Stop buying 10 plants that could be harmful to your pets

Plants make a garden more beautiful, and there’s no denying that they can significantly cheer you up when you admire them. However, many people are only just realising that some plants are not compatible with cat and dog ownership, and they can be seriously harmful to furry friends.

You want your animals to be able to play freely in your garden, but some plants could be making it dangerous for them, and it’s not worth risking your pet’s life for a gorgeous flower.

David Wilson Homes has teamed up with Woodgreen Pet Charity’s team of dog, cat and small animal behaviour specialists to highlight some of the top hidden hazards homeowners should look out for when creating a pet-friendly garden this summer.

Of course, plants can add colour, fragrance and interest to your garden, but widely popular varieties can be harmful to pets if chewed or eaten.

To help pet owners make safer planting choices, Woodgreen’s team of experts has shared some common toxic plants to avoid, along with pet-friendly alternatives.

Lilies are especially dangerous for cats, and daffodils are dangerous, too. Instead, you should try to plant lavender and sunflowers, which are equally beautiful.

Instead of tulips, opt for snapdragons, and replace crocuses with marigolds. Banish azaleas and rhododendrons in favour of petunias, and get rid of foxgloves for cornflowers.

Swap laburnum for pansies, and fade out Lily of the Valley for violets. Also, Hyacinths should be removed and replaced with honeysuckle, and yew should be removed from gardens.

Plant toxicity can vary between animals, so whenever you introduce a new plant to your garden, always check whether it is safe for your individual pets.

Popular harmful plants for pets

1. Lilies (especially dangerous for cats)
2. Daffodils
3. Tulips
4. Crocuses
5. Azaleas and rhododendrons
6. Foxgloves
7. Laburnum
8. Lily of the Valley
9. Hyacinths
10. Yew

It’s not just the types of plants; there are also different things you should factor in to ensure your garden is as safe as possible for your pets.

Sue Ketland, Dog Behaviour and Training Specialist, explained that you need to secure your garden’s boundaries to protect your furry friends.

Sue said: “When designing a garden, it is important to understand how pets will use the space. Begin by checking fences, gates and boundaries for gaps, loose panels or areas where pets can escape”.

Sue also says you should be mindful when putting away your gardening essentials. She urged: “Store garden chemicals, such as pesticides, weed killers and fertilisers, and sharp tools securely. If you keep a compost heap, ensure your pet cannot access it, as moulds or bacteria growing in compost can be harmful if ingested.”

Artificial grass may be easier to maintain, but it’s not good for sensitive paws. “While easy to maintain, artificial grass is best avoided [for pet households] as it can become very hot in warm weather and uncomfortable for sensitive paws. It also poses a risk to rabbits and guinea pigs if ingested”.

It’s also really important to ensure shelter and shade is available for your furry friends, as “pets need protecting from the heat”. She noted: “Trees and shrubs provide natural shade, but it is also important to offer covered areas for resting and quiet areas for retreating”.