You may not know it, but there’s likely a common, beautiful threat to your pets who play in your backyard. And, it’s in plain sight, every single day. That threat is your plants, flowers, weeds, garden and trees. We’re going to discuss what it is, learn more about it, and how to make it pet friendly.
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Your backyard might seem like a paradise for your dog. There is plenty of space to sniff, run, and play. However, it may also hide an unseen danger: naturally poisonous plants that can pose serious health risks to curious pups. Fortunately, with a little awareness and prevention, you can discover which plants are dangerous and replace them with pet friendly plants.
Why are dogs at risk in your yard?
Dogs explore the world through their noses and mouths. This natural curiosity can lead them to chew or ingest leaves, stems, or seeds of toxic plants without realizing the danger. While some plants may cause only mild irritation, others can lead to serious illness or even be fatal.
Common Poisonous Backyard Plants
Some of the most toxic plants to dogs include:
- Sago Palm – Highly toxic; may cause liver failure.
- Oleander – A single leaf can be lethal.
- Azaleas & Rhododendrons – May cause vomiting, diarrhea, or heart failure.
- Autumn Crocus – May result in severe gastrointestinal issues or organ damage.
- Foxglove – Affects the heart, and can be deadly.
- Lily of the Valley – Toxic to the heart.
- Hydrangea – Contains cyanogenic glycosides.
Tip: Visit the ASPCA’s Toxic Plant List for a more comprehensive guide.
How to Keep Your Dog Safe from Poisonous Plants
1. Identify and Remove Dangerous Plants
Walk through your backyard and identify any toxic plants. Remove or fence them off if removal isn’t an option. If you’re unsure whether or not a plant is poisonous, take pictures of unfamiliar plants.
Use a plant identification app like Picture This. I’ve been using it for years, and I find it to be very accurate and reliable. ASPCA has a great is a great toxic plant list for dogs. You can also consult your local plant nursery for additional questions.
2. Create a Dog-Safe Zone
Designate a part of the yard just for your dog. Use pet-safe grass, non-toxic, pet friendly plants (like marigolds, snapdragons, and sunflowers), and avoid using mulch made from cocoa shells.
Designate a special area where your dog is free to roam, dig, and play. Having their own space reduces curiosity about off-limit areas. Give your dog a shady area to relax in, and offer an area to roll or dig. Also provide them with a few safe toys or chews and access to clean water.
3. Use Dog-friendly Raised Beds or Barriers
Keep curious, little noses and paws away from dangerous plants. Replace with pet friendly plants or try installing short fences, garden borders, or decorative edging around sensitive areas. Even a low 18–24″ fence can be enough to deter most dogs—especially when combined with training.
4. Train the “Leave It” Command
Teaching your dog basic commands like “leave it”, “stay” or “no” can be a life-saver. These commands can help prevent your dog from chewing on, or ingesting, unknown items, sticks and plants outdoors.
When training, always use positive reinforcement—treats, praise, or playtime—to reward correct behavior. Most dogs perform best through the use of positive reinforcement training.
5. Always Supervise Outside Time
It you have a young puppy or a dog who’s particularly curious, keep an eye on them while they’re in the backyard. Dogs are quite vigilant at checking out everything, and being thorough in their curiosity, so it’s important to watch them. Prevention is a lot easier than emergency vet visits.
Know the Signs of Plant Poisoning
If your dog has ingested any part of a toxic plant, you may see symptoms like:
- Drooling
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Tremors or seizures
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Skin irritation
- Weakness or Collapse
- Lack of coordination
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Liver or Kidney damage
- Abnormal bleeding and bruising
Call your vet or the Pet Poison Helpline immediately if you suspect poisoning: 855-764-7661 (U.S.).
Safe Landscaping for a Happy, Healthy Dog
Creating a pet-safe backyard doesn’t mean giving up your garden—it means choosing pet friendly plants wisely and staying informed. With a little education and a few precautions, you can ensure your dog enjoys the outdoors without risk.
Your dog depends on you, so make sure their world is safe. Start with your backyard!
Do you have tips about keeping your yard safe for pets? Please join the conversation & share in the comments.
