When Good Dogs Eat Bad Plants

When your dog spends time outside during the warm months, his activities likely include such enjoyments as barking at birds, running after Frisbees, and the occasional hose bath. Unfortunately, he may also give in to the urge to taste a bit of plant or shrub in the backyard. In some cases, this can be fatal. The incidence of plant poisonings in dogs goes up every summer; says Laris­sa Hautekeete, DVM, of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal's (ASPCA's) National Animal Poison Control Center (NAPCC), a nonprofit, 24-hour emergency consulting service. Usually, the problem is that dogs get bored and decide to nibble on plants. Certain ornamental plants and shrubs, such as rhododendrons and (known as dumb cane), are particularly toxic. If you have these plants in your yard or in your house, it's best to keep your dog away from them.Nibbling on grass, which some dogs like to do, can become problematic when the lawn has been treated with chemicals. In fact, Fred Oehme, DVM, PhD, professor of toxicology at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas, says plant poisonings of dogs are far less common than poisonings with pesticides, rodenticides, and rotten garbage. (Toxicologists point out that dogs can become sick from the same plants that are toxic to cats.)

In case of emergency

If your dog ingests part of a poisonous plant, call your veterinarian immediately. Under veterinary advice, you may need to induce vomiting, using either 3% hydrogen peroxide (1 tablespoonful for a 30-lb. dog; can repeat twice) or ipecac (1-2 milliliters per kilogram of body weight, which is 3-5 teaspoonfuls for a 30-lb. dog). Your veterinarian can give an injection that will induce vom­iting in a matter of minutes. This may be the best solution, especially if you have trouble getting your dog to take whatever medicines you administer.If your veterinarian is unsure about the toxicity of the plant ingested, you or the doctor may have to phone your local poison control center or the NAPCC, which can be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-888-4ANIHELP or 1-800-548-2423 (to charge the $30 consulting fee to your credit card; you can also opt to charge the call to your phone bill by calling 1-900-680-0000). Be sure to keep the tags from any plants you buy-you may need to supply the Latin as well as the common name to the consulting veterinary toxicologist.The NAPCC advises dog owners who suspect their pet has been poisoned by a plant to remain calm and to haveas much information at hand as possi­ble before making the emergency call. When you call the NAPCC, be ready to provide

Your name, address, and telephone number

• Information concerning the exposure (the amount of plant, the time since ingestion, etc.)

• The species, breed, age, sex, and weight of the animal, and the number of animals involved if more than one has been poisoned The agent exposed to, if known

• The problems being experienced.

The NAPCC publishes a list of household plants that are toxic, potentially toxic, and nontoxic to animals, available for $15 (shipping and handling included). Send your name, address, and a check to: ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center; 1717 South Philo Road, Suite #36, Urbana, IL 61802