Hardy and easy to care for, hostas add color to the summer garden and make excellent border plants. Just avoid putting them in an area of your yard that is accessible to Fido. If your dog eats a hosta leaf or flower, he could end up quite sick -- although it's unlikely to cause permanent damage or death. Hostas are also toxic to felines and equines. If your pet eats hostas, call the vet immediately.
Hosta Plataginea
Hostas are members of the lily family. Depending on the region, they're also known as funkia or the plaintain lily. Hostas leaves and flowers contain saponins, which cause toxicity when consumed in large doses. A little dog might get sick consuming just a small part of a leaf or flower, while the same amount might not affect a larger dog. Symptoms of canine poisoning from consumption of hosta leaves or flowers include depression, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea.
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Photo Credits
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Chris Upton / Design Pics/Valueline/Getty Images
Writer Bio
Jane Meggitt has been a writer for more than 20 years. In addition to reporting for a major newspaper chain, she has been published in "Horse News," "Suburban Classic," "Hoof Beats," "Equine Journal" and other publications. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English from New York University and an Associate of Arts from the American Academy of Dramatics Arts, New York City.
