Dahlias are a popular garden flower known for their stunning blooms that come in a rainbow of colors. But are these pretty perennials safe to grow if you have a dog? I did some digging to find out if dahlias are toxic for dogs or not.
As a dog owner and gardener, I want to make sure my garden is both beautiful and safe for my furry friend While dahlias add fabulous color, unfortunately they can pose a risk for dogs Here’s what you need to know about dahlia safety and dogs.
Are Dahlias Toxic to Dogs?
Yes, dahlias are considered mildly toxic to dogs All parts of the dahlia plant, including the flowers, stems, leaves, and tubers, contain toxic compounds that can irritate dogs if ingested
The main toxic principles in dahlias have not been definitively identified. However, they are known to contain phototoxic polyacetylenes. When exposed to sunlight, these compounds can cause skin inflammation.
For dogs, ingesting any part of a dahlia plant can cause:
- Gastrointestinal upset – Abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea
- Skin irritation – Red, itchy rash, blisters, dermatitis
Luckily, the toxicity is mild compared to highly poisonous plants. But dahlias can still make your dog miserable, so it’s best to take precautions.
Warning Signs Your Dog Ate Dahlias
If your dog consumes part of a dahlia plant, watch for these symptoms:
- Drooling, lip licking, or mouth irritation
- Pawing at the mouth
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Red, itchy skin rash or hives
If you notice any of these warning signs, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for advice. Prompt treatment can help alleviate your dog’s discomfort.
Are Some Dogs More at Risk?
Puppies under one year are more vulnerable to dahlia toxicity. Young dogs tend to chew and explore with their mouths more often.
Your individual dog’s sensitivity also plays a role. Some dogs have stronger reactions than others when exposed to irritants. Observe your dog closely the first time they encounter dahlias to check for any skin redness or itching.
Tips to Keep Your Dog Safe
Here are some precautions you can take to avoid dahlia poisoning if you have both dogs and dahlias:
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Plant dahlias out of your dog’s reach, such as in raised beds or containers.
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Avoid planting dahlias in areas your dog frequents, like near dog runs.
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Cover bare soil around dahlias with mulch so bulbs are not exposed.
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Keep cut dahlias in high vases so pets cannot access them.
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Fence off vegetable gardens where dahlias are planted.
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Remove and discard dead dahlia plants promptly after the growing season.
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Consider planting dog-safe flowers instead, like marigolds or zinnias.
What to Do if Your Dog Eats a Dahlia
Accidents happen! If you catch your dog ingesting dahlias or see chewed up plants, follow these steps:
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Gently wipe out your dog’s mouth to remove plant remnants.
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Call your vet or poison control right away for treatment advice.
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Bring a sample of the plant if you can, to ID the variety.
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Induce vomiting ONLY if poison control advises it.
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Monitor your dog closely for symptoms.
With prompt action, most dogs recover fully from minor dahlia poisoning within 24 hours. But left untreated, they run the risk of dehydration, infection, and skin damage. Play it safe and get your vet involved at the first sign of trouble.
Are There Safe Flower Alternatives?
Luckily, plenty of colorful, dog-friendly flowers make good alternatives to dahlias. Some safe bets include:
- Marigolds
- Zinnias
- Snapdragons
- Lavender
- Roses
- Pansies
- Sunflowers
- Impatiens
- Petunias
Stick with non-toxic flowers in areas your dog frequents. Or plant dahlias well out of Fido’s reach and supervise anytime he’s loose near them.
While dahlias aren’t highly poisonous, they can still make dogs pretty sick. Being aware of the potential risks allows you to prevent problems and enjoy your garden safely with your pooch. With some smart precautions, you and your dog can both delight in your blooming paradise.
Treatment of Dahlia Poisoning in Dogs
Your dog’s treatment plan will depend on how much was consumed and what the test results show. Most of the time, a hydrogen peroxide solution is used to make the plant vomit so that as much of it as possible can be killed. There will be activated charcoal to soak up the toxins, and a gastric lavage to get rid of what’s left. Intravenous fluids will be given to flush the kidneys and prevent dehydration caused by vomiting and diarrhea. If your dog’s skin is irritated, the vet will give you a topical ointment to help with the redness, pain, and itching.
What is Dahlia Poisoning?
Dahlias come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, from the tiny (two inches) to the huge (12 inches). It doesn’t matter what color they are. Like daisies and asters, these pretty perennials are all very different from one another. It’s hard to find two that are the same. On the other hand, if your dog touches or eats one of these flowers, it will make him sick. There is a toxic substance in the dahlia that causes skin irritation and gastrointestinal upset to dogs. In fact, they contain phototoxic polyacetylene chemicals that can irritate the skin of people who touch the dahlias or tubers (roots) when they are in the sun. It is still unclear whether it is these phototoxic polyacetylene substances are what cause the toxicity in dogs.
Dahlia poisoning is a mild condition characterized by gastrointestinal distress if eaten, and dermatitis with skin contact. The dahlia is a popular garden plant and often sold as bouquets or cut flowers for indoor decoration. At this point, no one knows what harmful chemicals are in the dahlia, but if the flower, leaves, or root are touched or eaten, they can make you sick and itch your skin. Youtube Play.
Dahlia Poisoning Average Cost
From 540 quotes ranging from $200 – $500
Dahlia Poisoning in Dogs | Wag!
FAQ
Can dogs smell dahlias?
Do dahlias come back every year?
Do any animals eat dahlias?
Is Dahlia poisonous to dogs?
Additional Common Names: Many varieties Scientific Name: Dahlia species Family: Compositae Toxicity: Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses Toxic Principles: Unknown Clinical Signs: Mild gastrointestinal signs, mild dermatitis
Can dogs eat dahlias?
It is worth noting that eating a large volume of any plant material could cause a dog gastrointestinal upset. So, although dahlias are only mildly toxic, you should discourage your dog from eating any of your bedding plants as it’s not a good habit.
Does pet insurance cover Dahlia poisoning?
Pet Insurance covers the cost of many common pet health conditions. Prepare for the unexpected by getting a quote from top pet insurance providers. As long as you got professional help for your dog, dahlia poisoning is usually cleared up without complications within 24 hours.
What if my dog has Dahlia poisoning after a day?
If your dog is still displaying symptoms of dahlia poisoning after a day or so, you’ll want to get them to a vet. You can also keep your furry friend away from dahlias altogether to avoid the risk of dahlia poisoning.
Are dahlias poisonous?
The ASPCA reports that dahlias are only mildly toxic. However, there are other plants that are more dangerous (such as foxgloves, rhododendrons, and daffodils), so always discourage him from chewing or eating flowering plants to stop accidents from happening.
What happens if Buddy eats a dahlia?
If Buddy eats a dahlia, he may experience an upset belly or skin irritation. Keep an eye on him to watch for symptoms and call the vet to report what you see. He may need to pay a visit to the vet; if so, take the plant he noshed on with you so the vet can confirm the diagnosis for proper treatment.