At the vet today for an ear check up, I noticed a colorful display for potential dangers in the garden for my pet pooch.  I did some further research and was astounded by the list of plants I own that could be hazardous to both felines and canines.

Obviously, if you use chemicals or synthetic fertilizers, follow directions or stop using them.  We have ant control here and spider/ant control up in the mountains.  Our pest control here is toxic but dries within an hour and is then safe, especially after three days.  Up in the mountains, our inside and outside are sprayed with organic, safe combinations of essential oils.  I think I am going to have to insist on non-toxic from our local company and call them this week.  It has never been an issue before because our cats are indoor only but as I veganize plus fall deeper in love with Cindi, I become more and more protective, educated and alert.

Other scary vegetation besides above picture:  Aloe Vera (all over my backyard- gel is great for burns though), Amaryllis, Ferns, Baby’s Breath, Bird of Paradise, Boxwood, Ivy, ALL Lilies, anything from the onion/Allium family including Society Garlic and Chives, Mums, Daffodils, Delphinium, Dracaena, Elephant Ear, Eucalyptus, Ficus, Foxglove, Geranium, Gladioli, Holly, Hydrangea, Iris, Lantana, Larkspur, Lupine (a California native), Marigold, Morning Glory, Mountain Laurel, Narcissus, Poinsettia, Poison Oak of course, Pencil Cactus, Poppies (more natives), Primrose, Snowdrops, Sweet Peas, tomato (any nightshade leaf), Wisteria and Yucca plants.  Basically, anything irritating to us like certain saps, it seems all bulbs (so don’t let Spot dig and chew up), and the litany of Ivies, Ferns and Alliums (onion type).  Check out the Pet Poison Hotline if you have a concern about a particular plant.

So then, I got interested in food of course:  Don’t give your pet – Avocados, obviously no alcohol or caffeine, apricots, bread dough (really?), cherries, chocolate (the darker, the worse), garlic, grapes (and by default – raisins), hops (not even near beer), nuts, mushrooms, moldy food like blue cheese, onions and Allium family, salt, star fruit and xylotil  (sugar substitute).

I hope this helps anyone out there wondering why their companion animal is barfing or acting lethargic.  Do not rule out a seemingly innocent answer to your mystery.  And it’s possible, just rubbing past some of these plants can be an irritation or give an allergic reaction.

Something else I learned today:  When I asked how to introduce Cindi to her human siblings ( they are all in the Bay Area right now), I was told to not yell and scream and be all excited with her by my side.  Instead, I am to leave her in the car, watching (we are driving up in a few days) while we greet each other.  Then, to let her out and invite her to approach everyone else (four new personalities) on the floor at her level, within her own time, going slow with introductions.  That is a lot of excitement for her, after a long, all day road trip!  I am going to sweeten the deal and be a little sneaky (creative) by giving all three of my kids and my son’s girlfriend – doggie treats too.  If you want your pet to have treats though, you must decrease their food ration and they should not be used instead of their food (just saying).  After all, treats are like dessert or snacks and should be used for your pet accordingly.  You know how it feels when we overindulge – lol!!