Poisonous Plants for Dogs and Safe Alternatives

Poisonous Plants for Dogs and Safe Alternatives. 

As pet owners, it’s our responsibility to keep our dogs healthy and provide them with a safe environment to live. Many of us like to have indoor or outdoor plants, I especially love them for their zen vibe, but what if they are harmful to our fur babies?  

When I was purchasing plants for my garden I had to think about what would be safe for my own dogs. 

Alarmingly there are some common poisonous plants for dogs found in many of our homes and gardens that could be harmful if eaten or exposed to the skin. The size of the dog and the amount consumed can differ in toxicity from mild to severe, or in some cases will cause death. Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhoea, breathing difficulty, changes in urine, salivation, and weakness. 

 

Here are some common plants that are poisonous to dogs 

1. Aloe Vera 

Aloe Vera is probably one of the most common household plants as maintenance is low. Externally, aloe can benefit a dog. Aloe can be an anti-inflammatory, promote healing and alleviate allergic reactions. However, aloe latex (the yellow sappy part under the rind) contains a natural chemical called aloin which can irritate the intestines and cause electrolyte loss.

2. Elephant Ear 

Elephant ears belong to the Araceae family. The plants are filled with insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. If the plant is chewed on by your pup, or bitten into, crystals will release and irritate the mouth and gastrointestinal tract. In rare cases, the upper airway will become swollen make breathing extremely difficult.

4. Iris

Iris is a common plant used in household gardens. They’re not likely to cause death but irritation can occur just from touching or eating these plants. Most of the compounds that cause irritation are the most potent in the bulb of the plant.

4. Karaka tree berries

Watch out for the orange Karaka berries during the summer as they can be fatal if eaten by dogs. 

The kernels in the fruit contain the alkaloid karakin, which is very toxic if ingested by your dog. Symptoms of Karaka berry poisoning include convulsions, vomiting, confusion and weakness, and may not be displayed immediately after consumption. The berry kernels remain toxic for a long period of time so old fruit can still be a potential threat to your dog.

5. Poinsettias 

Poinsettias are a popular plant with their lush red leaves. But these plants have a bad reputation with our dogs. If your dog eats them, poinsettias give generally mild signs of illness. When exposed to the skin, the milky sap of this plant can cause irritation, swelling, and itchiness.

6. Tomatoes 

Yes, tomatoes! Many of us like to grow our own plants, herbs, and vegetables which usually includes tomatoes. Yum! To be clear the tomatoes are not toxic but the green, leafy vines that the tomatoes grow on are. They contain a property called solanine which is present in many other plants from the Solanaceae family. Severe poisoning could occur if they ingest a large amount however, a small amount may still cause gastrointestinal issues. 

Other plants to watch out for in New Zealand include; Black nightshade, Wandering Jew, Onions and garlic, Rhubarb, Ivy, Daffodils, Baby’s Breath, Bird of Paradise, Barley Grass seeds and New Zealand tree nettle. 

This is not an exhaustive list so make sure to do your research before bringing new flora and fauna into the home. If you suspect your dog may have come in contact with a poisonous plant take them immediately to a vet. 

4 Dog Friendly Plants for the Home. 

Just as there are many poisonous plants for dogs, there are a few alternatives that are completely safe! Here are a few good ones that look just as beautiful and won’t cause any harm to your beloved pet. 

1. Purple Basil

Not only is it pretty to look at but this plant is completely harmless to your dog. In fact, this plant may help alleviate arthritic symptoms if your dog happens to eat them! 

2. African Daisy

This flower is part of the sunflower/daisy family (Asteraceae). If you enjoy flowers in your garden and around your house, the African daisy is a safe alternative. These flowers are bright and yellow in colour and are no threat to your dog if she decides to eat them for a snack. 

3. Canna Lily

This is another low maintenance plant which is very easy to grow. They offer perennial colour without potentially threatening your dog’s health. However, pay attention when you’re shopping for lilies as there are MANY types of lilies that are highly toxic to dogs and cats.

4. Spider Plant

One great thing about the spider plant is it’s safe for ALL PETS. We all know dogs love to eat things, whether they’re harmful or not. The spider plant is no exception to this rule.

Dogs tend to be very fond of the taste of these plants and are likely to chew or eat them. However, this is a better alternative because of their non-toxicity. 

Do Your Research! 

If you happen to have one of these poisonous plants in your house, it’s best to re-home it.

