Impatiens are beautiful flowers many people enjoy keeping in their garden and porch planters. For many pet owners, selecting plants that are safe for their beloved furry friends to be around is a top priority. After all, some plants can be deadly to your dog just by exposure to pollen or being pricked by a thorn.
Are impatiens safe for your dog to be around, or should you be ripping them up from your garden? Here’s what you need to know about impatiens and dogs.
Are Impatiens Poisonous to Dogs?
Impatiens are a non-toxic plant for dogs. This means that they don’t contain any naturally-occurring toxic substances. However, that doesn’t mean that they’re good for your dog to eat. If your dog consumes an impatiens flower or any part of the plant, there’s a chance that they will experience stomach upset. The primary symptoms associated with impatiens consumption are nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Severe nausea could be accompanied by drooling and panting as well, although your dog is unlikely to experience this level of nausea unless they demolished half a garden of impatiens.
What Do I Do If My Dog Eats Impatiens?
The good news is that if your dog consumes any part of your impatiens flowers or plants, there’s likely nothing you’ll need to do. You can always contact your vet or a pet poison hotline if you’re unsure, though. Make sure you are well-acquainted with the plants in your garden. You’ll need to know if your dog consumed your impatiens or the Easter lily next to them. Some plants are exceptionally deadly to pets, so knowing what your dog may have been exposed to is essential to ensuring their well-being.
If your dog consumed any part of your impatiens and they’re exhibiting stomach upset symptoms, then the best option will likely be to monitor them for changes in their condition. Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea can lead to dehydration and even kidney injury, so it’s important to stay on top of this. If your dog is struggling to keep water down, then they likely need to be seen by their vet as soon as possible. They may even require IV fluids to correct dehydration, although this is extremely unlikely with impatiens consumption since these plants are non-toxic to dogs.
In Conclusion
Impatiens are a beautiful plant that consistently shows up on the list of plants that are safe to have around pets since they are non-toxic to not only dogs but also cats, horses, and humans. That doesn’t mean that you should allow your dog to consume these plants, though. They can cause mild stomach upset if consumed, so it’s best to keep your dog from eating them. Work on redirecting your dog’s attention to more appropriate toys and food items instead of allowing them to consume things found in your garden. This will help you keep your dog as safe as possible.
Featured Image Credit: Pixabay
