Many homeowners take pride in having a beautifully landscaped yard. However, pet owners need to be aware that a number of ornamental plants and grasses can be toxic to their dogs.
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Toxic Ornamental Grass
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The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) lists the grass palm, also known as the giant dracaena or a palm lily, as a toxic ornamental grass.
Toxicity
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The grass palm contains the toxic element saponins, which are dangerous to both dogs and cats.
Effects
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If ingested by a dog, grass palm causes nausea, vomiting (sometimes with blood), anorexia, depression, and excessive salivation. If ingested, immediately take your dog to a veterinarian for treatment.
Less Common Canine Toxins
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Cyanide is a common toxin found in a number of plants, including eucalyptus, arrow grass, velvet grass, Johnson grass, Sudan grass, and apple, apricot, peach, chokecherry and wild black cherries. Although these are most often ingested by horses and cows, if eaten by a dog, they can be toxic.
Other Toxic Ornamental Plants
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A number of popular ornamental plants are dangerous to both dogs and cats. They include the box shrub, Carolina jessamine plant, Daphne shrub, English ivy, false hellebore flower, Jerusalem cherry, laburum, matrimony vine, rhododendron, wisteria and yellow jessamine vine.
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