Garden plants offer a myriad of wonderful benefits, including beauty, fragrance, and even medicinal properties depending on the species. As welcome as plants and flowers are to any home, some are poisonous to pets. If your household includes one or several four-legged friends, review five of the top garden plants to avoid:

Top 5 Garden Plants To Avoid With Cats & Dogs

1. Crocus

Crocuses are one of the first welcome signs of spring; however, the little flower causes gastrointestinal problems if it is ingested by your cat or dog, including vomiting and diarrhea. Its autumn cousin is even more dangerous and results in gastrointestinal bleeding, serious vomiting, kidney and liver damage, and respiratory failure.

2. Split-Leaf Philodendron

This philodendron species can cause a range of toxicity symptoms in felines and canines. They include excessive drooling, swallowing problems, oral irritation, and severe burning and irritation of the mouth, lips, and tongue.

3. Oleander

A favorite garden plant for its evergreen beauty, the leaves and beautiful white flowers are toxic to pets. Eating them can easily result in severe stomach issues and a slower heartbeat. The shrub may prove fatal if enough is ingested.

4. Ivy

The ubiquitous climbing vine must remain out of reach to cats and dogs because it is so toxic. Symptoms that your pet has eaten green ivy include rashes, vomiting, abdominal pain, and breathing difficulties.

5. Daffodils

Bulbs, stems, and flowers making up these sunny perennials are poisonous to pets. Eating any part causes severe gastrointestinal issues as well as respiratory and heart problems. The crystals on the outer layers of the bulb irritate mouth tissue and cause drooling.

Laurel Grove Florist has helped beautify homes and gardens in Port Jervis, NY, and the surrounding areas for over a century. The premier flower company offers an extensive range of gorgeous, healthy garden plants and provides custom arrangements that make ideal gifts. Most blooms are grown on premise. Call (845) 856-2713 with any questions or visit the florist online to browse the inventory. Like the Facebook page for great flower arrangement tips and tricks.