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Are Pansies Poisonous to Dogs? Are Pansies Toxic to Dogs?

Are pansies poisonous to dogs? Are pansies toxic to dogs? In this article, we’ll answer everything you need to know about this subject along with telling you if pansies are safe for dogs to eat, and what to do if they already have. We’ll then teach you the two commands you’ll need to make sure that your dog keeps away from pansies and other plants.

Next, we’ll go over more things about pansies and dogs that you should definitely learn about, such as how to keep dogs away from pansies so they can grow to their fullest. Finally, we’ll finish all of this up by instructing you on how to grow pansies when you have dogs in the home. Keep reading!

Are Pansies Poisonous to Dogs?

Are Pansies Poisonous to Dogs?

Pansies are not poisonous to dogs. Although they can cause mild gastrointestinal upset if consumed in large quantities, they are not toxic. It’s always a good practice to discourage your dog from eating any plants to avoid potential issues, especially if they have a sensitive stomach.

Are Pansies Toxic to Dogs?

Pansies are not toxic to dogs. However, every dog is different, and what doesn’t affect one dog might affect another. As with any non-food item, if your dog consumes a large amount of pansies, they might experience mild gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting or diarrhea.

How to Train the “Leave It” Command

Training your dog to obey the “Leave it” command can be very helpful, especially when trying to keep them from eating things they shouldn’t. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

  1. Hold a treat in both hands.
  2. Present one hand with the treat enclosed, saying “Leave it.”
  3. When your dog moves their attention away from the closed hand, say “Yes!” and reward them with the treat from the other hand.
  4. Repeat these steps, gradually increasing the challenge by placing the treat on the ground or using a more enticing treat.

How to Train the “Drop It” Command

The “Drop it” command can be useful when your dog has already picked up something in their mouth. Here’s a brief guide on how to train this command:

  1. Start playing a tug game with a toy. Once your dog has a good grip on the toy, say “Drop it” while showing them a treat.
  2. When they drop the toy to get the treat, reward them with it and vocalize positive reinforcement.
  3. Repeat this exercise, gradually removing the treat from the process, so your dog responds to the command without expecting a treat.

These steps will get your dog to stop eating pansies, but it’s important to remember that the underlying behavioral issues (curiosity, anxiety, boredom, etc.) that were causing all of this to begin with will still be present. And until you address those, any positive changes you see are only going to be temporary.

“Well, how do I make these changes last?”

By getting your dog to truly choose to follow your direction, that’s how. I tried many times to write out how you can do that before deciding it made more sense to just link you to the free video series that explains it better than I’d ever be able to.

The series is by a man named Dan who is one of the world’s leading dog obedience trainers. In it, he teaches you how to put an end to things like your dog eating pansies and all other misbehavior using his fast and easy-to-follow methods.

In the first video, Dan will reveal to you why the two most common methods of dog training only doom you to failure. You can watch the video now by clicking here. Follow the proven system he’ll show you in his series and you’ll never have to spend another second worrying about your dog eating a pansy ever again!

Are Pansies Safe for Dogs to Eat?

Pansies Safe for Dogs

While pansies are not toxic to dogs, they are not safe for your dog to eat. If your dog were to eat pansies they may experience mild gastrointestinal distress, especially if consumed in large quantities. Always discourage your dog from eating any plants to avoid potential issues.

Can Dogs Eat Pansies?

Although pansies are not poisonous to dogs, they are not part of a canine’s natural diet. While an occasional nibble might not harm your dog, regular consumption can lead to stomach upset, including symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.

My Dog Ate Pansies, What Do I Do?

If your dog ate pansies, monitor them for any signs of distress such as excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in behavior. In most cases, dogs will be perfectly fine after eating pansies, but if they consumed a large quantity or if they show signs of being unwell, it’s best to contact your veterinarian.

Preventing Dog Eating Pansies

To prevent your dog from eating pansies or other plants, training and distraction are often the best approaches. Use toys or treats to divert your dog’s attention from the plants. Training commands like “Leave it” or “Drop it” can also be very useful. Learn how to do both in the first section.

If your dog continues to eat pansies despite your best efforts, consider removing these plants from your garden or move them out of your dog’s reach.

