Good news for dog owners: Lithodora is not poisonous or toxic to dogs! We should always be careful about what plants our furry friends get to touch, but you can grow this pretty flowering plant in your garden without worrying about putting your dogs’ health at risk.
Quick Answer
Leading animal welfare and poison control groups, such as the ASPCA, say that lithodora is safe for dogs. Dogs shouldn’t eat a lot of any plant material, but Lithodora doesn’t have any poisonous chemicals that would make your dog sick.
What Happens if My Dog Eats Lithodora?
If your dog nibbles on some Lithodora. here’s what you should know
- Small amounts usually cause no issues
- Large quantities may lead to mild stomach upset
- Watch for symptoms like:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Signs of discomfort
- Most symptoms resolve within 24 hours
- Contact your vet if symptoms persist
Preventing Dogs from Eating Lithodora
It’s not dangerous for dogs to eat Lithodora, but you should still take steps to keep them from doing so. Here are some effective prevention tips:
Physical Barriers
- Install small fencing around plant beds
- Use chicken wire barriers
- Plant in raised garden beds
- Consider container gardening
- Add motion-activated sprinklers
Training Tips
- Teach the “Leave It” command
- Practice the “Drop It” command
- Provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation
- Offer appropriate chew toys
- Reward good behavior around plants
Safe Alternatives for Dog-Friendly Gardens
If you want to be extra careful, here are some plants that have been proven to be safe for dogs to grow.
- Petunias
- Marigolds
- Snapdragons
- Spider plants
- Zinnias
- Impatiens
- Nasturtiums
Growing Lithodora Successfully
For those wanting to add this lovely plant to their landscape, here are some key care tips:
Growing Requirements
- Prefers full sun to partial shade
- Well-draining, slightly acidic soil
- Regular water but avoid overwatering
- Hardy in USDA zones 6-9
- Grows 6-12 inches tall
- Spreads 18-24 inches wide
Features
- Vibrant blue flowers
- Evergreen foliage
- Low-growing habit
- Perfect for rock gardens
- Great as ground cover
- Blooms spring through summer
Common Questions About Lithodora and Dogs
Q Will Lithodora come back every year?A Yes! It’s a perennial plant that returns annually with proper care
Q: Can Lithodora be planted with other plants?
A: It’s best to give Lithodora its own space as it can spread and compete with neighboring plants.
Q: Is Lithodora deer resistant?
A: Yes, deer typically avoid Lithodora due to its textured foliage.
Final Thoughts
We at our garden center love recommending Lithodora to dog owners looking for safe and beautiful plants. While you should always supervise pets around any plants, you can rest easy knowing Lithodora won’t cause serious harm if your curious pup decides to taste test it.
Remember to:
- Monitor new plants around pets
- Provide alternative activities
- Create physical barriers when needed
- Contact your vet with concerns
With proper planning and care, both your Lithodora and your four-legged friend can thrive together in your garden space! Have you grown Lithodora with dogs around? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below.
Lithodora ‘Star’ and wildlife
Lithodora ‘Star’ has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.