Dear G.A.,
My husband and I run a small farm, and your question today is right up my alley. There are many myths and misconceptions about which plants are harmful to pets. The ASPCA website (www.aspca.org) has a list of toxic plants. A sample of plants (and potential symptoms) to look for around the yard & in the garden are:
-American Bittersweet- vomiting & diarrhea
-Begonia – oral irritation
-Clematis- salivation, vomiting & diarrhea
-Foxglove – arrhythmias, vomiting & diarrhea, weakness
-Grapes (the fruit portion) – kidney failure
-Hosta – vomiting, diarrhea, depression
-Morning Glory – vomiting, diarrhea, agitation, disorientation
-Onion- vomiting, diarrhea, anemia
-Rhubarb (leaves) – salivation, kidney failure, tremors
-Tomato Plant (leaves) – increased salivation, weakness, vomiting & diarrhea
-Yarrow – vomiting, diarrhea, depression

Please keep in mind that each plant listed can cause signs, but the amount that needs to be ingested before causing signs varries greatly. If you have any question about symptoms you are seeing in your pet that may be related to ingestion of a toxic plant please contact your veterinarian or the animal poison control center (1-888-426-4435) immediately.

On a lighter note, G.A., you may want to plant a few things that your animals may graze if they need to. The book by Juliette de Bairachli Levy titled The Complete Herbal Handbook for the Dog and Cat would be a good start to researching plants your dog would be allowed to nibble on if he had the urge.

-Abby Strobbe, DVM