Safe Gardening With Your Pets In Mind

By Nan Talleno

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The ASPCA offers several suggestions of spring gardening safety with your pets in mind.

First, know that many popular outdoor plants, including sago palm, rhododendron and azaleas, are toxic to both dogs and cats. Sago palm and other members of the Cycad family as well as mushrooms can cause liver failure, while rhododendron, azaleas, lily of the valley, oleander, rosebay, foxglove and kalanchoe all affect the heart.

To be safe, check out a complete listing including pictures of toxic and non-toxic plants for your garden at ASPCA.org.

Also, unattended garden tools can be extremely hazardous to pets and cause trauma to paws, noses, etc . Rusty, sharp and dirt filled tools may also pose a risk for tetanus if they puncture skin. Store all tools in a safe area.

Fleas and ticks can be found in tall grass, brush and bushes, so it's extremely important to keep both your dogs and cats away from such areas. Keep your lawns mowed and trimmed and walk dogs in a clear path.