Can Dogs Have Thyme? 50 Dangerous Garden Plants for Dogs

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32 Minute Read
 | Amy Dyck
Updated February 28, 2022

The backyard can be fun and full of surprises for our canine friends to enjoy - and plenty of plans toxic to dogs. But don't let one of those surprises be a trip to the veterinarian. Keep your yard and garden safe for dogs by avoiding these plants, flowers, shrubs, and trees that could make them very sick. Or, at the very least, plant them with caution and always supervise your pet. Can dogs eat thyme? What plants are toxic to dogs? Read on to find out.

***WARNING: This list is meant for general information purposes only, including the toxicity scale. It is by no means to replace qualified veterinary advice. If your pet could have possibly ingested any of these plants, you should call your vet immediately.

While this list covers many of the common toxic plants for dogs, it does not list wildlife or household plants. For even more information on dangerous plants for pets, our friends at Rover built a dangerous plants database for dogs and cats. 

Full List of Dangerous Garden Plants for Dogs

 

Herbs, Vegetables, and other Edible Plants That Are Dangerous for Dogs

1. Chamomile

Chamomile-(1)

Scientific name: Anthemis nobilis

A lovely herb often used in teas and in aromatherapy for soothing and calming nerves, the chamomile plant is toxic to dogs. While chamomile is safe in products for dogs, you want to avoid your dog's contact with the actual plant.

Possible symptoms: Contact dermatitis, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, allergic reactions, bleeding tendencies (long-term use). Source.

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2. Chives

Chives

Scientific name: Allium schoenoprasum

Chives, along with others in the Allium family, such as onions, can be quite harmful to dogs when ingested. While they can tolerate low doses (as you'll find some flavouring in dog treats), it is best to avoid these plentiful herbs whenever possible.

Possible symptoms: Drooling, nausea, oral irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, abdominal pain, elevated heart rate and respiratory rate, weakness, exercise intolerance, collapse, pale gums Source.

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3. Garlic

Garlic 

Scientific name: Allium sativum

A member of the Allium family, just like chives, garlic is delicious but can be mild to moderately dangerous for dogs if fed in large quantities. Small portions of garlic have health benefits, but if your dog goes to town on a garlic plant in your garden, it can be harmful.

Keep a close eye and only allow him to eat garlic that is appropriately dosed for his weight. 

Possible symptoms: Drooling, nausea, oral irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, abdominal pain, elevated heart rate and respiratory rate, weakness, exercise intolerance, collapse, pale gums Source.

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4. Hops

Hops

Scientific name: Humulus Lupulus

With home brewing on the rise, you may need to watch out for hops growing in backyards. The plants are enormous climbing vines, so they should be easy to spot. The effects can be quite severe, with dried hops being the most toxic form. Keep any home-brewing materials and leftovers safely contained - hops can be hazardous whether fresh, dried, or cooked (spent hops).

Possible symptoms: panting, high body temperature, seizures, death. Source.

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5. Leeks

Leeks

Scientific name: Allium ampeloprasum

Another slightly less popular member of the Allium family, leeks make a delicious addition to soups and many other dishes. However, just don't feed them to your dog. Like other members of the onion family, they can cause some very uncomfortable symptoms for dogs.

Possible symptoms: Drooling, nausea, oral irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, abdominal pain, elevated heart rate and respiratory rate, weakness, exercise intolerance, collapse, pale gums Source.

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6. Marijuana

Marijuana 

Scientific name: Cannabis genus

With marijuana legalization a hot topic and the prevalence of medical use, you should take precautions so that your dog does not come across the live marijuana plant or dried cannabis in any form. Symptoms can be mild to moderate and even include death.

Possible symptoms: Prolonged depression, vomiting, incoordination, sleepiness or excitation, hypersalivation, dilated pupils, low blood pressure, low body temperature, seizure, coma, death (rare)  Source.

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7. Onions and Shallots

Onions

Scientific name: Allium cepa (var. aggregatum - shallots)

A popular seasoning vegetable, onions (and the less common shallots) are a staple for many gardens. However, extra caution if you have dogs (or cats, who are even more susceptible to toxic effects). 

Possible symptoms: Drooling, nausea, oral irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, abdominal pain, elevated heart rate and respiratory rate, weakness, exercise intolerance, collapse, pale gums Source.

