Spring: Safe Plants for Dogs and Cats!

Nature is slowly awakening. The first blooms can already be admired and the buds are peeping out on the tree branches.

When it comes to toxic and poisonous plants, not all pets suffer the same effects from unauthorized gnawing. For example, while a day lily may not affect a dog, a curious cat may suffer vomiting, kidney failure, or even death after ingesting the common garden plant. There are many beautiful ornamental plants that are non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Fill your landscape and home without worry when you choose these safe plants for your pet:

• Areca Palm: Also known as the butterfly palm, this plant is native to Madagascar and thrives in warm temperatures and high humidity, they don't require a lot of water and does a great job of purifying the air, making it healthier for both you and your pet domestic.
• Bachelor's Button: You can grow pet-friendly bouquets with the adorable blue blooms of Bachelor's Button, an easy annual plant for the sunny garden.
• Camellia: The rich dark green glossy leaves are beautiful when camellias are not in bloom, but the prolific flowers make a stunning centerpiece when they appear starting in November. Both the leaves and flowers are non-toxic to dogs and cats.
• Marigold: Marigold's fragrance is best described as pungent and also serves as an insect deterrent in the garden. If your cat or dog likes the funky scent, a taste test won't cause any harm.
• Snapdragons: Snapdragons are not harmful to dogs or cats, so fill your flower beds and pot with the abundant blooms of these annuals that add a burst of color in early spring.
• Grape hyacinth: Unlike the popular spring bulb, the tulip, which can cause diarrhea and vomiting in dogs and cats, grape hyacinths are safe to plant around pets.
• Rose of Sharon: The vigorous bushes produce flowers in shades of pink, blue or white and can attract hummingbirds. Also known as althea, rose of Sharon is not toxic to dogs and cats.
• Peruvian lily: For households with cats, many lily species are problematic to grow. However, the Peruvian lily is a non-toxic choice for dogs and cats.