Animal Welfare Professionals

I recently received a grant to install a Monarch-friendly Milkweed garden on our shelter grounds.  We discovered that milkweed plants are actually toxic to dogs if ingested.  Upon further research, discovered that innumerable plants, shrubs, and trees are toxic to dogs (including Oak trees/leaves/acorns). Tulips, daffodils, etc., are toxic to dogs if eaten.  Where do we draw the line? So many public parks (not to mention our own home gardens and lawns) contain these potential pathogens. Would appreciate any advice and experience!

#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment

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Erin Hooks
Director of Development
Humane Society of Catawba County
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When the organization I used to work for was designing our new facility, we were pretty careful with the plants we put in, but we also took into account how likely it would be that an animal would actually ingest the plant.

For example, we didn't want black cherry leaves falling or blowing into a horse enclosure, but some daffodils by the sign out front are unlikely to cause an issue. We didn't want any lilies nearby since just a little pollen can kill a cat, but an oak tree at the parking lot entrance is unlikely to be something that dogs are munching on. 

You just need to weigh how toxic the plant is (ex. dying from touching pollen vs. needing to eat a large amount) and how likely it is that the animals will have enough contact with or interest in the plants to potentially be harmed. Buttercups are technically poisonous to horses, but horses hate the taste and you will often see healthy horses grazing in fields full of buttercups for their entire lives with no ill effect. 

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Marilyn Wheaton
Client Services
AnimalsFirst
Leesburg VA
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