Skip to main content

Natural Awakenings Greater Boston - Rhode Island

Plants to Avoid in Pet Yards

May 28, 2021 09:30AM ● By Karen Shaw Becker
Chihuahua dog outdoors in fenced-in yard on pet-friendly lawn

schulzie/AdobeStock.com

An outdoor area for pets must be free of hazards that could cause illness. This includes cocoa bean mulch, which contains the chemical compounds theobromine and caffeine, which are highly toxic to dogs and can be fatal. Specific plants can also be poisonous to pets and can cause a variety of conditions, including diarrhea, vomiting, internal bleeding, respiratory distress, seizures, organ damage or failure, coma or death. 

Research any plants in the yard for safety, and be sure to keep the yard clear of the following poisonous plants, as compiled by the Pet Poison Helpline, to create a backyard that’s both fun and safe for pets:

  • Autumn Crocus
  • Azalea 
  • Cyclamen 
  • Daffodils 
  • Dieffenbachia 
  • Kalanchoe
  • Lilies 
  • Lily of the Valley 
  • Oleander 
  • Sago Palm

ke magoonAdobeStockcom

Create a Dog-Friendly Yard: Plants, Paths and Play Areas to Wag a Tail

For homeowners with dogs, consider “dog-scaping” with these pet-friendly plants and flea-repelling herbs, thoughtful play areas and other tips for the backyard. Read More »