Knowing which plants and yard products to watch for helps keep your dogs and cats safe and happy all season long.
May is one of the best months in North Canton and throughout Stark County. Gardens are blooming, the Stark Parks trails are buzzing with dog walkers, and pets are soaking up the fresh air from Jackson Township to Canal Fulton. Spring is wonderful for pets and people alike, and with just a little awareness about what is growing in your yard, you can make sure it stays that way all season.
Common Spring Plants to Be Aware Of
Many of the flowers that make Northeast Ohio gardens so beautiful in May are ones that veterinarians recommend keeping pets away from. The good news is that serious illness usually requires a meaningful amount of plant material, and most pets who have a brief encounter with these plants do just fine. Still, it is helpful to know which ones are worth watching.
Tulips — The bulb is the part to watch most closely. If your dog is a digger, keep an eye on newly planted beds. Symptoms of ingestion are typically mild and include drooling or an upset stomach.
Daffodils — All parts of the plant contain toxins, but large quantities are generally needed for serious effects. Most dogs and cats will avoid them naturally due to the taste.
Lily of the Valley — This fragrant ground cover is more potent than many other spring plants. It is worth removing from areas where pets roam freely, particularly for cats.
Azaleas — A popular ornamental shrub across the Canton area. Ingestion can cause digestive upset. If you have azaleas and a curious pet, a simple garden border or fence is an easy solution.
A Few Words About Yard Products
Spring lawn care is another area where a little caution goes a long way. Cocoa mulch has become popular in many local gardens because it looks great and smells wonderful, but that chocolatey scent is exactly what attracts dogs. It contains theobromine, the same compound found in chocolate, so traditional bark or cedar mulch is a safer choice in areas where pets spend time.
Fertilizers and weed killers are generally safe once they have fully dried or been watered in, but keeping pets off freshly treated grass is a smart habit. Always check the label and store any products securely when not in use.
Simple Steps for a Pet-Friendly Yard
Choose cedar or bark mulch in pet play areas instead of cocoa mulch
Keep pets in untreated sections of the yard until fertilizers and herbicides have dried fully
Rinse your dog’s paws after walks through areas that may have been recently treated
Store all lawn chemicals in a locked cabinet or shed out of your pet’s reach
Consider pet-friendly plant swaps in garden beds where your dog loves to explore
What to Watch For After Time Outdoors
Most dogs and cats who spend time around spring plants will be perfectly fine. If your pet does chew on something they should not have, the most common signs to watch for include vomiting, drooling, lethargy, or a loss of interest in food. In most cases these resolve quickly, but if symptoms seem persistent or your pet is clearly uncomfortable, it is always worth a call to your veterinarian. Early attention makes recovery easier and gives you peace of mind.
Vomiting
Excessive drooling
Lethargy
Loss of appetite
Unusual behavior
Spring is a Great Time for a Wellness Visit
Whether you have questions about pet-safe landscaping, want to get vaccinations updated before summer activities begin, or just want to make sure your pet is in great shape for the season ahead, Dr. Heidi Watters and our team are always here for you.
330-850-1933
5222 Fulton Dr NW, Canton, OH 44718
Mon–Fri 8AM–6PM | Sat 9AM–12PM