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Are New Guinea Impatiens Toxic to Dogs? Are New Guinea Impatiens Poisonous to Dogs?

Are New Guinea Impatiens toxic to dogs? Are New Guinea Impatiens poisonous to dogs? In this article, we’ll cover all you need to know about these questions including what to do if your dog ate New Guinea Impatiens already. We’ll then teach you the two commands that will make sure your dog stays safe around New Guinea Impatiens and other plants in the future.

Next, we’ll explain the difference between New Guinea Impatiens vs Impatiens, and then go over how to keep dogs away from New Guinea Impatiens using barriers and other methods. Finally, we’ll wrap all of this up by instructing you on how to grow New Guinea Impatiens when you have dogs around. Keep reading!

Are New Guinea Impatiens Toxic to Dogs?

Are New Guinea Impatiens Toxic to Dogs?

New Guinea Impatiens are not toxic to dogs. However, as with any plant, if a dog ingests it in large quantities, it can cause minor gastrointestinal upset, so you should discourage your dog from eating them. You also don’t want your dog to get into the habit of eating plants since many actually will be harmful.

Are New Guinea Impatiens Poisonous to Dogs?

New Guinea Impatiens are not poisonous to dogs. This means that they don’t contain any known substances that can poison dogs. However, eating large amounts of any plant material can potentially lead to mild digestive upset in dogs, which can include symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea.

Training “Leave It” Command

Training your dog with the “Leave It” command can be very helpful in preventing them from eating New Guinea Impatiens or any other plants. Here’s a simple way to train this command:

  1. Start with a treat in both hands. Close your fists and present one hand to your dog while saying “leave it.”
  2. Ignore the behaviors your dog exhibits to get the treat. Once they stop and pull away, say “good” or “yes” and reward them with the treat from the other hand.
  3. Repeat this process until your dog consistently turns away from the first treat when you give the “leave it” command.
  4. Gradually increase the temptation, moving from treats to objects and then eventually to plants.

This command not only helps protect your dog from potentially harmful substances but also develops a mutual understanding and respect between you and your dog.

Training “Drop It” Command

In addition to the “Leave It” command, the “Drop It” command is a valuable tool in case your dog picks up something they shouldn’t, like a piece of New Guinea Impatiens. Here’s a brief guide on how to train this command:

  1. Begin with a toy that your dog likes. Encourage your dog to grab the toy with a cue like “take it.”
  2. Once your dog has the toy in their mouth, present a treat and give the “drop it” command.
  3. When your dog drops the toy to take the treat, provide positive reinforcement with praises or a pat.
  4. Repeat the process until your dog reliably drops the toy on command, then practice with other objects.

While New Guinea Impatiens are not toxic to dogs, it’s important to discourage dogs from eating them or any other non-food items. These commands will do that, 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 New Guinea Impatiens 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 New Guinea Impatiens ever again!

New Guinea Impatiens vs Impatiens

New Guinea Impatiens vs impatiens

New Guinea Impatiens vs Impatiens are both popular garden plants that differ in their sunlight preferences, flower and leaf characteristics, and growth habits. Importantly for dog owners, both types of Impatiens are safe for dogs, causing only minor gastrointestinal upset if consumed in large quantities.

What Is the Difference Between Impatiens and New Guinea Impatiens?

Impatiens, also known as Busy Lizzies, and New Guinea Impatiens, while from the same family, have several key differences.

Firstly, New Guinea Impatiens prefer more sun and can tolerate direct sunlight, while traditional Impatiens prefer shade. This makes New Guinea Impatiens suitable for bright, sunny spots in your garden, while Impatiens are better suited to shaded or partially shaded areas.

Secondly, the flowers and leaves of the two plants differ. New Guinea Impatiens usually have larger, more showy flowers and broader leaves often with a variegated color pattern. In contrast, Impatiens have smaller, less flashy flowers and narrower, green leaves.

Finally, in terms of growth habits, New Guinea Impatiens tend to be larger and more upright, while Impatiens are typically more compact and spreading.

Safety of Impatiens and New Guinea Impatiens for Dogs

From a dog owner’s perspective, it’s important to note that both New Guinea Impatiens and regular Impatiens are safe for dogs. They are not considered toxic and do not contain substances that could harm dogs. However, like any non-food item, they can cause minor gastrointestinal upset if consumed in large quantities.

You’ll also want to discourage your dog from eating any types of plants because many will be toxic and cause them harm. Learn the commands that will teach them to stay away by going back to the first section.

Choosing Between New Guinea Impatiens vs Impatiens

When choosing between New Guinea Impatiens vs Impatiens, consider your garden’s conditions and your dog’s habits. If you have a sunny garden and a dog that’s not prone to eating plants, New Guinea Impatiens could be a good choice. However, if your garden is mostly shaded or your dog tends to nibble on plants, regular Impatiens might be a safer bet.

In conclusion, both New Guinea Impatiens and regular Impatiens have their merits in terms of aesthetics and light preferences. For dog owners, the good news is that both are non-toxic to dogs.

However, as always, if your dog has a habit of eating non-food items, including plants, it’s important to train commands like “Leave It” or “Drop It” to prevent any potential gastrointestinal upset. Learn both now in the first section.

Are New Guinea Impatiens Safe for Dogs?

