Spring has sprung, and everywhere you look, people around town are cleaning up their gardens and getting ready for the growing season. Here’s some information to help you protect your pets from everyday garden hazards.

Toxic Plants and Bulbs

Many plants found in Long Island gardens can be harmful to dogs and cats. Toxic varieties include:

• Lilies (Lilium)

• Tulips

• Narcissus

• Azaleas

• Rhododendrons

• Yew

• Autumn Crocus

• Chrysanthemum

• English Ivy

Mulching safely

If you have dogs, please avoid cocoa mulch! It’s made from crushed cacao shells, and contains caffeine and theobromine, (which are also found in chocolate, cola, and tea). These substances are highly toxic to dogs, who tend to be attracted by the sweet smell. Watch out for mulch made of recycled plastic as well- it can pose a choking hazard for unsupervised dogs.

Pesticides and Fertilizers

Take the same precautions to protect your pets and family: Always read labels and follow directions carefully.

Do not allow pets in sprayed areas until the pesticide has dried completely. (Granular products may have specific instructions for keeping pets off the treated area – check the label!) Pets are often exposed by eating a product or absorbing it through their skin, so be sure that they don’t eat or lick the pesticide off their paws.

Fertilizers can also be toxic-when applying to your lawn or garden, be sure to check the label to determine if the chemicals are a threat to your pet's health. If in doubt, assume that the fertilizer is dangerous.

If you think that your pet may have ingested a poisonous substance, contact your local veterinarian or call the ASPCA 24-hour emergency poison hotline at 1-888-426-4435 (there is a fee for this service). For more information on plants and pets, check out the ASPCA website www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants.