Gardenias and Dogs

Gardenias are flowering shrubs that are nontoxic to dogs, so they make a good choice for the gardens of dog owners. If your dog eats your gardenias, its not at serious risk of poison but you may want to make some changes so it doesn't destroy your prized flowers.

  1. Gardenias

    • Gardenias are temperamental fragrant flowering shrubs that grow best in partial shade when outdoors. If you're growing gardenias indoors, they'll do better in full sun. These shrubs want temperatures around 70 degrees during the day and in the 60s overnight. Keep your gardenia happy and healthy with moist soil that drains well but don't mist their leaves or you run the risk of spotting them. Over or under watering your gardenias, exposing them to too much heat or too much cold, and positioning them near doors and exposing them to drafts can cause bud drop, a condition that happens when the plant drops the flower bud just before it would bloom. Baby your gardenias and you'll have beautiful blooms that will fill your yard and home with their sweet scent.

    Dogs

    • Canine pets are found in many homes across the globe. From small pets that go everywhere with their owners to outdoor dogs that run the yard or farmland, dogs and people create a special bond. Service dogs help people with various medical issues live a better quality and safer life. Dogs assist those with vision, hearing and mobility difficulties. Dog ownership is thought to help reduce the blood pressure and stress levels of their owners and no matter how long you've been away from home, your dog is always happy to see you return.

    Dangerous Plants

    • Gardenias are not dangerous for dogs to eat. They're nontoxic so if your dog is ingesting your gardenias, you don't have to be concerned that its health is in immediate jeopardy. However, there are many other plants that are toxic to dogs, including amaryllis, calla lilies, daffodils, day lilies, english ivy, foxgloves, gladiolas, hydrangeas, irises, morning glories, narcissus, poinsettias, philodendrons, rhododendrons, stargazer lilies, tomatoes and tulips. This is only a partial list of some of the more common flowers and shrubs that are considered toxic to dogs. When you're considering plants and flowers for your landscape or your home, discuss the toxicity of your options with the experts before you make your purchase.

    Chewing

    • If your dog is eating your gardenias, you should find out why. Dogs often eat plants out of boredom so make sure your dog is getting enough play time. Simply putting your dog outside with a few chew toys isn't the best way to offer play time. Go out and toss the ball with your dog. Interactive play between you and your dog will help strengthen the bond between the two of you and help alleviate its boredom. Walking your dog is another way to counteract a bored pet. Physical exercise is good for both of you so snap on the leash, tie your shoes and hit the neighborhood sidewalks. Another reason your dog may be eating plants is a dietary need. Take a look at the nutrition panel on your current choice of dog food and talk to your vet about whether there are better and more nutritional options available for your pet.