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8. Rhubarb

Rhubarb

Scientific name: Rheum rhabarbarum

An early spring perennial, rhubarb is delicious when added to pies, crips, and other baked dog treats. However, the leaves (and less so, stalks) contain oxalate crystals, which can wreak havoc with your dog's urinary tract. They're also flowers poisonous to dogs to people, so always be careful when handling them.

Possible symptoms: Drooling, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weakness, tremors, blood in urine, changes to thirst, and urination Source.

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9. Tomato Plants

Tomato-Plants

Scientific name: Solanum lycopersicum

Tomatoes are a vegetable garden favourite, but growers beware. A member of the nightshade family, tomato vines, and leaves can cause some worrying symptoms in pets (and people, too). 

Possible symptoms: Hypersalivation, inappetence, severe gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, drowsiness, CNS depression, confusion, behavioural change, weakness, dilated pupils, slow heart rate Source.

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Flowers and Vines That Are Dangerous for Dogs

 

10. Amaryllis

 Amaryllis

Scientific name: Amaryllis belladonna (or other species), or Hippeastrum

Sometimes also called the Narcissus, these Lily-family bulb plants can be dangerous to both dogs and cats but are not as dangerous to dogs as true lilies. Toxins can be found in the leaves and stem and are most concentrated in the bulbs. 

Possible symptoms: Drooling, vomiting, hypotension, respiratory depression, abdominal discomfort Source.

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11. Asparagus Fern

Asparagus-Fern 

Scientific name: Asparagus densiflorus cv. Sprengeri

Usually found indoors as an ornamental plant, but sometimes outdoors in the summer, the Asparagus Fern can make your pet feel uncomfortable if exposed through touch or if ingested. Also called the Emerald Fern or the Lace Fern. 

Possible symptoms: Allergic dermatitis with repeated exposure, gastric upset from berry ingestion (vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhea) Source.

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12. Autumn Crocus

Autumn-Crocus

Scientific name: Colchicum autumnale

Not to be confused with the more common spring Crocus, the autumn-blooming crocus can cause very severe gastrointestinal upset and even respiratory or kidney failure and death. The spring Crocus can still cause gastrointestinal upset, but the symptoms are usually mild. 

Possible symptoms: Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, bloody diarrhea, black tarry stool, organ damage, respiratory failure, seizures, death Source.

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13. Begonia

Begonia

Scientific name: Begonia genus

These bright perennials (annuals in cool regions) are numerous in variety and very popular as garden plants and even indoor plants. However, they can cause some very uncomfortable symptoms in pets if they are ingested, particularly the highly toxic tubers.

Possible symptoms: Oral irritation, intense burning, irritation of mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing Source.

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14. Laceflower

 Laceflower

Scientific name: Ammi majus

This flower is a garden flower, prized for its versatility in cut flower arrangements. A member of the carrot family can cause pain and other worrying symptoms if ingested or touched. Also called False Queen Anne's Lace, Bishop's Weed, Queen of Africa, or Greater Ammi.

Possible symptoms: Oral irritation, intense burning, irritation of mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing Source.

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15. Bleeding Heart

 Bleeding-Heart

Scientific name: Lamprocapnos spectabilis

This popular shade-loving garden flower is a beauty in the spring, but if ingested, it's been linked to digestive upset and tremors.

Possible symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, staggering, tremors Source.

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16. Buttercup

Buttercup

Scientific name: Ranunculous genus 

While most of the varieties are seen as weeds, buttercups have pretty flowers and can be found quite commonly in gardens and lawns and growing wild in certain regions. The buttercup is unpleasant should your pet happen to consume it. Fortunately, since it does cause painful mouth blisters, usually pets do not consume enough to do lasting harm.

Possible symptoms: Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, oral blisters, tremors, seizures, paralysis (rare) Source

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17. Castor Bean

Castor-Bean-Plant

Scientific name: Ricinus communis

The castor bean plant is a big, beautiful ornamental if you live in a warm enough climate to sustain one year-round. However, the deadly toxin ricin can be found within the beans (seeds). 