New Guinea Impatiens Safe for Dogs

New Guinea Impatiens are safe for dogs to eat in small quantities. They are not considered toxic, but like any non-food item, if your dog eats a large amount, it could lead to minor gastrointestinal upset.

Dog Ate New Guinea Impatiens, What Do I Do?

If your dog ate New Guinea Impatiens, there’s no need to panic. These plants are not poisonous to dogs. That being said, monitor your dog closely for any signs of gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite.

If your dog displays these symptoms or you notice any unusual behavior, it’s a good idea to contact your veterinarian just to be safe.

Dog Eating New Guinea Impatiens Prevention

While New Guinea Impatiens are safe for dogs, it’s still important to prevent your dog from eating these or any other non-food plants. This is because consuming any plant material in large quantities can lead to stomach upset in dogs.

Training your dog the “Leave It” and “Drop It” commands can be very helpful in preventing this behavior. Learn both now in the first section. Additionally, you could also consider creating barriers around your plants or placing them in areas your dog can’t easily reach.

In summary, while New Guinea Impatiens are not toxic to dogs, it’s best to prevent your dog from eating these or any other non-food items. If your dog does ingest some, keep an eye out for any symptoms of gastrointestinal upset and contact your vet if needed.

By employing preventive measures such as training and creating barriers, you can ensure your garden remains a safe space for your dog.

You should take care of this issue with your dog now, as you’ll then know they’ll be safe around other plants which could be harmful. You then won’t have to stress about things like are SunPatiens toxic to dogs, are Impatiens toxic to dogs, are geraniums toxic to dogs, or is alyssum poisonous to dogs.

New Guinea Impatiens and Dogs

New Guinea Impatiens and dogs

New Guinea Impatiens are safe for dogs if eaten in small amounts, but it’s always a good idea to keep dogs away from these plants to avoid any potential gastrointestinal upset. Here are some strategies to prevent your dog from accessing and eating your New Guinea Impatiens.

How to Keep Dogs Away From New Guinea Impatiens

Physical barriers can be the most effective way to keep dogs away from New Guinea Impatiens. You can use decorative fences, plant cages, or even strategically placed furniture to block your dog’s access to these plants. Alternatively, you can also consider placing these plants in high or hard-to-reach places that your dog can’t easily access.

Using Deterrents to Protect New Guinea Impatiens

Apart from physical barriers, you can also use deterrents to discourage your dog from approaching your New Guinea Impatiens. These can be in the form of sprays or granules with a scent that dogs find unpleasant, such as citrus or vinegar. Remember to choose dog-safe products and to use them as instructed by the manufacturer.

The Role of Training in Preventing Ingestion of New Guinea Impatiens

Training your dog to obey commands like “Leave It” and “Drop It” can be a powerful tool in preventing them from eating your New Guinea Impatiens. Learn both in the first section. Regular training sessions to reinforce these commands can help ensure your dog understands and obeys them consistently.

In conclusion, while New Guinea Impatiens are not toxic to dogs, it’s best to keep them away from these plants to prevent potential gastrointestinal upset. Physical barriers, deterrents, and training are all effective strategies to prevent your dog from ingesting these plants.

Remember to monitor your dog closely and contact your vet if you notice any signs of discomfort or illness.

How to Grow New Guinea Impatiens

Are New Guinea Impatiens Poisonous to Dogs?

New Guinea Impatiens are vibrant flowers that thrive in partial to full shade, rich, well-drained soil, consistent moisture, and a regular application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. These flowers are known for their larger leaves and flowers, tolerance to more sun than other Impatiens species, and a variety of colors making them a standout choice for any garden or container.

  1. Choosing a Location: New Guinea Impatiens do well in a partially shaded location with a little more sun exposure than common Impatiens, yet need protection from the intense midday sun. These plants are versatile and can adapt to varying light conditions. They make excellent additions to those tricky, less sunny garden spots or can add a splash of color in hanging baskets or pots on shaded patios.
  2. Planting: Plant these in rich, well-drained soil full of organic matter. Whether you start from seeds or seedlings, take care to not plant them too deep; their roots should sit just below the soil surface. With transplants, gently place the plant in a hole the same depth as the root ball and twice as wide, backfill with soil, and press down to ensure no air pockets remain.
  3. Watering: Maintaining consistent moisture is vital to the success of your New Guinea Impatiens. Water regularly to keep the soil damp but not waterlogged. Remember, while these flowers love water, they are not tolerant of water-logged conditions which can lead to root diseases. So, ensure your watering routine provides a deep soak while allowing excess water to drain away.
  4. Feeding: To support their vibrant blooms and robust growth, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the time of planting. If the plants start to appear lackluster during the growing season, a second application of fertilizer may be necessary to sustain their vibrant color and growth.

New Guinea Impatiens, with their abundant, bold flowers and dark, glossy leaves, provide a long-lasting display of color and texture in your garden from late spring until the first frost. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy these beautiful, hearty blooms in your garden or containers.

Learn to control your dog around them so they grow beautiful by going back to the first section.

I’m sure you’re looking forward to getting all of this behind you so that your New Guinea Impatiens and dogs can grow together, so I’ll let you get started. Best wishes, and thanks for reading our article “Are New Guinea Impatiens Toxic to Dogs? Are New Guinea Impatiens Poisonous 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.