When you visit your local plant nursery, keep in mind that certain plants are toxic to your pets. Don’t be afraid to ask the staff if the ones you’re looking at will be safe for your dog or run a quick Google search from your phone. When it comes to plants that may be toxic, it’s better to be prepared and safe for the sake of our furry children.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I GROOM MY DOG?

If you have a new puppy or even if you want to make sure you’re doing all the right things with your dog who has been in the family for many years. This is the post for you.

Grooming is one of the basics, alongside water, food and a bed. Grooming needs to be performed at home and by a professional groomer. The Dog Box Retreat is here to help. Let’s go through some basic grooming requirements.

If you have ever seen a dog licking their fur or rubbing up against something, there is a good chance that they were grooming themselves. It surprises many new and old dog owners to find out that grooming is actually a highly important part of their well-being. It’s not just to ‘look good’.

Regular grooming provides the opportunity to catch any underlying diseases or health conditions early and now let’s be real, anything sinister caught early is going to have a better outcome.

Many dog owners mistakenly believe that they can fulfil all of their pet’s grooming requirements in their own home. While this is true of some of the most basic aspects of the grooming process, such as brushing but there are fundamental elements that require the skill and precision of an professional groomer.

Essential Grooming

BATHING

A bath is imperative but over bathing is detrimental. When you bring in your furbaby I will assess the skin and coat and we can discuss a bathing routine that will work best. I can also assist in finding the perfect products to support healthy skin and coat for your dog.

BRUSHING

Proper brushing has a tone of benefits. Not only does it remove any matting or knots, but it also removes dirt dandruff, dead hair, and stimulates the production of natural oils. Win! These natural oils protect their skin and coat as well as give that glossy shine. Brushing regularly also gives the opportunity to spot any abnormalities that may go amiss otherwise.

EARS

Ears are very delicate for most dogs. Some dogs are also susceptible to ear-related problems such as infections and parasites. I don’t recommend cleaning your dogs ears at home unless you’ve been instructed/taught by your Vet. However, I have the skills and knowledge to be able to clean a dogs ears safety.

EYES

The hair around the face of your furbaby can grow quite long, and sometimes it can irritate their eyes which can cause problems. Due to the location, it is essential that your pet is completely still for these hairs to be trimmed – something an experienced groomer like myself can manage with relative ease.

NAILS

Dog nails can grow very quickly. If they’re not trimmed on a regular basis they cause your dog, you or other members of your family injury. Again, trimming requires your furbaby to be extremely still, luckily I have the experience needed to make this process as quick and safe as possible for your dog.

TEETH

Proper dental care is just as important for your dog as it is for you. Good oral health can protect your beloved furry family member from a range of unpleasant symptoms and even some general health conditions. I can brush your dogs teeth during a groom and can also give you some tips and tricks to ensure good oral health is maintained.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I BRING MY DOG TO THE DOG BOX RETREAT?

One of the most common questions, this varies greatly and is all dependant on the length and thickness of their coat. Shorter, finer hair requires much less maintenance than long, thick fur. Most owners of dogs with longer fur opt to take their pet to the groomers once every 4-6 weeks, while shorter-haired dogs may only visit every 8-12 weeks.

So essentially it all varies but I can help create a routined grooming schedule that works for your furbaby and your budget.

Anna

x

THE FIRST GROOM - A MUST AS A PUPPY

This is one of the most important grooms - this experience will last forever, whether it is positive or negative. With that, I believe it is incredibly important to get right.

A new puppy’s first groom is very important and should be a calm and pleasurable experience. You can help your puppy get used to the grooming procedures at home by teaching him the basics. Gently touching all over every day, even paws and toes. When your puppy is comfortable being handled frequently you can start brushing and combing all over too. A puppies first professional groom should happen when they are around 10-12 weeks or when they have had their first lot of vaccinations.

The first grooming appointment might be quite lengthy, since I dont work to time and only work at the pace of the puppy/dog. I want to make sure both you and your puppy trust me and trust the experience and to make it as relaxing as possible.

So, what happens during your puppy’s groom? He/she will be thoroughly brushed to remove any knots or tangles. Next, the I might trim the nails, clean the ears and even brush your puppy’s teeth. Now it is time for a warm bath, where the puppy is shampooed, conditioned and massaged, followed by towel drying and a warm blow dryer to prevent any chills.

