Certain plants used as hedges can be dangerous to canine companions.
According to the Department of Horticulture at Purdue University, ornamental plants, trees, bushes and shrubs can all be used as a hedge plant. The term hedge is used to describe densely grouped plants that are used to mark off boundaries such as a driveway; or around the edge of the property in order to keep children or animals in or out of their yard.
American Yew (Taxus canidensus)
American yews are common in the northern regions of the United States. This shrub produces needle-like branches accompanied by seasonal cones that are similar in appearance to a small red berry. When eaten, the berries can cause difficulty breathing, vomiting, tremors and seizures in dogs. In some cases, it can result in sudden death due to acute heart failure.
Angelica Tree (Aralia spinosa)
The Angelica tree is classified as a large shrub, but can reach small tree status under the right conditions. However, if regularly trimmed, it can make an ideal shrub for hedging. This plant produces 2- to 4-inch leaflets that create singular large leaves that can be up to 5 feet in length. Dogs who consume this plant may suffer from diarrhea, vomiting, excessive drooling and irritation to the skin and mouth.
Azalea (Rhododendron spp)
Azaleas, also referred to as rhododendrons, can be used as hedges thanks to their bushy, shrub-like appearance. They are found throughout the United States and during their spring blooming season, they can produce clusters of flowers in several different colors including white, pinks, reds and purples. Toxic to dogs, azaleas can cause vomiting, weakness, coma, cardiovascular collapse and in some cases, death within two days.
Cardboard Palm (Zamia furfuracea)
Cardboard palms can result in vomiting, increased thirst, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, liver failure and death in dogs who consume part of the plant. This plant can reach up to 4 feet in height and is found more in southern, hotter regions of the United States; specifically in Southern Florida.
Hosta (Hosta plataginea)
Hosta plants are popular for many reasons. They are extremely hardy plants and they're also easy to grow. Hostas produce beautiful, large leafy foliage that is tropical in appearance. However, according to the ASPCA, these plants can result in mild to severe depression, diarrhea and vomiting in a dog who eats a portion of the plant.
Lily-of-the-Valley Bush (Pieris japonica)
Also known as the Andromeda japonica, this shrub can produce vomiting, diarrhea, cardiovascular collapse, low blood pressure, weakness, coma and death. Even consuming a small amount of the plant, as little as as a few leaves, can result in severe health issues for a canine. This plant produces blooms from February into April and is related to rhododendrons.
Madagascar Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata)
Though it's name is misleading, the Madagascar dragon tree is actually an evergreen shrub, not a tree, according to the University of Florida. However, if not regularly trimmed, it can reach heights of 15 feet. The leaves are thin but a well cared for plant can be quite bushy in appearance. In dogs, this plant can cause vomiting, anorexia and depression.
Taro (Caladium hortulanum)
This plant produces colorful leaves that range in color from white to pink and red and can also produce bicolor leaves. They can grow up to 2 feet in height when given proper care. According to the ASPCA, this plant, can cause irritation of the oral cavity such as burning, difficulty swallowing, vomiting and excessive drooling.
Western Yew (Taxus brevifolia)
The Western yew, also known as the Pacific yew, is an extremely slow growing tree that can be used as a hedge plant for this reason. Though it can reach 50 feet in height, when regularly trimmed, it makes a good, bushy hedge. Canine consumption of this plant can result in vomiting, seizures and sudden death due to acute heart failure.
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