After the harsh winter, I’m sure many folks have gardens just like mine that are in desperate need of some TLC. With the official start of spring upon us, it’s time to get to work on those yards. For pet owners, though, it’s important to choose wisely because not all plant varieties are safe for pets. 

Selecting plants that will keep pets safe while also maintaining a certain level of curb appeal can be quite the task as some flowers and plants, albeit beautiful, are toxic for dogs and cats. 

Before sprucing up the garden, do a little research. Planting a poisonous variety can cause serious illness and can even be fatal for our four-legged friends if they ingest the plant. 

Here are some of the most common poisonous plants that should be avoided: 

Sago palm: Also known as the Palm Sunday Palm, these plants are popular in our area, especially this time of year. This is one of the most dangerous plants for pets as the entire plant, and the seeds in particular, contain a potent toxin called cycasin that can be fatal even if the animal eats only a single seed. Ingestion of any part or amount of this plant warrants immediate emergency veterinarian treatment.

Symptoms of consumption include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, abnormal fluid accumulation in the abdomen, abdominal pain, jaundice and black-tarry stool. A dog may also experience weakness, seizures, tremors and severe liver failure. Even with aggressive treatment, the survival rate is about 50%. 

Azalea: Ingesting even just a few leaves of an azalea can cause serious issues such as upset stomach, drooling, loss of appetite, weakness and leg paralysis, and in some cases, coma or death. 

Bird of paradise: Toxic for both dogs and cats, these can be fatal for rabbits. They can cause intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing and lack of coordination. 

Lily: While nontoxic for dogs, lilies are very toxic for cats and can cause serious kidney damage. 

Daffodil: These contain poisonous alkaloids that can cause vomiting, excessive salivation, diarrhea, convulsions, tremors and heart problems in pets. The bulbs are the most dangerous part of the plant. 

Hydrangea: They’re poisonous to cats, dogs and horses because all parts of the plant contain cyanogenic glycoside. Signs of ingestion include diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, confusion and depression. 

Geranium: The leaves, stem, roots, and especially the flower of the scented geranium contain essential oils, linalool and geraniol, which are toxic to cats and dogs. Ingesting any part of the plant can cause vomiting, reduced appetite, depression. Just touching the plant can cause skin irritation and dermatitis. 

Tulip: They’re toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The bulb contains toxins that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation, drooling, loss of appetite, depression of the central nervous system, convulsions and cardiac irregularities. 

Daisies: These are toxic to both dogs and cats and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, lack of coordination and dermatitis. 

Aloe vera: Although it has medicinal benefits for humans, aloe vera can cause vomiting, lethargy and diarrhea in pets if ingested. 

This is just a sampling of plants that can be dangerous for pets. For a full list, complete with photos, visit www.aspca.org.

There are still tons of popular and attractive options for flowers and plants that are safe for the entire family.

Here some varieties that are nontoxic and safe for pets. Check preferred growing conditions before planting.

• Boston fern
• Spider plant
• African violet
• Parlor palm
• Cast iron plant
• Roses
• Sunflowers
• Gerbera daisies
• Orchids
• Limonium
• Waxflower
• Statice
• Lisianthus

Keep in mind that even if a plant is not toxic, consumption of any plant material can potentially cause an upset stomach or vomiting for pets.

If an animal is suspected of encountering or ingesting a poisonous plant, seek medical attention immediately. For more information, contact your vet or call the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center 24-hour emergency poison hotline at 1-888-426-4435.

Events

MARCH 23: Petsmart will hold an adoption event for ARNO from noon to 4 p.m. at 6851 Veterans Blvd., Metairie. Meet adorable puppies and dogs. All approved adopters will receive a coupon book from Petsmart and a new bed from ARNO. For more information, email adopt@animalrescueneworleans.org

MARCH 25: The Petsmart Charities National Adoption Week adoption event will take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 6851 Veterans Blvd. Meet adorable puppies and dogs from ARNO. All approved adopters will receive a coupon book from Petsmart and a new bed from ARNO. For more information, email adopt@animalrescueneworleans.org