Like most pet owners, I am head over heels in love with my dogs. As a dog owner, it is very important to have safe spaces for my dogs to explore. It’s great to have a pet-friendly garden where I can let them run around in the morning, and I can drink my coffee without worrying about anything. Whether they are exploring or rolling around in the grass, I want to make sure my dogs have a safe place to play. It’s very hard to watch your pet get sick, and the vet bills can add up quickly. It’s very important for me to know what plants I put in my garden because our pets can’t understand or learn about garden safety like we can.
As very curious animals, dogs want to know about their surroundings. They learn from the scents they encounter which might get them into trouble when it comes to plants. Getting too close or chewing on the wrong type of plant can be harmful to your dog. You can’t control what people plant in your neighborhood, but you can make sure your dog’s space outside is safe for him to run around. I always make sure that the plants in my garden are safe for my dogs, and luckily there are a lot of perennials that are safe. My garden has some of my favorite plants, such as coral bells (heuchera), phlox, and kniphofia (red hot pokers). These varieties have added a lot of gorgeous colour to my garden. Also, bigger plants like rose of Sharon (hibiscus) and tall grasses like pampas grass (cortaderia selloana) will be good for your dogs. These will give your dogs the much-needed shade in those hot summer months.
Even though I don’t think my dogs will eat anything bad, I still want to add plants that are safe for pets to my garden. The worry will go away when you add safe plants, and you’ll be inspired to find new ones for your garden! Strong perennials like astilbe and nepeta are great because they can handle dogs walking through your garden beds better. It’s hard to keep my young dogs out of my garden beds sometimes, even when it’s fully planted!
Roses are another safe plant for your garden space. Their pretty and fragrant flowers add color and beauty to my garden, and the bushes will keep my dogs away because they are so uncomfortable.
Dogs can also eat small fruit like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries as long as they don’t eat too many of them and are only fertilized with organic materials. So thankfully I can still safely plant my favourite summer fruit.
There are many plants that are safe for pets, so it’s easy to have a lovely garden that your happy, curious dogs can enjoy. I like to put chicken wire around new plants that are good for dogs in my garden to keep them safe in case my dogs get into the beds. This way, my new plants will be able to grow, and I won’t have to keep an eye on them to see if my dogs are walking on them.
Garden phlox (Phlox paniculata) is a popular flowering perennial prized for its sweetly fragrant blooms and versatility in the landscape Its long flowering season from early summer into fall makes it a staple in many gardens
For pet owners, an important question arises – is garden phlox poisonous to dogs? The good news is phlox is non-toxic for dogs, cats, and horses according to the ASPCA. Both the flowers and foliage of garden phlox are completely safe if eaten by pets
However there are some important safety considerations to ensure your furry companions stay healthy when phlox is in your garden. In this article we’ll cover whether phlox is toxic, risks to dogs, and tips for safely growing phlox if you have pets.
Is Phlox Toxic to Dogs?
The most common garden phlox variety, Phlox paniculata, is entirely non-toxic for dogs. Other popular phlox species like Phlox subulata (creeping phlox) and Phlox divaricata (wild blue phlox) are also harmless.
According to the ASPCA, no parts of garden phlox – including the flowers, leaves, stems or roots – contain toxic principles that are dangerous if consumed by dogs or cats.
However, some other members of the Phlox plant genus do contain a glycoside called podophyllotoxin which can cause toxicity if significant quantities are ingested. But common garden phlox varieties are completely free of this toxin and safe around pets when grown in the home landscape.
So while phlox itself brings no risk of poisoning, there are still some safety considerations every pet owner should keep in mind.
Potential Risks of Phlox to Dogs
While phlox is non-toxic, there are some potential risks to be aware of if dogs have access to the plants:
-
Gastrointestinal upset – Eating large quantities of any plant material may cause an upset stomach or irritation in some dogs. Monitor for vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite if your dog grazes heavily on phlox.
-
Allergies – Some dogs may have plant or pollen allergies that cause skin irritation, itchy paws, sneezing or other symptoms around flowering phlox. Be observant of any allergic reactions.
-
Pesticides – Never apply toxic pesticides or fertilizers to any plants dogs can access. Stick to pet-safe, organic options only.
-
Fungal diseases – Phlox is prone to powdery mildew which can cause respiratory issues if inhaled by dogs. Promptly remove any diseased foliage.
-
Physical damage – Dogs trampling through phlox beds may cause broken stems and crushed foliage. Fence off plantings or use deterrents to protect the plants.
So while phlox itself is safe, responsible pet owners should still take precautions to avoid these secondary risks.
7 Tips for Safely Growing Phlox with Pets
Here are some top tips to ensure garden phlox and pets can safely co-exist:
1. Monitor Access
Don’t allow unsupervised access to phlox plantings. Watch dogs when first introduced to phlox to ensure they don’t eat large amounts or trample the plants.
2. Use Fencing
Place short fencing or bricks around phlox beds to keep pets from digging or trampling the plants. Just be sure pets can’t jump the fence to access the plants.
3. Use Repellents
Spray plants with mild pet repellents made with natural ingredients to deter grazing. Reapply after rain or watering.
