An infrequent cause of poisonings amongst dogs is eating plants and vegetation. In some plants only certain parts of the plant are poisonous, in others the whole plant is toxic. Because there are so many different types of plants, your dog may exhibit any number of symptoms depending on what kind of plant was ingested. That is why it is a good idea to have some knowledge of what kinds of are toxic. Signs that your dog may have ingested a poisonous plant include but are not limited to:

• Mouth irritation
• Skin irritation
• Drooling
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

• Rapid labored breathing
• Staggering
• Muscle Tremors
• Seizures
• Coma and Death

The Rhododendron family of plants, such as, milkweeds, lily-of-the-valley, laurel, azalea, and foxgloves all contain cardiac glycosides of the digitalis class. These will affect your dog's heart function. Even though these are bitter tasting to your dog, pets have been known to eat enough of the plant to cause death.

The ornamental plants of the nightshade family contain elements called solamines that are toxic to the gastrointestinal system and the brain. Plants in this group include: Chinese Lantern, Christmas Cherry, and Ornamental Pepper plants. These plants to can cause death but it is more rare. Another favorite holiday plant is the Poinsettia plant seen at Christmas time. It will cause a skin reaction after your dog has come into contact with it on the skin and mouth.

Puppies are the most likely to ingest indoor and outdoor plants, because as we all know, puppies go through a chewing phase. Adult dogs are less likely to chew on and ingest plants. However, if they become bored or have a tendency to experience separation anxiety when you are away, the chances of them ingesting a poisonous plant is greater.

Prevention: As with other types of poisonings, prevention is the key. The best thing to do is to determine which plants in your household and in your outdoor areas are toxic and either dispose of them or keep them in a place where the dog is unable to gain access to them.

Treatment: If you see or suspect that your pet has ingested any portion of a plant, immediately induce vomiting. (To find out how to induce vomiting click here.) Then immediately contact your dog's veterinarian for further instructions. Be sure to tell him/her what plant was ingested and how much if possible.