This is the first of a three-part series.

Gardeners strive to create an inviting environment for both people and pollinators alike. However, several flowering plants in our gardens can be fatal to our canine and feline friends.

Signs can appear any time after ingestion. The severity of signs depends on the amount eaten, size and age of the pet, their overall health, and the plant ingested.

Here are some beautiful, but harmful, plants:

1. Azalea (Rhododendron spp.) Azaleas are a beautiful addition to any garden, or potted on the front porch, but they unfortunately are not pet-friendly. The entire plant is toxic, causing cardiac arrhythmias, which is an abnormal heart rhythm. The rhythm can be either fast or slow. The toxins in azaleas initially lead to vomiting and diarrhea then weakness, collapse, and heart failure.

2. Daffodil (Narcissus spp.) Daffodils contain alkaloids, which are nitrogen containing compounds found in differing amounts in substances from morphine to tobacco to insect control. Many of the plants in this article contain alkaloids as their toxic component. You will find the greatest concentration of alkaloids in daffodil bulbs, which may result in more frequent toxicity in dogs, as they tend to dig more than cats. Even though daffodils are beautiful spring flowers, ingestion of daffodil bulbs can result in gastrointestinal distress, low blood pressure, and death.

3. Foxglove (Digitalis spp.) Digitalis drugs, in a much lower dose than found in a foxglove plant, work by slowing the heart rate and increasing the force of the heart’s contractions, which makes it easier for the heart to pump blood. However, any part of the foxglove plant that is ingested (even water from a vase) will cause heart problems such as an irregular heartbeat and heart failure.

4. Hydrangea (Hydrangea spp.) The entire hydrangea plant is toxic, containing a toxin that mimics cyanide poisoning. Cyanide intoxication is rare — hydrangea usually produces more of a gastrointestinal disturbance with vomiting and diarrhea. However, if enough is ingested you will see respiratory distress.

The phone number for the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline: 888-426-4435. Even though you may be tempted to call a human poison control, the physiology of cats and dogs mandate that you speak with someone familiar with toxins in these species. They are open 24/7 and will charge a small fee when you call. Be sure that you have a common name and a species name (listed above) for the plant.

Cheryl Ragalevsky is a local veterinarian with 35 years of experience. She is also a Companion Animal End-of-Life Doula, assisting with the determination of your pet’s quality of life, your choices for hospice care, expectations of the euthanasia process, and support as you go through this difficult journey. Have a question for Dr. Ragalevsky? Please send it to us at fltimes@fltimes.com.

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