Dogs and cats have few things in common. They are the most common pets kept by most people. And they are also curious animals that love trying things out. If you have a dog or a cat or both, you must pay attention to what they eat.
If you have a garden and a pet, you should cultivate safe plants for your pets. This will prevent you from being thrown into a panic when your pets roam and eat something toxic from the garden, which will make you pay an unscheduled visit to your Vet.
One of the most popular plants found in gardens is the blue star creeper. But is blue star creeper poisonous to dogs and cats? Yes. The blue star creeper is poisonous to your pets, and they should avoid it at all costs. This is because any part of the plant your pet ingests is also toxic; hence care must be taken when handling this plant.
What Is Blue Star Creeper?
Blue star creeper is an invasive plant that is low growing. It is an evergreen plant and is used as a groundcover. The plant does not need much attention to flourish. It will reseed itself and grow abundantly and naturally once it is getting the sun's full glare.
The plant produces small blue or white flowers. They are unscented, but they still attract wasps, butterflies, and bees. The blue star will flourish from mid-April until the end of December.
The plant is tough and cannot be easily controlled. It can withstand a lot of foot traffic and even mowing.
The blue star is a plant that needs enough sunlight but not too much water. When you give it excess water, it will attract slugs and snails that will feast on their roots.
Adding fertilizer to the blue star creeper is also disadvantageous and may cause your garden to be overrun with the plant.
The main reason why most people plant the blue star creeper is for beautification. The blue star creeper is relatively easy to plant and lasts long. They are planted in the pathways or lawns.
Only a few other plants offer what the blue star offers in terms of beauty, easy and low maintenance, and durability. Even with a lot of foot traffic, the plant will not die.
They can also be used to attract agents of pollination like bees and butterflies. These agents will pollinate not just the blue star creeper but other plants in the garden too.
Is Blue Star Creeper Poisonous to Dogs and Cats?
Is blue star creeper poisonous to dogs? Yes. You have to avoid planting them in your garden or wherever the dog can get to. You can also discourage your dogs from eating any of the blue star parts.
The blue star creeper is not just toxic to dogs; they are also toxic to humans and should not be ingested. People who have sensitive skin should not touch the plant with bare hands as it will cause an allergic reaction once it touches the skin.
Is the blue start creeper poisonous to cats? Yes. They cause a lot of reactions when cats eat them. They will not kill your cat straight up, but they will cause her a great deal of discomfort.
Your cat may start having problems with seeing properly. The blue star creeper irritates the skin of the cats. They also cause incessant itching for the cats.
In some severe cases, you will find that your cat is unable to breathe properly. The cat could also have violent vomiting and diarrhea.
Read Also: Creeping Thyme Vs Blue Star Creeper
Conclusion
Is blue star creeper poisonous to dogs and cats? Yes. The ASPCA lists the plant as one of those that are toxic for pets. It is best if you do not plant the blue star creeper if you have pets and kids. This is because you may not know when they would stroll out and eat something dangerous.
If your pet ingests the plant and starts showing symptoms, do not panic. Instead, call the Pet Poison Hotline for assistance. Or you can quickly take your pet to the Vet for proper treatment.
