Most pet owners know that some plants, including lilies, poison ivy, azalea, daffodil, and oak, are harmful to their cats and dogs.Always practice care when planting particular veggies, herbs, and flowers in your garden or windowsills to protect your beloved furry friends.Alternatively, these chemicals can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, depression, lethargy, and extremely irritated skin in your pet.However, veterinarians have discovered that a wide variety of dogs may become sick after eating food rich in this particular vegetable for long periods of time.You should never feed a dog raw potatoes, and while cooking will reduce the level of this chemical, potential risks still exist.Many of us grow oregano (Origanum vulgare hirtum) in our homes and gardens, but rarely are pet owners aware of how dangerous this particular plant is for their furry friends.I learned that all parts of the oleander are highly toxic, and even small amounts may cause several health issues to a variety of species including dogs, cats, and even humans.These plants, especially the variety with red flowers, contain cardiac glycosides, which cause hypothermia, slow heart rate, arrhythmias, severe vomiting, lethargy, and tremors.This plant primarily grows in California and Hawaii, so most pet owners in the remainder of the country are unfamiliar with its characteristics.In most cases, the animal will experience dilated pupils, increased heart rate, troubles with regulating temperature, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, tremors, and even coma.Common symptoms include weakness, drowsiness, stomach pain, slow heart rate, and difficult breathing.The ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) provides long lists of plant poisonous to both cats and dogs.After playing with white bears and elephants in the Belgrade ZOO and dealing with Rabies virus in the Institute Pasteur, I enjoy writing.My five beasts are my ultimate love, including three cats (Clementine, Josephine, and Sophio) and their 'mom' American Stafford Terrier (Malena).
Edward R. Forte
Author