Possible symptoms: Inappetance, drooling, abdominal pain, vomiting, severe bloody diarrhea, abdominal straining, weakness, trembling, hypotension, sudden collapse, death Source

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18. Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum

Scientific name: Chrysanthemum genus

These lovely annuals, commonly called 'mums',  are popular in gardens and as house plants or cut flowers. When ingested by pets, they usually have a mild effect, but it is worth noting considering their popularity. The toxin they contain, pyrethrins, is used in dog tick and flea medications.

Possible symptoms: Inappetance, vomiting, diarrhea Source

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19. Clematis

Clematis

Scientific name: Clematis genus

This gorgeous vine produces large, star-shaped blooms. The plant has a bitter taste, so your pet is unlikely to ingest a lot of it. 

Possible symptoms: Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea Source

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20. Cyclamen

Cyclamen

Scientific name: Cyclamen genus

Cyclamen is a popular houseplant with unique upswept flowers and beautiful variation in their leaves, but they're also dangerous for dogs and cats. The tubers are the most poisonous and can result in seizures, heart problems, and even death when consumed in large quantities.

Possible symptoms: Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal heart rate, seizures, death Source

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21. Daffodil

Daffodil

Scientific name: Narcissus genus

Popular in the early spring around Easter, the daffodil may cause a severe reaction in your pet, so it's best to see a veterinarian if your pet ingests it, particularly the bulb.

Possible symptoms: Vomiting, salvation, diarrhea; large ingestions: convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors and cardiac arrhythmias Source

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22. Foxglove

Foxglove

Scientific name: Digitalis purpurea

The foxglove may be beautiful, but all parts of the plant are very toxic for dogs, cats, and even humans to consume. 

Possible symptoms: Drooling, nausea, vomiting, abnormal heart rate, cardiac arrhythmias, weakness, collapse, dilated pupils, tremors, seizures, death Source

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23. Geranium

Geranium

Scientific name: Pelargonium genus

The ever-popular geranium comes in many different colours and varieties. There are two species of geraniums, each of which has countless cultivars. The Geranium genus is safe (also called Cranesbill), but the Pelargonium species are toxic for pets.

Possible symptoms: Vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, skin rash, decreased heart rate, decrease in blood pressure, depression Source

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24. Gladiola

Gladiola

Scientific name: Gladiolus genus

Gladiolas make quite a presence in gardens with their impressive stalks of large blooms. The perennials also spread quickly through seed. Like most bulb flowers, the highest concentration of toxin is in the bulb or corm.

Possible symptoms: Salivation, vomiting, drooling, lethargy, diarrhea Source

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25. Hosta

 Hosta

Scientific name: Hosta genus

A common shade-loving plant, the hosta comes in many different cultivars that can vary widely.

Possible symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, depression Source

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26. Iris

Iris

Scientific name: Iris genus

The common name for all flowers in the iris genus, irises have beautiful, brightly coloured blooms that can cause issues for pets if ingested. 

Possible symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling Source

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27. Ivy 

Ivy

Scientific name: Hedera helix

English Ivy, also called Needlepoint Ivy, Sweetheart Ivy, Glacier Ivy, or Branching Ivy, will cause your pet to experience uncomfortable symptoms if consumed. The leaves are more poisonous than the berries. 

Possible symptoms: Vomiting, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, diarrhea Source

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28. Larkspur

Larkspur

Scientific name: Delphinium genus

Larkspur, sometimes called Delphinium, can cause some very worrying symptoms in pets. The plant loses toxicity with age and certain seasons but should be avoided at any rate. 

Possible symptoms: neuromuscular paralysis, constipation, colic, salivation, muscle tremors, stiffness, weakness, recumbency, convulsions, cardiac failure, and death from respiratory paralysis Source

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29. Lily

Lily

Scientific name(s): Zantedeschia aethiopica, Spathiphyllum, Cordyline australis

There are so many varieties of lilies, and while most of them are incredibly toxic to cats, only a few are poisonous to dogs. Calla Lilies, Peace Lilies, and Palm Lilies are all plants toxic to dogs. These plants are rarely seen outdoors out of sub-tropical or tropical climates but are popular indoor houseplants.

Possible symptoms: Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing Source

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30. Lily-of-the-Valley

Lily-of-the-Valley

Scientific name(s): Convallaria majalis

A popular shade flower that can spread quickly, Lily-of-the-valley is a beautiful and fragrant flower but can produce very serious symptoms in pets and people. Watch out, especially for the orange-coloured berries, which are the most toxic.

