‘I’m a gardening expert – 10 plants you should avoid to keep your pets safe’

For pet owners who love gardening, selecting the right plants is crucial in ensuring the safety of their furry friends. Gardening expert Fiona Jenkins from MyJobQuote.co.uk has shared a vital list of nine plants that could pose a serious risk to pets. If you have a curious cat, dog, or other pet at home, read on to find out which plants you should avoid to keep them safe.

1. Oleander

Oleander is one of the most toxic plants for both humans and animals. Even a small amount of ingestion can be fatal, and direct skin contact can lead to severe allergic reactions. If you have children or pets in your garden, avoiding this plant is the safest choice.

2. Foxgloves

A common garden and woodland plant, foxgloves contain toxic cardiac glycosides. If any part of the plant is ingested, it can lead to severe poisoning in pets, making it a risky choice for gardens with animals.

3. Deadly Nightshade

Recognizable by its purple and green flowers and black berries, Deadly Nightshade is highly poisonous. Every part of the plant is toxic, with the berries being especially dangerous, potentially causing serious health issues if ingested.

4. Lords-and-Ladies

This plant features large arrow-shaped leaves and berries that change from green to red or orange as they ripen. All parts of the plant contain small needle-shaped crystals that can cause skin irritation, and ingestion can lead to serious reactions.

5. Monkshood

Monkshood, with its hooded flowers in varying colors, is one of the most poisonous plants found in gardens. All parts of this plant contain toxins that can be deadly if consumed, making it one to avoid if you have pets.

6. Poison Hemlock

This tall plant with purple-blotched stalks is often found in damp areas. It contains potent toxins that can be harmful to both humans and animals, and even small amounts can cause severe symptoms.

7. Lilies

Lilies are particularly toxic to cats, potentially causing kidney damage if ingested. Even the pollen from lilies can pose a threat, as it can easily stick to a pet’s fur and be ingested during grooming. Keeping lilies out of pet-friendly spaces is crucial.

8. Azalea

Azaleas contain grayanotoxins, which can lead to vomiting, drooling, weakness, and diarrhea in pets. In severe cases, ingestion can result in coma or even death, making this a plant to avoid.

9. Chrysanthemum

These popular flowers contain pyrethrins, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and loss of coordination in pets. While beautiful, they can pose a serious risk to animal health.

10. English Ivy

English Ivy contains triterpenoid saponins, which can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, and diarrhea in pets. Keeping this trailing plant away from curious animals is essential.