Is Basket of Gold Poisonous to Dogs?
Basket of Gold, also known as Aurinia saxatilis, is a common perennial plant found in many gardens and landscapes. With its eye-catching yellow blooms blanketing the foliage in spring, it’s easy to see why this plant is so popular But is this beauty a danger to our canine companions? The good news is Basket of Gold is non-toxic for dogs!
Basket of Gold goes by a few other names like gold basket, basket of gold alyssum, and aurinia It’s a low-growing plant that only reaches about 6-12 inches tall but spreads 12-18 inches wide The grayish-green leaves form a nice mat-like mound that cascades nicely over retaining walls or containers.
In early spring, clusters of small bright yellow flowers cover the foliage. They are absolutely stunning! The blooms last about 6-8 weeks and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. After the showy display is over, the foliage remains evergreen in most climates, providing year-round interest.
This tough plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s drought tolerant once established, making it ideal for xeriscaping, rock gardens, or planting between stepping stones where it’s too hot and dry for most other plants Basket of Gold grows well in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-7
While pretty and petite, Basket of Gold is definitely a hardy perennial. It easily withstands wind, drought, heat, and poor soil. The only thing this plant really doesn’t like is soggy soil, which can lead to root rot. Provided the drainage is good, Basket of Gold will flourish despite tough growing conditions.
So we’ve covered that Basket of Gold is resilient, but is it safe for dogs? The ASPCA lists Aurinia saxatilis as non-toxic for dogs, cats, and horses. The plants and flowers are harmless whether your pooch eats them or brushes against the foliage. Some sources say ingesting extremely large quantities could potentially cause minor stomach upset. But there are no serious toxins present in any part of Basket of Gold.
To be extra safe, plant Basket of Gold away from areas your dog frequents. The small plant is easy to step on and damage, so avoid planting it in high-traffic zones. The crushed foliage may stain light fur temporarily with its yellow pigment, but this is not harmful. As always, supervise your dog in the garden and redirect any nibbling.
A few other popular yellow bloomers like daffodils, jonquils, and yellow iris are quite toxic. So it’s understandable to be cautious with any bright yellow flowers. But rest assured, Basket of Gold’s vibrant blossoms and fuzzy leaves are completely dog-safe. This cheery plant brings a pop of color without posing any poison risk to canine companions.
Safe Alternatives to Basket of Gold ️
If youre looking for safe edible plants, wild mustard (Brassica spp. ) is a fantastic choice. It’s not only delicious but also versatile in various dishes.
Other local edible wildflowers can also serve as great alternatives. Incorporating these plants into your foraging practices can enhance your culinary adventures.
To safely forage these alternatives, familiarize yourself with their growing conditions and seasonal availability. This knowledge will help you confidently identify and enjoy these edible treasures in nature.
As you learn more about foraging, keep in mind that being able to identify plants is important for a fun and safe experience. Next, we’ll delve into essential tips for effective plant identification.
Symptoms of Toxicity
If ingested, common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The severity of these symptoms can vary significantly based on how much of the plant is consumed.
Why Can’t Dogs Eat Chocolate?
FAQ
Is basket plant toxic to dogs?
Does a basket of gold spread?
Is the tree of heaven poisonous to dogs?
Are Foxglove plants poisonous to dogs?
Foxglove: All parts of these tall beautiful flowers, from the seeds to the petals, are extremely toxic to dogs. Ingestion can cause cardiac failure and even death. Geranium: All varieties of this common container plant are poisonous to dogs. The symptoms include lethargy, low blood pressure, skin rashes, and loss of appetite.
Is Geranium poisonous to dogs?
Ingestion can cause cardiac failure and even death. Geranium: All varieties of this common container plant are poisonous to dogs. The symptoms include lethargy, low blood pressure, skin rashes, and loss of appetite. Iris: Ingesting any part of the plant can cause skin irritation, drooling, diarrhea, vomiting, and lethargy.
Are peony plants toxic to dogs?
Peony: These gorgeous flowering plants contain the toxin paeonol in their bark. They may cause vomiting and diarrhea, if ingested in large amounts. Sago Palm: Often used as an ornamental shrub in temperate zones, it’s considered one of the most toxic plants for dogs. Every part of the plant is toxic, especially the seeds.
Can dogs distinguish between safe and unsafe plants?
While it’s sometimes true of animals in the wild, dogs have no ability to distinguish between safe and unsafe plants. According to American Kennel Club Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Jerry Klein, the best cure is prevention. He recommends that you survey your yard regularly and identify any plants that may be dangerous.
What are toxic foods for dogs?
To help you navigate this important aspect of your pet ‘s health, we have compiled a chart printable list of toxic foods for dogs. The chart printable list includes common foods that can be harmful to dogs, such as chocolate, grapes, onions, and garlic.
Is chocolate poisonous to dogs?
Chocolate is poisonous to dogs because it contains theobromine and caffeine. Both of these components cause potentially deadly heart and central nervous system problems in dogs. The darker the chocolate, the more theobromine it contains. Therefore, it takes less semisweet dark chocolate to cause toxicity than milk chocolate.