Poisonous Fall Plants

Fall is officially here, and I think we’re all glad that cooler weather will soon be on the way! The leaves will be changing soon and we’ll be seeing all the pretty autumn colors when the plants of fall start to bloom. As pretty as they might be, though, some of these fall plants can be very harmful to dogs. We’ve compiled a list of common fall-blooming plants to look out for this autumn season.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. There are plenty of flowers and other plants out there than can be harmful. When it comes to yourself and your dog, please tread on the side of caution to ensure everyone’s safety. Plants to watch out for include Amaryllis, Autumn Crocus, Bittersweet, Climbing Lily, Crown of Thorns, Elephant Ears, English Ivy, Hemlock, Holly, Hydrangea, Jack in the Pulpit, Jessamine, Monkshood, Mushrooms, Oleander, Poinsettias, Poison Ivy, Rosary Pea, Stinging Nettles, and Toadstools.

If your dog comes into contact with any of these plants, there are certain signs and symptoms to look out for. These include excessive salivation, difficulty breathing, muscle weakness, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, digestive problems, liver/kidney damage/failure, coma, dilated pupils, tremors, rapid heartbeat, weak pulse, bloody vomiting and diarrhea, swelling around eyes, mouth, and throat, and paralysis. If your dog is showing any of these signs, or any other signs of distress and discomfort after having contact with any kind of plant, it is important that you stay calm and call your vet right away to make sure your dog gets urgent and appropriate treatment.

Resources: PetTech, Garden.org, Almanac.com, SFGate.com