Dangerous Shrubs and Trees to Avoid When Creating a Dog Friendly Landscape

I'll be honest, I love my pit mix. She is an absolute troublemaker, (the pup in the picture has the same mischievous look that mine gets when she is up to no good!) but she is incredibly gentle with my kids and a loyal loving companion. So, when a client recently asked me to create a garden that has absolutely no dangerous shrubs for her furry friend who will eat just about anything, edible or not, I was more than happy to help. Living in Maine, so many people have dogs that roam freely in their home landscape. It is only natural to wonder what is safe to plant at your home. Unfortunately, that information isn't listed on the tags at the nursery. Here you will find some common zone 5 shrubs that are poisonous or at least pose a hazard to dogs. I hope this helps you choose your next shrubs wisely.

Most dogs will tend to avoid shrubs so you don't have to run out and dig up your favorite flowering shrub just because it is on this list. Dogs have a tendency to gravitate towards plantings that they think smell good, so naturally, something that is poisonous will most likely not be on your pets radar. But as I know from personal experience, some dogs just don't seem to realize that some things just shouldn't be eaten.

Evergreens

Boxwood (Buxus)

Often admired for its ornamental qualities and for creating clean hedges. Boxwoods can be harmful for dogs. Expect an upset stomach if your dog chews on these. Though not lethal, it is problematic. These are especially dangerous for horses and can even cause seizures!

Holly (Ilex)

This includes inkberries and winterberries basically if it is considered a holly, it is poisonous to dogs, cats, people and horses.

Peiris Japonica

Also known as lily of the valley bush and andromedas. These beautiful shrubs can be poisonous for your furry friends.

Yews (Taxus)

Pretty much avoid yews all together, no matter where they come from (Western, English, Canadian, Pacific, Japanese it doesn't really matter just avoid it). They are extremely poisonous and potentially deadly.

Laurels (lauraceae)

If it has Laurel in its name be warry. Commonly known as bay laurel as these typically grow on the coast. They can also be found as a staple in a coastal garden. Not only can these reek havoc on your pups tummy the leaves can cause obstructions. So be wary when you take your pup for a walk near the seaside as you may walk by these and not even notice.

Rhododendrons

This includes your rhododendrons and azaleas, all parts of this plant are poisonous to dogs and can cause death.

Deciduous Shrubs (lose their leaves in the winter)

Burning Bush

These shrubs aren't only bad for your pooch but they are extremely invasive and are just about everywhere. People plant these for the bright red fall color but are no longer allowed to be sold in Maine. Instead plant blueberry bushes they turn a beautiful red and make a delicious snack for you and your furry friend.

Hydrangeas

There are a wide variety of hydrangeas in an assortment of color and flower shapes can vary from cones to balls to caps. Though these may be less likely to cause death, if eaten there is a good chance your pup will have a very upset stomach.

Fruit trees

Before you go planting an edible garden, you should first weigh the risk to your dog if planting these crops: Think plums, peaches, cherries, apple trees and crabapples, this list even includes plants like chokecherries. Your dog may love to eat apples at home but the "stems, leaves and seeds contain cyanide (ASPCA)". The same goes for all of the other fruit listed in this category. All and all best to avoid planting this in your yard if your dog likes to chew on your trees.

This is not a complete list, just some very common species that I come across in gardens all the time. All of these shrubs and trees are part of a list from ASPCA's website. I am writing this article in a hopes that it raises some awareness for the community about what is safe for our furry friends. This is not a complete list of all dangerous plants, only a list of some of the more common ones that I see in Maine gardens. It is always best to check and make sure that plants are safe for the humans and animals in your life before buying and installing. If you think that your pet has ingested something bad get off the internet and please call a vet or pet poison control hotline as soon as possible!