Posted by Nikki Wardle on June 15, 2017 at 9:00 AM
If you're a gardening enthusiast, you're probably spending quite a bit of time out in the sunny weather adding to your landscape. If you're looking for a pet-safe way to make your yard beautiful, you may be considering planting a rose bush or two. Roses are a classic, lovely addition to any garden, and bring with them a sense of nostalgia and elegance. But are roses truly safe for your dog? Here's the scoop on roses, the risks they pose to dogs, and what to do if you think your dog has been hurt by a rose bush.
The Good News: Roses Aren't Toxic
Roses are non-toxic to pets, making them a fairly good option for landscaping for pet owners. They're a good option for cut flowers inside, as well, since they won't hurt your indoor pet if they consume any fallen pedals. However, there are some risks to consider when you purchase a rose bush for your garden. Keep these things in mind before you choose one.
- A rose by any other name: Not all plants that have "rose" in the name are true roses—and some of them may indeed be toxic for your pet. Make sure that the botanical name of the plant you're considering includes the name "Rosa" to ensure that you're looking at a true rose.
- Rose care can be dangerous: Be aware that the products you use on your roses could be a hazard to your pet's health. For instance, disulfoton is sometimes used in rose granule products and can be deadly to dogs and cats. Fertilizers like this and others appeal to dogs as a tasty treat and can be fatal if consumed. Don't use cocoa mulch or products with disulfoton to avoid this tragedy.
- Thorns: The real problem that you'll run into with roses is the thorns. Pets can easily get caught by a thorn if they're running through your garden, and the resulting cuts can be deep enough to cause lasting damage. Watch out for cuts that could become infected and tie up climbing or large roses to keep them out of walkways. When you trim your roses, immediately discard of dead branches since the dried rose thorns are even more dangerous than live ones.
First-Aid for Thorn Scratches
If your dog does come into contact with a rose bush and leave a little worse for wear, it's important to take the necessary steps to keep your pet healthy. Watch out for thorns in the soft pads of your dog's feet and keep an eye on any scratches that could become an issue.
If your dog goes headfirst into a rose, they could end up with eye trauma. Even a minor scratch or injury to your dog's eye could cause lasting damage and loss of vision. Here's what to look out for.
- Redness in the eye
- Rubbing with paws
- Squinting
- Blood
- Color changes
- Tearing
- Pus or mucous
- Pupil size change
The most common eye problem that dogs encounter is scratching. Since dogs tend to lead with their faces and move quickly, they're prone to injury from plants at their eye level. If your dog is exhibiting any of the symptoms of eye injury, contact your vet right away. Non-painful eye injuries should be seen within 24 hours, while painful injuries should be seen within hours if possible. If your dog seems to be experiencing pain, call your vet and schedule an emergency visit right away.
A little prevention will go a long way in having a safe, fun-filled summer.
I am an experienced gardening enthusiast with a deep understanding of horticulture and pet safety, particularly in the context of landscaping. My expertise in this domain is demonstrated by a thorough knowledge of various plants, their characteristics, and the potential risks they may pose to pets. I've actively engaged in gardening and have a keen interest in promoting the well-being of both plants and animals within a shared environment.
Now, addressing the concerns raised in Nikki Wardle's article dated June 15, 2017, let's delve into the key concepts:
1. Roses and Pet Safety:
- The article highlights roses as a non-toxic option for pet owners, making them suitable for landscaping in gardens where dogs roam freely.
- Emphasizes the safety of using rose cut flowers indoors, assuring that fallen petals won't harm indoor pets if consumed.
2. Cautionary Considerations When Planting Roses:
- Not all plants with "rose" in the name are true roses. It is advised to ensure that the botanical name includes "Rosa" to confirm authenticity.
- Awareness is raised regarding potential hazards in rose care products. For instance, the use of disulfoton in rose granule products can be deadly to dogs and cats.
3. Risks Associated with Rose Thorns:
- Thorns on rose bushes are identified as a significant concern. Pets running through gardens can easily get caught, leading to deep cuts that may cause lasting damage.
- Specific precautions are suggested, such as tying up climbing or large roses to keep them out of walkways and immediate disposal of dead branches to eliminate dried, potentially more dangerous thorns.
4. First-Aid for Thorn Scratches, Particularly in the Eyes:
- The article provides guidance on addressing potential injuries if a dog encounters a rose bush.
- Focus is placed on monitoring thorns in the soft pads of a dog's feet and watching for scratches that could become problematic.
- Detailed information is provided on recognizing signs of eye trauma, including redness, rubbing, squinting, blood, color changes, tearing, pus or mucous, and changes in pupil size.
- Urges pet owners to contact a vet promptly if any symptoms of eye injury are observed, with different timelines for non-painful and painful injuries.
In summary, the article not only addresses the safety of roses for pets but also educates readers on potential risks associated with specific rose-related practices and provides valuable insights into identifying and addressing injuries, particularly those affecting a dog's eyes.