Once your puppy is thoroughly dried, it is time for the haircut - if needed. This can be the most difficult task of all and I recommend starting slowly for the first haircut. Instead of doing an all-over haircut, I can do a face time and sanitary cut. This allows the puppy to get used to the process and make sure that it is positive and it also wont be too overwhelming. We can then organise a full cut in 3+ weeks time.

If you have any questions regarding the grooming of your puppy, feel free to leave a comment below or get in touch here.

Anna

x

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR DOGS TEETH

Just like people, dogs need regular dental care, but unfortunately, dental hygiene for dogs is sometimes overlooked. Many people seem to just expect dogs to have bad breath, and few people brush their dogs’ teeth frequently enough.

So, why is it so important to care for your dogs teeth?

Plaque builds up on the teeth and turns into tartar, also called calculus. These areas grow bacteria and eat away at the teeth and gums. Halitosis, periodontal disease, oral pain, and tooth loss can occur. However, the bacteria not only cause disease in the mouth; they can also affect other parts of the body, like the heart and kidneys.

Dental hygiene is just as important to your dog’s overall health as things like nutrition, proper exercise, and routine grooming. There are several things you can do to help keep your dog’s teeth in good shape. Start a dental care routine as early as possible in your dog’s life and stick with it.

Catching teeth problems early will help avoid severe dental disease. The simplest way to keep track of your dog’s teeth is to look at them on a regular basis and be aware of signs that may indicate a problem.

To inspect your dog’s teeth, lift the lips all around the mouth, looking at the front and back teeth as closely as possible. Be gentle and use caution when doing this.

Watch for the following signs:

• Halitosis (bad breath)

• Reluctance to chew or crying out when chewing

• Increased salivation

• Red, puffy, or bleeding gums

• Tartar (calculus), a brown or yellow coating on teeth caused by plaque

• Missing and/or loose teeth

So what will you need?

• Special toothbrush for dogs

• Dental dog chews

• Dental additives for dog's water

How to brush Your Dog's Teeth

Tooth brushing is the best preventive measure when it comes to oral hygiene and should be done every two to three days in order to be most effective. Start when your dog is a puppy so it gets used to the feeling of having its teeth brushed. Puppies have 28 deciduous teeth that typically fall out by about six months of age. By this time, your dog should be on a regular tooth brushing routine.

There are specially designed toothbrushes which are better suited for dogs' teeth and easier to use than the ones designed for people. Some are shaped like small finger caps; you slip the cap over your index finger and rub the dog's teeth with the textured surface. Others are designed as chew toys; as your dog gnaws on the "brush" its teeth are gently scraped clean.

Go Beyond Brushing

If you are unable or unwilling to brush your dog's teeth every day or two, look for an alternative, such as special dental chews or a food/water additive. Not all products are equally effective, so ask your vet for recommendations.

Dental chews should be easily digestible and size-appropriate. Typically, dental chews need to be given on a daily basis in order to be effective and should be large enough that your dog has to chew on them a bit before swallowing.

Food additives are used on a daily basis as well. If you use water additives, be sure to change the water daily.

Get Regular Checkups

Your veterinarian will take a look at your dog’s teeth during routine examinations, so make sure you keep up with these; visit every six to 12 months for wellness check-ups, and contact your vet if any mouth problems arise.

When your dog gets older, it may need dental cleanings more regularly, as its teeth weaken (and in some cases, fall out), and it is more susceptible to periodontal disease, which can become serious.

If you're not brushing your dog's teeth regularly and instead relying on chews and additives, be sure to have your veterinarian check closely for any signs of dental disease; while somewhat helpful, dental chews and rinses are usually only partially effective.

How to Prevent Your Dog From Getting Tooth Issues

From time to time, your veterinarian may recommend a professional dental cleaning. This requires general anaesthesia. During the procedure, your dog’s teeth and gums will be examined closely for problems. The teeth will then be scaled and polished, to remove any grooves in the teeth.

While some dog groomers may offer a tooth cleaning service, don't expect to get a deep cleaning. We can brush the dog's teeth just like you could at home, but for a thorough, complete cleaning, the gums need to be inspected. This isn't something that should be done while the dog is awake.

If your dog does have tooth decay or other dental problems, the vet may refer you to an oral surgeon to extract the affected teeth.

Some dogs need dental cleanings one or more times per year while others can go longer. Be sure to follow your vet’s recommendations.

If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet's health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet.

Anna

x