888-899-4VPI
Pet Health Zone
Pet Education
Pet Articles
Pet Tips
Pet Horoscopes
Pet Stories




First Aid For
Your Pet >>


First Time
Pet Owners >>


Pet Toxins &
Poisons >>
VPI Pet Insurance HealthZone
Be a Garden Guardian
blank

Woman hugs dogWith warmer weather and lovely plants in bloom, summer is the perfect season to enjoy quality time outdoors in the yard or garden with your pet. But changing seasons also bring budding poisons and blossoming allergies in the form of plants and flowers. Follow these simple tips to make sure that your pet stays safe and healthy this summer.

Check Before You Plant

As lovely and fragrant as they are, many flowers and plants can be poisonous—even deadly—to pets if ingested. Lilies, daffodils and hyacinths are just a few common plants that are toxic to pets. Ask your veterinarian for a complete list of plants and flowers to avoid.

Be Mindful Of Your Mulch


Commercial mulch sometimes contains cocoa bean shells, which many dogs can’t seem to resist. The chemicals and caffeine that are naturally present in cocoa can be very dangerous to pets if ingested. Make sure that any mulch you buy for the garden is free of cocoa bean shells.

Read The Label


PlantsFertilizers and pesticides may help your garden thrive, but they can be deadly to pets. Always check the label to be sure that anything you apply to your plants is also safe for your pets. When in doubt, don’t use it! Better yet, try pet-friendly organic alternatives for repelling pests.

Allergy Alert!


Your sinuses may tell you when seasons have changed, but did you know that pets can suffer from seasonal allergies, too? If your pet displays symptoms like skin irritation, hair loss, ear infections, excessive sneezing or runny nose, make an appointment to see your veterinarian. 

For other tips on poisonous plants, please visit the Budding Poisons center.




Return to the VPI Pet HealthZone >> 

blank

Suggested Reading

Skin Allergies In Pets
Pets can suffer from allergy-related skin reactions.

On the Horizon: Dental Vaccine for Dogs
A new dental vaccine is now available.

blank

Molly's Story

MollyAfter catching Molly in the flower garden, her parents realized she had eaten snail bait. Knowing the poision could be lethal, they rushed to the vet. Read More >>

Print this page:
The Nation's Oldest and Largest Provider of Pet Health Insurance
Underwritten by: Veterinary Pet Insurance Company (CA), Brea, CA
National Casualty Company (Nat'l), Madison, WI an A+15 rated company
© 2001 - 2008 Veterinary Pet Insurance Company • Privacy PolicyUnderwriting Information

Products available through this site are only available for residents of the United States.
In Canada, please contact Petsecure at www.petsecure.com.

Home | What's Covered | How a Policy Works | Facts About Pet Insurance | Quick Quote | Enroll Today