalloides)
Plants that could cause multiple effects:
• Autumn Crocus (Colchicum species – causes hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, renal failure, liver damage and bone marrow suppression); and Castor Bean (Ricinus species – can cause renal failure, liver failure, convulsions and death)

1. What should pet owners do if they suspect their animal has ingested a poisonous plant or mushroom? What symptoms should they look for?
If pet owners suspect that their animal has ingested a poisonous plant, they should contact their veterinarian immediately.  It’s advised to bring part of the plant to a nursery for identification if the exact species is not known.  Symptoms of poisonings can include almost any clinical sign.

2. Is there a way for pet owners to train or teach their pets not to eat poisonous plants or mushrooms?
Pet owners could train their pets to avoid certain areas of their home or yard where there are poisonous plants.  However, the safest method would be to prevent exposure by removing the plants from the pet’s home and yard. 

3. What about pesticides and fertilizers that might be in the garage or tool shed?
Make sure your pets do not go on lawns or in gardens treated with fertilizers, herbicides or insecticides until the time listed on the label by the manufacturer.  If you are uncertain about the usage of any product, contact the manufacturer for clarification before using it.  Always store pesticides, fertilizers and herbicides in areas that are inaccessible to your pets - read the label carefully for proper usage and storage instructions.
The most serious problems resulting from fertilizer ingestion in pets are usually due to the presence of heavy metals such as iron.  Ingestion of large amounts of fertilizer could cause severe gastric upset and possibly gastrointestinal obstruction.
The most dangerous forms of pesticides include: snail bait containing metaldehyde, fly bait containing methomyl, systemic insecticides containing disyston or disulfoton, zinc phosphide containing mole or gopher bait and most forms of rat poisons. 

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