Be A Garden Guardian

My Mom used to spend a lot of time in her garden, but in the last couple of years, not so much.   Mom told me last night that we were going to spend less time working inside all the time and start to do some stuff outside.   That is more than o.k. with me, since, as everyone knows, I rather much like to Stop and Smell the Daffodils  (at least in the Spring).    


                                  


But now, it would seem, I have to be careful when I am around the garden because using my Extra Ordinary Boy Bloginator Reporting Skills, I have learned that there are a lot of VERY toxic things that may be growing in our gardens.     Yipes.

I immediately found my Mouse Person, who has recently taken to hiding behind my crate to stay out of the way of Bejing, my cat.    It seems that the two of them had a bit of a misunderstanding the other night and Mouse Person feels he is in danger from the cat.   He doesn't appear to be too worried about the plants, but of course, I am.

Thankfully he was available to do some flying around in Cyber Space and the first place we landed was a pretty nifty web-site called E-HOW     Let me tell you, there are a LOT of lovely looking plants that are very poisonous to pets if they get munched on.    Daffodil Bulbs are high on the list.       Mom says I'm o.k. as long as I just smell the flowers but to avoid eating the bulbs.     Duh.....   as if I had any urge to do that, but I guess it could happen, especially if someone was especially hungry or something.

So the E-How place has a lot of information and I really do suggest you spend a little time looking around before you head out into the garden.

Here are just a couple of things that I have learned this morning.

  This is a Geranium. 

Geraniums are colorful flowers that are used as ornamentals in many gardens. However, pet owners should be careful when planting geraniums in their yard. Geraniums are toxic to dogs and cause serious health effects if ingested.   This plant contains geraniol and linalool, which are responsible for the toxic properties that occur if ingested.

Dogs who ingest geraniums may suffer from gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and loss of appetite. Other symptoms such as depression and dermatitis may occur as well. Dermatitis commonly occurs if the dog rolls in a flower bed in which geraniums are planted.


So................you shouldn't even roll around in the flower bed, even if the urge comes upon you.    Better to roll around on the deck (just try not to roll OFF the deck and into the Geraniums).    

Here is another one to look out for:     This is HoneySuckle.     Mom says that when she was little that all of the kids would pull the flowers off the HoneySuckle plants and chew on the ends and that some sweet stuff called nectar would come out and it tasted yummy.   Apparantely not for dogs, however.

Here are the terrifying parts:

Cyanogenic Glycosides

  • There are two toxins that are the reason behind the dangerous toxicity of the honeysuckle plant. Cyanogenic and saponic glycosides are both found in the flowers and the vine. Cyanogenic glycosides transpose into hydrogen cyanide, which is a poisonous chemical to the dog’s system. This occurs as a result of the breakdown of the macromolecules in the plant tissues during the digestive process. They are only dangerous if they are ingested.

Saponic Glycosides

  • Saponic glycosides can cause blood cells to burst. When it is combined with the natural fluids of the dog's body, it generates a bubbly foam that causes the breakage of the red blood cells.This would have an adverse affect on the circulation of oxygen throughout the dog's body. It can also be detrimental to the dog’s stomach by causing pain and upset.


Oh my, oh my, oh my........   I am never in a million bazillion years going anywhere near a HoneySuckle plant.  Ever.    This whole thing sounds like Plants vs. Zombies  if you ask me.

Moving on to one of Mom's all time favorites..... Hydrangea

                                                                            


Since we live in Leesburg, Virginia, it also seems that the entire population of Leesburg also loves these gorgeous blooms, cause they are everywhere, together with their toxic portions
  • Dogs can be sickened by hydrangeas  (even BIG dogs)

    The hydrangea contains cyanogenic glycosides. When leaves and buds are mashed through chewing, enzymes combine with the cyanogenic glycosides and cyanide is produced.

  •                           A symptom of poison is depression.  (no kidding..... )

    Ingestion causes digestive irritation and inflammation. Poisoned dogs exhibit diarrhea and bloody stools. Look for depression as an additional sign.


And the list just goes on and on......but as the BoyScouts always say..... just "Be Prepared"  (I think that is what the Boy Scouts say)...... nothing bad will happen to you in the garden if you know what to look for in your yard and then try to stay away from those areas.    Also, it really does help if you avoid eating stuff other than whatever is served up in your doggie bowl.

I hope all of this information has been helpful and not too terribly depressing.    As for me, I believe I will stay in the office and watch Mom putter around the Hydrangea and it's Geranium friends.   I have a pretty good view of that part of the garden from my front window.    

Love and Licks,


Bob
PitBull Boy Bloginator
..............   stop and smell the roses (don't eat them)

Posted by Daisy and Bob's Blog at 6/23/2011 8:56 AM
Categories: All the News All the Time
Tags: American Pit Bull Terrier Toxic Plants eHow
 

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