Bailey and the Verbena plant

[Gail and Bailey]

Every time my Bailey goes out on the deck she goes straight for the Verbena plant and grazes.  She does not bother any of the other plants.  I tried to stop the behavior but after a while I just quit because she does not seem to suffer any ill effects from it.  It does not upset her tummy or cause any potty problems.  Now I am seeing on the internet that Verbena is toxic to dogs but ....nobody tells how much they must eat or what the effects are. I also saw a discussion between some gardeners who said their dogs will seek out the Verbena plants in their garden beds and feast on them.  I am confused.  Are there any members of the garden group who can give me information about this?  The first photo shows her disinterest in other plants and the second photo shows her fascination with the Verbena. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I can't swear to it, but from what I'm seeing lantana, which is in the verbena family (also called shrub verbena) is toxic to dogs, but verbena such as you have is not.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

The ASPCA's list of toxic plants also does not list verbena as being toxic:

http://www.aspca.org/Pet-care/poison-control/Plants?plant_toxicity=...

[Gail and Bailey]

Thanks Karen.  I was looking at this list http://www.gardenality.com/Articles/870/Problems-and-Solutions/Anim...

It is confusing when the info is so different.  How do we know which list to go by????

 

[Linda and "Toby"]

I would ask your vet. He/she is probably quite knowledgeable about which plants in your area are toxic. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

I seriously doubt that unless it's a particular interest.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

It is confusing. I hate to say it, but maybe the safest thing would just be not to let him eat any plants outside.

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Uh oh...when F. Parker sees these pictures of your garden she is going to go crazy!!!  ha ha   For some strange reason the dogs on our block seem to love the same plant.  Gracie has recently taken it up as a snack!  The two Springer Spaniels who's property it is on have been grazing for years.  We call it the "Dog Weed" and the neighbor keeps planting it just for the dogs!

[F, Calla & Luca]

I am already crazy : ) But those are some lovely planters.

[Gail and Bailey]

Thank you!

[Gail and Bailey]

Good to know that my dog isn't the only one who craves it! :)

[F, Calla & Luca]

I don't have a clue so the internet would be my source and you and Karen have already done that. I do see what looks like elephant ears and they are , I believe, toxic to dogs. That said I have them right now and many other toxic plants as well. My dogs only seem to go after grass. I have had verbena on occasion but none this year.

[Gail and Bailey]

I do not have elephant ears...I think you are looking at the canna lily that I have in a pot this year. It is in the same pot with the verbena. I thought I would try a couple in pots and they have done great.  They have been blooming continually!  I have never had them before but I will certainly do it again!