Be sure to fix this problem with your dog now so that they’ll be prepared for any future encounters with plants that might actually be toxic. You then won’t have to worry about things like can dogs eat marigolds, are lilacs poisonous to dogs, are violas poisonous to dogs, or are violets poisonous to dogs.

Pansies and Dogs

Pansies and Dogs

While pansies are not toxic to dogs, it’s generally best to discourage them from consuming these or any other non-edible plants, as they may cause mild stomach upset. Keeping dogs away from pansies can involve using deterrents, training commands, and providing alternative distractions.

How to Keep Dogs Away From Pansies

Several methods can help deter dogs from pansies in your garden:

  1. Use a Dog Deterrent Spray: Dog deterrent sprays are available that can be sprayed around your garden to discourage your dog from approaching certain areas.
  2. Create a Physical Barrier: Fencing or a garden barrier can help keep your dog away from your pansies.
  3. Training: Training your dog to understand commands such as “leave it” and “stay” can also be very useful in keeping them away from your flowers.

Dealing with a Dog’s Curiosity for Pansies

Dogs are naturally curious creatures and may be attracted to colorful flowers like pansies. It’s important to monitor them while they are in the garden and redirect their attention if they show interest in the pansies. Toys and games can be used as distractions.

The Health Impact of Pansies on Dogs

While pansies are not toxic to dogs, they shouldn’t be a part of their diet either. Regular consumption might result in mild stomach upset. If your dog ate a pansy and is showing signs of discomfort, such as vomiting or loss of appetite, it’s advisable to consult your vet.

While pansies do not pose a significant risk to dogs, it’s best to discourage your pets from eating them or any other non-edible plants. Employing strategies such as using deterrent sprays, creating physical barriers, and training your dog can help keep them safe and your garden intact. Learn the commands you’ll need in the first section.

How to Grow Pansies

Are Pansies Toxic to Dogs?

Growing pansies can be a delightful addition to your garden with their colorful and vibrant blooms. You can grow pansies from seeds, bedding plants, or purchased container-grown plants. The key to growing healthy pansies involves a good mixture of the right soil, sufficient watering, and proper care.

Are Pansies Dog Safe?

Pansies are dog safe, but you should still not allow your dog to eat them. Though pansies are not toxic to dogs, consuming too many could lead to an upset stomach or other gastrointestinal issues. They may also get into the habit of eating plants, many of which are dangerous to dogs.

Choosing Pansies for Your Garden

Pansies come in a wide range of colors and sizes, so you can choose those that best fit your garden aesthetic. When choosing pansies, look for plants with good color and strong, sturdy stems. It’s better to buy plants that have not yet bloomed so they can establish their roots in your garden before they expend energy on flowering.

Planting Pansies

Pansies prefer a sunny or partially shaded position in the garden with well-draining soil. They should be planted in the early spring or fall when the soil temperature is about 45 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. When planting, ensure they are spaced about 7 to 12 inches apart.

Caring for Pansies

Pansies need regular watering, especially during dry periods. However, take care not to overwater as this can lead to root rot. Feed your pansies with a general-purpose garden fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to promote blooming.

To keep your pansies looking their best, remove faded/dead flowers to encourage more blooms. This is known as ‘deadheading’.

Winter Care for Pansies

In cooler climates, pansies can often survive the winter. Adding a layer of mulch around the pansies can help protect the plants from freezing temperatures. However, if the weather is extremely harsh, consider moving potted pansies indoors or into a greenhouse.

To summarize, growing pansies can be a rewarding experience. Not only are they safe for dogs, but they also bring vibrant color to your garden. With proper care, including choosing the right pansies, appropriate planting, careful watering, and diligent care, your pansies can thrive.

Keep in mind to discourage your dogs from consuming any plant material, despite it being non-toxic. Learn the commands you’ll need to do that by going back to the first section.

I’m sure you’re ready to have your pansies and dogs existing together without issue, so I’ll let you get started now. Good luck with everything, and thanks for reading our article “Are Pansies Poisonous to Dogs? Are Pansies Toxic to Dogs?”

The Author

KB Williams

KB Williams

Hey there! I'm a dog behavior expert and lover of travel. Since 2016, I've been sharing my knowledge of dog training and behavior while exploring the Pacific Northwest with my two rescues.