Possible symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, slowed heart rate, severe heart arrhythmias, seizures, death Source

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31. Monkshood

Monkshood

Scientific name(s): Aconitum genus

Also called Aconite or Wolfsbane, Monkshood has gorgeous, purple sculptural blooms, but it is bushes poisonous to dogs to humans and should be planted with caution.

Possible symptoms: Weakness, heart arrhythmias, paralysis, tremors, seizures Source

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32. Morning Glory

Morning-Glory

Scientific name(s): Ipomea genus

A lovely climbing vine, the morning glory is quick-growing with purple trumpet-shaped blooms. If large amounts are ingested, particularly the seeds, the plant can be very toxic.

Possible symptoms: Incoordination, diarrhea, anemia, liver failure Source

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33. Periwinkle

Periwinkle

Scientific name(s): Vinca rosea

With its small namesake blue or pink flowers, periwinkle makes an attractive ground-cover plant, but it can be quite toxic, even resulting in death (rare).

Possible symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, depression, tremors, seizures, coma, death. Source

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34. Primrose

Primrose

Scientific name(s): Primula vulgaris

Primrose comes in many different colours and contains an unknown toxin that produces mild effects in pets.

Possible symptoms: Mild vomiting. Source

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35. Star of Bethlehem

 Star-of-Bethlehem

Scientific name(s): Ornithogalum genus

A beautiful star-shaped flower, the Star-of-Bethlehem contains a toxin that behaves similarly to a common heart and veterinary medicine, digitalis or digoxin. 

Possible symptoms: Drooling, nausea, vomiting, changes in heart rate, cardiac arrhythmias, weakness, collapse, dilated pupils, tremors, seizures, death Source

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36. Sweet Pea

Sweet-Pea

Scientific name(s): Lathyrus latifolius

A common vine with multi-coloured flowers, the sweet pea can be hazardous to dogs and other animals when ingested, particularly in large amounts.

Possible symptoms: Weakness, lethargy, pacing, head pressing, tremors, seizures, possible death Source

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37. Tulip/Narcissus

Tulip

Scientific name(s): Tulipa genus

Tulips are everywhere in the springtime and are a garden staple. But you should be cautious with them around your dog, particularly the bulbs, which are the most toxic. 

Possible symptoms: Vomiting, depression, diarrhea, hypersalivation Source

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38. Wisteria

Wisteria

Scientific name(s): Wisteria genus

A cascading climbing vine in the pea family, Wisteria contains a few toxic compounds that can affect pets. 

Possible symptoms: Vomiting (sometimes with blood), diarrhea, depression Source

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39. Yarrow

Yarrow

Scientific name(s): Achillea millefolium

A common and easy-spreading garden perennial, yarrow contains several toxic elements that can make your pet quite uncomfortable if ingested.

Possible symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, depression, anorexia, hypersalivation Source

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Trees and Shrubs That Are Dangerous For Dogs

40. Apple Tree

 Apple-Tree

Scientific name(s): Malus genus

Apples are a tasty treat for dogs, but some parts of the apple tree (including crabapple trees) pose some risks to dogs as a toxin. The leaves, stems, and seeds all contain cyanide and are particularly toxic when they are wilting. 

Possible symptoms: Red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. Source

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41. Apricot Tree

Apricot-Tree 

Scientific name(s): Various Prunus species, including Prunus armeniaca, Prunus brigantinaPrunus mandshuricaPrunus mume, and Prunus sibirica

Apricots are safe for dogs to eat as long as you remove the pit. But similarly to apple trees, the leaves and stems of the apricot tree contain cyanide in higher concentrations if they are wilting. 

Possible symptoms: Red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. Source

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42. Bead Tree

Bead-Tree

Scientific name(s): Melia azedarac

Also called Chinaberry Tree, Indian Lilac or White Cedar, this unique tree with star-shaped lavender blooms and yellow globe fruit can be very harmful to pets if ingested, especially in large quantities. The highest concentration of the toxin is in the fruit.

