Labrador Retriever Dog Gifts : Articles : Lab Health : Poisonous Plants
Poisonous Plants to Dogs
WHAT SHOULD BE KEPT OFF YOUR LAB'S DIET
By Shannon K. Steffen
Sure, you want your house to look nice and take extra time picking out just the right home accent. One of the most common elements to brighten any home is the use of both indoor and outdoor plants. Unknown to most, some of the prettiest of plants can be the most poisonous and deadly to animals, including their family Labrador Retriever.
Labs are known chewers and with that said, they will put their mouth on almost anything within their reach. This includes things not only on the floor but also items on counters, tables, and anyplace else your Lab may be able to climb up to. So, before you buy that pretty plant you saw at the store, check to make sure it is not on this list.
Pretty but Most Poisonous Plants
- Amaryllis
- Anthurium
- Apricot (leaves, twigs, interior kernel of seed)
- Autumn crocus
- Avocado (leaves, seeds, stem, and skin)
- Begonia
- Bleeding heart
- Caladium
- Calla lily
- Castor Bean
- Cherry pits (leaves, twigs, interior kernel of seed)
- Chinese sacred or heavenly bamboo
- Choke cherry (unripe berries)
- Delphinium
- Dieffenbachia
- Elderberry (unripe berries)
- Foxglove
- Garlic
- Hydrangea
- Jack in the pulpit
- Jimson weed
- Kalanchoe
- Lantana
- Lily of the valley
- Milkweed
- Mistletoe berries
- Morning glory
- Oak
- Oleander
- Pencil cactus
- Philodendron
- Rhubarb leave
- Rosary pea
- Scheffelera
- Shamrock
- Yew
These plants are especially toxic if eaten by animals, including your Labrador Retriever. We highly recommend that you remove these plants from your house and yard immediately. If you are unable to remove these plants from your yard at this time, a secure fence around the area is necessary. You will also want to keep an eye on your Lab when it is left outside to ensure it does not come into contact with these plants. Should you suspect that your Lab has eaten any of these plants in even the smallest quantity, please seek veterinary assistance immediately.
Bringing a Labrador Retriever into your family includes keeping it healthy and safe. Removal of toxic elements is crucial in making sure your Lab remains part of your family for many years to come.
For a complete list and more information on poisonous plants, please visit the American Animal Hospital Association website (http://www.healthypets.com).
References
- Training Secrets for Labrador Retrievers. Popular Dogs Series. Topic Volume 7.
