Episode #32-Protecting Your Pets: Identifying and Avoiding Toxic Plants with Theresa Badurek

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Imagine your home and garden, your tranquil sanctuary, could be a potential danger zone for your beloved pets. How do you safeguard them from the perils hidden in plain sight? We have Teresa Badureck, an urban horticulture agent and master gardener program leader with the University of Florida Extension in Pinellas County, guiding us through the maze of toxic plants and helping us create a safer environment.
We delve into the secrets of our gardens and landscapes, unearthing potential hazards from spines, thorns, and palm fruits. Teresa offers practical tips on protective barriers, the art of pruning, and the critical importance of reading product labels. Can your perfectly manicured lawn be causing more harm than good to your pets? We explore the concept of a “freedom lawn,” a more pet-friendly alternative that could be a game-changer.
As we navigate the realm of plant identification apps, learn how these tools can be a powerful ally in safeguarding our pets. Uncover the dangers of common plants like Lantana, Oleander, Azaleas, and Milkweed, and why even acorns can pose a threat. Learn how resources like the ASPCA website and the Florida Friendly Landscaping Program app can help you decide which plants to welcome home and which ones to leave behind. From hiring a landscape architect to simply buying a houseplant, remember, always double-check for pet safety. Join us for this enlightening journey into pet safety.
Questions:
Email Theresa at [email protected]
helpline [email protected].

Find your local extension office anywhere in FL: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/
Florida-Friendly Toxic Plant App: https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/resources/apps/toxic-plants/

“Petscaping” info: https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/design/types-of-gardens/petscaping.html#:~:text=%22Petscaping%22%20is%20a%20fairly%20new,%E2%80%94and%20sometimes%20destructive%E2%80%94pets.

ASPCA toxic plant list: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) is a resource for any animal poison-related emergency, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you think your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, call [phone]. A consultation fee may apply.
IF YOUR PET IS EXHIBITING SYMPTOMS OF POISONING, CONTACT YOUR VETERINARIAN OR NEAREST ANIMAL EMERGENCY HOSPITAL IMMEDIATELY.

We hope you enjoyed listening to this "Best Of" episode with our amazing guest!

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Chapter

1. Hidden Dangers (00:00:00)

2. Pet Safety in the Landscape (00:12:37)

3. Identifying Plants and Toxicity (00:17:56)

4. Pet Safety and Toxic Plants (00:23:52)