Pet-Friendly Gardening: Do's and Don'ts

Spring and summer are favorite growing seasons to plant a rainbow of fresh blooms in the garden; however, if pet owners don't research what to plant and not plant beforehand, they may find that domestic animals will get ill. 

In June, gardeners welcome the opportunity to start a bee garden to feed pollinators, while keeping deer out of the yard; however, some plants may be toxic to dogs.

Here are plants to avoid growing in the spring and summer months, according to the ASPCA:

• Dahlia: Great for pollinators, but not for pets!
• Daisies
• Iris: Deer resistant; but not meant for pets.
• Lillies
• Peony: A hazard for dogs that can make them vomit, drool excessively and give them diarrhea. However, deer hate the taste and smell of peonies!
• Lavender: Another pollinating-friendly plant
• Geraniums: Another plant for deer resistance; however, this plant causes skin rashes, low blood pressure, lethargy and loss of appetite in dogs.
• Aloe Vera: Great for skin wounds on people; however, it can cause tremors and diarrhea in dogs.
• Hydrangeas
• Tulips

Go ahead and grow these pet-safe plants:

• Aster: Pollinating insects welcomed!
• Cilantro
• African Violets
• Marigolds: Keeps deer out of lawns and gardens while feeding butterflies!
• Hibiscus: Deer-resistant
• Pansies
• Petunias
• Sage
• Sunflowers: A favorite food for bees, hummingbirds and butterflies.
• Thyme: A Deer-resistant herb.