Beware of Valentine's Flowers that May Poison Your Dog

Valentine's Day brings floral deliveries, potted plants and fragrant parcels of potpourri to many. Unfortunately, many well-meaning gift givers and adoring dog owners may not realize that many flowers and plants may be poisonous to pets.

Plenty of popular plants can actually be quite dangerous to dogs, particularly if these canines should happen to consume the blossoms, leaves, stems or roots of such vegetation. Some plants are so dangerous to dogs that they can even cause ill effects if a pet digs in the dirt or rubs on the leaves and then licks his own paws or fur.

What plants tend to be toxic to dogs?

More than 700 plants have been observed to be harmful to canines.

The most popular plants that prove poisonous to dogs include Aloe, Amaryllis, Asparagus fern, Azalea, Baby's breath, Bird of paradise, Calla lily, Carnation, Chrysanthemum, Coleus, Crocus, Cyclamen, Daffodil, Dahlia, Daisy, Dianthus, Geranium, Gladiolus, Holly, Hyacinth, Hydrangea, Iris, Ivy and Jonquil.

More commonly chosen, but potentially dog-poisoning, plants include Mistletoe, Morning glory, Moss rose, Narcissus, Oleander, Peace lily, Peony, Periwinkle, Philodendron, Poinsettia, Primrose, Shamrock, Sweet William, Trumpet lily, Tulip, Vinca and Yarrow.

The ASPCA has an exhaustive online list of canine-toxic plants.

What adverse symptoms may dogs experience after eating poisonous plants?

Physical effects vary in canines, depending upon which plant a dog ingests and the overall health of that particular animal.

Overall, symptoms caused by the eating of poisonous plants may include abdominal pain, bowel straining, constipation, convulsions, dehydration, depression, diarrhea (perhaps bloody), dilated pupils, excessive thirst, frequent urination, frothing at the mouth, muscle spasms or twitching, nausea, nervousness, rapid breathing, rapid pulse, restlessness.

Additional symptoms of plant poisoning in dogs may be shortness of breath, stomach irritation, troubled breathing, twitching, weak pulse, weakness, weight loss (sudden) and more.

Such symptoms usually appear within the first few hours after a dog has consumed perilous plant parts. In some cases, adverse effects may be evident almost immediately.

Professional veterinary assistance is advised, if a dog has eaten a toxic plant, particularly if these dangerous symptoms may be seen. The ASPCA offers a 24-hour toll-free emergency poison hotline for pet owners (1-888-426-4435).

In the most severe cases, a dog ingesting a toxic plant may experience coma or even death, so plant poisoning is considered a veterinary emergency.

What plants are not poisonous for pooches?

Several popular plants and flowers are considered non-toxic for canines. Valentine's Day celebrants who wish to bless pet-loving loved ones with plants may opt for these vegetation varieties.

These include African daisy, African violet, Alyssum, Aster, Bachelor's button, Bamboo, Begonia, Boston fern, Bottlebrush, Camellia, Canna lily, Coral bell, Coreopsis, Cornflower, Easter lily, Gerbera daisy, Grape hyacinth, Jasmine, Moss fern, Myrtle and Nasturtium.

Additional non-toxic plants (for dogs) are Orchid, Petunia, Rose, Snapdragon, Spider plant, Stargazer lily, Sunflower, Tiger lily and Zinnia.

Although animal nutritionists and veterinarians would not advise feeding such vegetation to pets, accidental consumption of these plants is not considered harmful.

How can dog owners protect their pets from poisonous plants?

Most dogs will not naturally seek out flowers and foliage that could be fatal to them. However, for safety's sake, smart pet owners try to set such plants out of dogs' reach.

Why tempt fate by placing a poisonous potted tree, flowering bush or blooming bouquet on the floor within a dog's domain? By choosing to display Valentine's Day flora on a tabletop, counter or shelf, a dog lover can often eliminate the possibility that a pet may dig in the dirt or pick at the plant.