Skip to main content

Plants to Avoid in Pet Yards

May 28, 2021 09:30AM ● By Karen Shaw Becker
Chihuahua dog outdoors in fenced-in yard on pet-friendly lawn

schulzie/AdobeStock.com

An outdoor area for pets must be free of hazards that could cause illness. This includes cocoa bean mulch, which contains the chemical compounds theobromine and caffeine, which are highly toxic to dogs and can be fatal. Specific plants can also be poisonous to pets and can cause a variety of conditions, including diarrhea, vomiting, internal bleeding, respiratory distress, seizures, organ damage or failure, coma or death. 

Research any plants in the yard for safety, and be sure to keep the yard clear of the following poisonous plants, as compiled by the Pet Poison Helpline, to create a backyard that’s both fun and safe for pets:

  • Autumn Crocus
  • Azalea 
  • Cyclamen 
  • Daffodils 
  • Dieffenbachia 
  • Kalanchoe
  • Lilies 
  • Lily of the Valley 
  • Oleander 
  • Sago Palm

ke magoonAdobeStockcom

Create a Dog-Friendly Yard: Plants, Paths and Play Areas to Wag a Tail

For homeowners with dogs, consider “dog-scaping” with these pet-friendly plants and flea-repelling herbs, thoughtful play areas and other tips for the backyard. Read More » 

 

In-Print gardening National Content June 2021

 

 

Upcoming Events Near You
The Tick Tackler Tutor: Three Impactful Tick Remediation Strategies for the Homeowner

By Jennifer Meisenbacher

Did you know most tick bites occur in and around the home—and that ticks spend more than 95% of their life off a host?

With more than 19 years of field experience, Tick Tackler offers a practical, easy-to-follow approach that empowers homeowners to significantly reduce tick activity on their properties. From gardening and yard work to children’s play areas, this guide outlines essential adjustments to help protect your outdoor spaces from ticks.

The Tick Tackler Tutor introduces three impactful strategies designed to identify high-risk areas and minimize exposure. These methods are versatile and adaptable—whether you’re a homeowner, pet owner, beekeeper, or managing a larger property such as a doggy daycare or horse farm.

Inside, readers will discover how education leads to confidence, how small changes can yield visible results, and how breaking tick control into manageable steps restores a sense of control. The book simplifies complex concepts into three core strategies, guiding readers in creating a personalized plan to reduce tick activity effectively.

For those eager to reclaim their yards but unsure where to begin, this guide delivers clear, actionable solutions. Transform your outdoor environment into a safer, more enjoyable space for family, pets, and everyday living.

Available now on Amazon.

Follow Us On Facebook