4. Remove Spent Flowers
Deadhead spent blooms before they fall to the ground where dogs may eat them. Clean up any fallen petals as well.
5. Control Disease
Promptly remove any powdery mildew-affected foliage to prevent spores from contact with pets. Improve airflow circulation to prevent disease.
6. Avoid Toxic Pesticides
Never use pesticides or fertilizers labeled as toxic to pets. Opt for organic, pet-safe products only.
7. Provide Alternatives
Give dogs their own grassy area or dog-safe plants to munch so they’re less inclined to nibble phlox.
With some simple precautions, phlox can safely be grown in yards with dogs. Be vigilant, use preventative measures, and remove phlox immediately if signs of toxicity develop. While not poisonous, dogs may still eat enough plant material to cause an upset stomach.
Overall, garden phlox’s lack of toxicity makes it a great choice for pet-friendly gardens. Combined with good growing habits and common sense supervision, both your beloved pooches and beautiful phlox plantings can flourish side-by-side.
Other Dog-Safe Flowering Perennials
If you’re seeking other pet-friendly flowering perennials, here are some top non-toxic options:
- Astilbe
- Bee Balm
- Black-Eyed Susans
- Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)
- Coneflower (Echinacea)
- Coral Bells (Heuchera)
- Daylily (Hemerocallis)
- Dianthus
- Geranium
- Iris
- Lavender
- Penstemon
- Peony
- Salvia
- Yarrow
Focus on planting these and other non-toxic flowers recommended by the ASPCA Plant List. Avoid known poisonous plants like foxglove, azaleas, rhododendrons, poppies, lilies, and daffodils which can be very dangerous.
And always supervise pets around any new plant introductions until you’re certain they won’t nibble. By selecting dog-safe perennials and taking some common sense precautions, you can welcome both pets and beautiful blooms into your garden.
The Takeaway
Garden phlox varieties like P. paniculata, P. subulata and P. divaricata are completely non-toxic and safe for dogs. They contain none of the toxic glycosides that make some phlox species dangerous. Still, it’s smart to take steps to protect phlox plantings from curious canines who may trample or ingest the foliage. Monitor access, use preventative measures, and promptly remove diseased plants. With safe growing practices, phlox can be enjoyed in dog-friendly gardens without posing any toxicity risk. Stick to other proven pet-safe plants and your landscape can stay vibrant and healthy for all to enjoy.
Keeping Your Dogs Out of the Garden
There are some great methods to try to keep your dogs out of your garden. Dogs prefer to follow paths while outside. It’s better to have solid paving stones or cement paths in your backyard than small cedar chips or pea gravel, because digging is easier on soft ground. When you plant bigger plants in your garden, it will be harder to get to your garden beds and give your dogs less room to run around your plants. If you don’t want your dogs to go to certain parts of your yard, make sure they can’t get there through a strong fence. Also, give your dog a separate area that they are only allowed to go to. Providing a special area for your dog will allow them space to expel a lot of energy. I love seeing my dogs run around and burn off some energy. It makes them less likely to get into trouble later, inside or outside.
Plants to Avoid in Your Dog Friendly Garden
There are a few common perennials that are poisonous plants for dogs. Some plants I always watch out for are hosta, dicentra (bleeding heart), clematis, iris, wisteria, and allium. These are all harmful to dogs. A very common harmful perennial to note is acontium (monkshood) also known as wolfsbane. This is only a short list of harmful plants and a more extensive list is available at ASPCA. However, there are still many safe and wonderful dog friendly varieties available. Before you dig up your favourite plants, check to see if your pet has any interest in any these plants. For example, if you have a hosta in the back of your garden where your dog doesn’t ever visit, or an iris in a container where your dog will not be able to access, it might be okay to keep them in your garden. If your pet doesn’t walk through your garden, certain varieties may be alright in your outdoor space. However, when planning out your garden it’s always a good idea to make sure to check the varieties to see if they are safe for your four-legged friend.
Hosta
Dicentra
Clematis
Iris
Acontium
Allium
10 TOXIC PLANTS for DOGS and Their Effects ❌
FAQ
Do animals eat garden phlox?
What ground cover is not toxic to dogs?
Is the Phlox flower poisonous?
Which common flower is highly toxic to dogs?
Is phlox poisonous to dogs?
Phlox is poisonous to dogs and can cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Phlox is a popular flowering plant that can add vibrant colors and beauty to gardens. However, it is important for dog owners to be aware that these flowers can pose a potential risk to their canine companions.
Can dogs eat Phlox?
Some types of phlox, such as Woodland phlox and Drummond’s phlox, are considered non-toxic to dogs. These varieties are generally safe if ingested by dogs. However, certain variations of phlox, including Annual phlox (Phlox drummondii) and Garden phlox (Phlox paniculata), contain compounds that can be harmful if consumed by 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 phlox poisonous to children?
Phlox is a non-toxic plant and a safe garden plant for people with children and pets. It is not toxic to farm animals or wildlife either. If your child or pet ingests phlox, they are not likely to have any ill effects. Are Phlox Poisonous to Children? Phlox is not poisonous to children or toddlers.