Vegetable Plants Poisonous to Dogs

When planting and maintaining a vegetable garden, there are several plants that you should avoid if dogs will have access to the plot. These vegetable plants are poisonous to dogs if parts of them are consumed. According to the ASPCA, if you suspect your dog has consumed one of these plants, you should immediately contact the organization's poison control center or your veterinarian. See the Resources section of this article for a link to more information on the ASPCA's animal poison control center hotline.

Rhubarb

Rhubarb is one of the most dangerous plants for dogs to ingest. The leaves of this vegetable contain soluble calcium oxalates. When the leaves are consumed by dogs, this poison can cause excessive drooling, tremors and kidney failure. These symptoms can lead to death if the dog isn't treated fairly quickly.

Garlic

Garlic heads contain N-propyl disulfide. This toxic chemical can cause many side effects in dogs, including blood in the urine, rapid heartbeat, excessive panting and lethargy. Eventually, consumption of a large amount of garlic will cause dogs' red blood cell count to deteriorate and plummet.

Avocado

The leaves, fruit, seeds and bark of avocado trees are all dangerous for dogs if consumed. They contain persin, a poison that causes diarrhea and vomiting. If the dog is ill for too long, these symptoms can lead to dehydration.

Onions, Chives and Shallots

Onions, chives and shallots (as well as close relatives to this group of vegetables, such as leeks) also contain a significant amount of N-propyl disulfide. Though they're not as dangerous as garlic in this regard, eating too many of these vegetable plants can cause severe illness in dogs. Because of this, it's best to avoid planting onions, chives and shallots in an unfenced garden plot.