Possible symptoms: drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and depression; with larger ingestions, seizures and deathSource

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43. Burning Bush

Burning-Bush

Scientific name(s): Euonymus alatus, Euronymus atropurpurea

A garden ornamental with bright red leaves in fall and pink and orange berries, the Burning Bush makes a stunning addition to the yard. However, the plant is an invasive species in certain areas, such as Massachusetts and New Hampshire and can also be toxic to dogs, cats, and even humans, particularly the berries or seeds.

Possible symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, weakness; with larger ingestions, heart rhythm abnormalities. Source

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44. Cherry Tree

Cherry-Tree

Scientific name(s): Various Prunus species, such as Prunus avium and Prunus cerasus

Like apple and apricot trees, leaves, stems, and pits of all kinds of cherry trees contain cyanide. Pay particular concern if the leaves are in the wilting stage. 

Possible symptoms: Red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. Source

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45. Hydrangea

Hydrangea 

Scientific name: Hydrangea genus

Hydrangea is a decorative garden shrub with tight globe-like clusters of blue, purple, or pink flowers. It is also a common cut flower or houseplant. The leaves and flowers are the most toxic parts. 

Possible symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy Source

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46. Oleander

Oleander

Scientific name: Nerium oleander

Oleander is a lovely garden shrub prized for its evergreen leaves and pale pink, purple, or white flowers, but it is one of the more toxic plants found in the garden

Possible symptoms: colic, diarrhea (possibly bloody), sweating, incoordination, shallow/difficult breathing, muscle tremors, recumbency; large ingestions can result in death from cardiac failure Source

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47. Peach Tree

Peach-Tree

Scientific name(s): Prunus persica

Like apple, cherry, and apricot trees, leaves, stems, and pits of peach trees contain cyanide. They are even more toxic if the leaves are in the wilting stage. 

Possible symptoms: Red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. Source

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48. Plum Tree

Plum-Tree

Scientific name(s): Various Prunus species, such as Prunus domestica 

Like apple, cherry, peach, and apricot trees, leaves, stems, and pits of all kinds of plum trees contain cyanide. and are most toxic when the leaves are in the wilting stage. 

Possible symptoms: Red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. Source

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49. Winterberry Holly

Winterberry-Holly 

Scientific name(s): Holly genus 

You may not have to worry about this evergreen hedge shrub unless you are in a warm enough climate for it to grow, which excludes most of Canada. However, many kinds of holly can be found indoors during the winter months as people decorate for Christmas.  

Possible symptoms: Lip-smacking, drooling, head shaking, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite Source

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50. Yew

Yew 

Scientific name(s): Taxus genus

A common evergreen with many variations, the yew tree or shrub is extremely toxic to dogs, humans, and many other animals. The genus name, Taxus, is even where we get the term "toxic" from. Avoid planting it in your garden.

Possible symptoms: Drooling, vomiting, weakness, difficulty breathing, life-threatening changes in blood pressure and heart rate, dilated pupils, tremors, seizures, coma, death Source.

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can dogs have thyme, and is it safe for them? 

Thyme is generally considered safe for dogs in small amounts, such as in cooked dishes or as a seasoning. However, it's essential to ensure that your dog doesn't consume excessive amounts, as large quantities could potentially lead to digestive upset.

Are there any potential benefits of giving thyme to dogs? 

Thyme has some potential health benefits for dogs. It contains antioxidants and certain compounds that might have anti-inflammatory properties. 

Can thyme be toxic to dogs if consumed in large amounts? 

Thyme is not highly toxic to dogs, but consuming large amounts might lead to digestive issues such as upset stomach, vomiting, or diarrhea. 

Should I be concerned about my dog eating thyme from the garden? 

If your dog nibbles on a small amount of thyme from the garden, it's unlikely to cause harm. However, to prevent potential digestive upset or any negative reactions, it's best to discourage your dog from eating plants and herbs from the garden that are not specifically designated for their consumption.

Are there other garden plants that are dangerous for dogs? 

Yes, many garden plants can be dangerous or toxic to dogs if ingested. Some common examples include lilies, azaleas, oleander, and certain types of ferns. 

What should I do if my dog shows signs of distress after consuming thyme or any other plant? 

If you suspect your dog has ingested something toxic or harmful, including plants like thyme, monitor them for any unusual symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or difficulty breathing. Contact your veterinarian or an emergency pet helpline for immediate advice.

 

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Written by

Amy Dyck

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