As much as we love our gardens, our furry family members come first. If your dog or cat loves to explore the yard, knowing which common garden plants can be harmful to pets is worth knowing. Some plants may cause mild irritation, while others can lead to serious health issues if ingested.

Toxic Plants Common in Calgary Gardens

Many popular outdoor plants are beautiful but potentially dangerous for pets. Here are a few to be mindful of when planning or maintaining your garden:

• Lily of the Valley — Pretty and fragrant, but extremely toxic to cats and dogs. Ingestion can lead to vomiting, low heart rate, and seizures.

• Foxglove — A dramatic vertical bloomer, but all parts of the plant are poisonous and can affect heart function in pets.

• Rhododendron & Azalea — Though less common in Calgary gardens due to hardiness issues, they’re highly toxic to animals and should be avoided entirely.

• Autumn Crocus — Often used in fall plantings, this plant can cause severe gastrointestinal upset and organ damage.

• Delphinium — Popular for height and colour, but unsafe for pets if eaten, especially younger plants.

• Sago Palm — Rare in our region outdoors but sometimes used in container arrangements; highly toxic, especially to dogs.

Mildly Toxic or Irritating Plants

Some plants won’t be life-threatening but can still cause discomfort:

• Lavender — Often fine in small amounts but can cause nausea or drowsiness in pets if consumed in larger quantities.

• Daffodils — The bulbs are the most toxic part and can cause vomiting or diarrhea if dug up and eaten.

• Tulips — Also a concern due to toxic bulbs; be especially cautious with curious puppies who like to dig.