Plants as a Potential Pet Problem:

Though your pet may think of your garden as a yummy salad bar, nibbling on certain common household and garden plants could be toxic to them.

Cats and dogs love to investigate their environment by tasting it. Anyone who has ever raised a puppy can attest to that fact. But many plants can cause mouth or intestinal irritation or more serious problems.

Help safeguard your pets by researching the potential dangers before you start your landscaping projects. Local nurseries are excellent sources of information. If you find that you have a potentially toxic plant, it is not always necessary to dig it up, just keep your pets away from it. Insecticides and fertilizers can also act as irritants to the mouth, skin and digestive tract.

When in doubt, ask your veterinarian or the National Animal Poison Control Center in Urbana, Illinois. Your home should be a safe haven for your pet and not a hazard.