Never Plant This Stunning Flower In Your Yard If You Have A Dog

With their varying shades of stunning colors and beautiful blossoms, morning glories are a gorgeous garden addition. Although these flowers offer up an innocent appearance, to your canine friends, these pretty blooms are anything but. If you're both a pet parent and a gardener, morning glories are one flower you will want to stay far away from.

According to Pet Poison Helpline, multiple species of morning glories are toxic to dogs, especially the seeds, which contain lysergic alkaloids, a compound that is poisonous when ingested in large amounts. The seeds are the most dangerous part of the morning glory for a pup to consume, however eating the leaves can also cause mild gastrointestinal issues. While not all morning glory species pose a risk, dogs are often tempted to eat leaves and plants. It's best to keep potentially poisonous flowers, such as morning glories, out of your garden, especially if your dog likes to have floral moments or taste test things they shouldn't.

The severity of symptoms your dog might experience from ingesting morning glories depends on a number of factors, including how many seeds they ate or which part of the flower they consumed. The size of your pup can also play a role, as smaller breeds are more susceptible to toxins. Vomiting is one common symptom of morning glory poisoning in dogs, and if they ingest large amounts of seed, more severe outcomes, such as hallucinations, can also arise. In extreme cases, dogs may also experience other neurological symptoms, such as seizures. Additional signs to look out for include diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of appetite. 

If your dog consumes morning glories, check their mouth for any remaining pieces of plant and get veterinary help right away. Once your pup receives medical attention, they will likely be treated with fluids and monitored for any potential adverse effects of the poisoning.

Just because you're a dog owner doesn't mean you need to give up on your gardening dreams. Although morning glories are beautiful, they aren't the only option when it comes to cultivating a gorgeous yard. There are many flowers that won't harm your dog that make for great alternatives, not to mention they won't leave you with a large vet bill if your pup happens to have a little floral snack.

If you want to brighten up your garden, try going for puppy-approved floral options like sunflowers or camellias. Per the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), both of these flowers are non-toxic to dogs, so you can use them to spruce up your garden worry-free (among a long list of other good choices). Alternatively, as detailed by VCA Animal Hospitals, one species of marigold is also non-toxic to canines, but be sure to pick up the right one (pot marigolds) to avoid potential issues. With a little research (and a chat with your veterinarian), you can easily find out if your favorite bloom will work in your pet-friendly garden.