Are milkweed plants really toxic?

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Tuckersmom (Patti) Wichita, KS(Zone 6b) Jul 30, 2015

I recently read that they are. As I have a Labrador ( not a chewer ) but will probably be getting a puppy next year, I am wondering if MW is safe to plant. The neighbors cats are also in my yard quite a bit. I know several people with animals who plant MW. They haven't had a problem. Should I be concerned? Thank you.

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DaisyPlantLady Reno, NV(Zone 6b) Jul 30, 2015

Milkweed is considered moderately toxic to dogs and cats. But most dogs would never touch milkweed - it is just that bad smelling and tasting to them. That said, puppies are babies - they will chew on anything.

If you start looking at every plant in your yard, you will be amazed at how many are toxic in some degree. The plant always heard about is Poinsettia but it is not that toxic. On the other hand, your Easter Lily will kill your pet in a matter of hours.

Start Googling "Is (name of plant) poisonous to dogs".

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Tuckersmom (Patti) Wichita, KS(Zone 6b) Jul 30, 2015

Thank you for your answer. I will research some more but think that maybe, instead of getting a puppy, I'll get an older rescue dog. I don't really know that I have the energy for gardening and a puppy anyway. LOL

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1lisac Liberty Hill, TX(Zone 8a) Jul 30, 2015

You could google what plants are toxic to dogs? I'm a long time pet owner and I just found out that that grapes and raisens are toxic to dogs. When I was a kid I had a dog that loved grapes and she died of old age. But if I'd known I never would have let her have them.

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Tuckersmom (Patti) Wichita, KS(Zone 6b) Jul 30, 2015

Other than chocolate, I'm pretty relaxed about one of anything – one grape, one raisin, one pickle, but I have always had labradors or larger. I guess the Chow was smaller. Anyway, I wouldn't be so relaxed if I were mom to a Yorky or Lhaso. Until recently, I actually gave my dog garlic in the form of garlic bread – And he would only get a bite. It didn't bother him in the least. He is now 9 1/2 and still going strong. However, I no longer give him garlic bread or garlic. He's not happy.

Thank you for your input. Having had animals all of my life, I'm always stunned by the things we are now told not to do that we have always done. However, if they say it's dangerous, I will listen and modify. I just don't always agree totally. Other than one dog who was very sick when I got her, all of my dogs have been healthy and lived to a ripe old age. At age 65 this is my first venture into gardening and it's a whole new world. I know there are lots of dangers out there. I will do everything in my power to keep the animals safe. Thanks again!

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