As a dog owner in Kansas City, MO, you want your furry friend to live a happy, healthy, and safe life. But while we often focus on things like proper nutrition, exercise, and regular vet visits, one important hazard tends to fly under the radar—harmful plants.
Whether in your backyard, around your neighborhood, or even inside your home, many common plants can pose a serious risk to your dog. At DoodyCalls of Kansas City, we care about more than just keeping your yard clean—we care about your dog’s well-being. That’s why we’re sharing this important guide on the plants that could be dangerous for your pet and how to keep your Kansas City dog safe.
Common outdoor plants in Kansas City that are toxic to dogs
The Kansas City climate is perfect for a wide variety of ornamental plants and landscaping features, but some popular choices can be dangerous for curious pups. Here are a few outdoor plants to avoid in your yard:
1. Sago Palm
While more common in southern climates, sago palms can sometimes be found in decorative planters or greenhouses in Missouri. Every part of this plant is highly toxic to dogs, particularly the seeds. Ingestion can lead to vomiting, liver failure, and even death.
2. Oleander
This shrub may be visually appealing with its vibrant flowers, but it’s extremely toxic to pets. Even a small amount can cause severe heart issues or death in dogs.
3. Azaleas and Rhododendrons
These popular flowering shrubs add color to many Kansas City gardens. Unfortunately, they contain grayanotoxins, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and even heart failure if ingested.
4. Foxglove
Tall and beautiful, foxglove contains cardiac glycosides, which affect heart function and can be fatal to dogs who chew on it.
5. Autumn Crocus
This plant blooms in the fall and can cause severe gastrointestinal distress, kidney and liver damage, and even respiratory failure in dogs.
Harmful indoor plants to avoid if you have dogs
It’s not just your garden you have to worry about—many popular houseplants are also toxic to dogs. If you’re sprucing up your Kansas City apartment or home, take care to keep these common indoor plants off your list:
1. Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)
Common in many homes for its ease of care, pothos is toxic if chewed or eaten by dogs, causing oral irritation, vomiting, and trouble swallowing.
2. Snake Plant (Mother-in-law’s Tongue)
Another trendy indoor plant, snake plant contains saponins, which can lead to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in dogs.
3. Peace Lily
Peace lilies are beautiful and often used to freshen up indoor spaces, but they contain compounds that can cause mouth irritation, drooling, and digestive issues.
4. Aloe Vera
While it’s great for human skin, aloe is toxic to dogs if ingested, causing vomiting and diarrhea.
5. Philodendron
A favorite among houseplant lovers, philodendrons contain calcium oxalate crystals that can cause painful swelling and irritation in the mouth and throat.
Tips for keeping your Kansas City dog safe from harmful plants
Knowing which plants to avoid is just the first step. Here’s how to go the extra mile in protecting your pet:
1. Landscape with pet-safe plants
When planning your garden or yard design in Kansas City, opt for dog-friendly alternatives like marigolds, snapdragons, or rosemary. These not only look great but are non-toxic to pets.
2. Supervise outdoor time
Keep an eye on your dog while they’re outside, especially if you’re unsure about the plants in your neighborhood or local parks.
3. Educate yourself on native plants
Some plants grow wild in the Kansas City area and may show up in your yard uninvited. Learn to identify potentially harmful species like poison hemlock or mushrooms, which can be dangerous for pets.
4. Keep indoor plants out of reach
Place any potentially harmful houseplants high up and out of reach or, better yet, don’t keep them at all if you have a curious pup.
5. Know the signs of poisoning
Symptoms can include vomiting, drooling, weakness, seizures, or changes in behavior. If you suspect your dog has eaten something toxic, call your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline immediately.
Protecting your yard and your dog—DoodyCalls of Kansas City is here to help
At DoodyCalls of Kansas City, we’re proud to help pet owners maintain a clean and safe outdoor environment. A poop-free yard isn’t just about convenience—it helps prevent the spread of disease and reduces the chance your dog might dig around harmful plants or substances.
If you’re a Kansas City pet owner looking for reliable yard cleanup or dog waste removal services, we’re here for you. Let us handle the dirty work so you can focus on keeping your pet happy and safe.
Contact DoodyCalls of Kansas City today to schedule your first visit or learn more about how we help Kansas City dog owners enjoy cleaner, safer yards.