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Is Blue Star Creeper Poisonous to Dogs? Is Blue Star Creeper Toxic to Dogs?

Is Blue Star Creeper poisonous to dogs? Is Blue Star Creeper toxic to dogs? In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about if Blue Star Creeper is safe for dogs including what to do if your dog ate Blue Star Creeper already. We’ll then teach you the two commands that will ensure your dog behaves around Blue Star Creeper and other potentially poisonous plants.

Next, we’re going to go over more you should know about Blue Star Creeper and dogs, such as how to keep dogs away from Blue Star Creeper using barriers and other methods. Finally, we’ll instruct you on proper Blue Star Creeper care (ground cover, zone, how to plant, winter, growth speed, perennial) and more to know when you have dogs. Keep reading!

Is Blue Star Creeper Poisonous to Dogs?

Is Blue Star Creeper Poisonous to Dogs?

Blue Star Creeper is poisonous to dogs, posing a significant health risk if ingested. This attractive ground cover, often used in gardens for its beautiful blue flowers and lush growth, can create a hazardous environment for dogs that have a tendency to chew or eat plants.

Is Blue Star Creeper Toxic to Dogs?

Blue Star Creeper is toxic to dogs. It contains substances that can cause harm to dogs if consumed. It should not be included in areas of your garden where your pet has access, and special care must be taken to monitor pets in its vicinity.

Blue Star Creeper Poisoning in Dogs Symptoms

The symptoms of Blue Star Creeper poisoning in dogs include:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Excessive drooling
  • General discomfort

Seek veterinary care immediately if you believe your dog has ingested any of the plant.

Train the “Leave It” Command

Teaching your dog the “Leave It” command is very helpful at preventing them from eating toxic plants like Blue Star Creeper. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Hold a treat in your closed hand and present it to the dog without letting them take it.
  2. When the dog stops trying to take it and pulls away, say “Leave it” and reward them with a different treat.
  3. Repeat the process, gradually making it more challenging by using different objects.
  4. Continue training until the dog responds to the command with various distractions.

Train the “Drop It” Command

The “Drop It” command can be trained to make the dog drop anything it has in its mouth, including toxic plants:

  1. Play a game of tug with a toy, then suddenly stop and say “Drop it.”
  2. When the dog drops the toy, reward them with a treat.
  3. Repeat the process, gradually fading the treat until the command alone is obeyed.
  4. Continue practicing in different situations to solidify the behavior.

Blue Star Creeper is toxic to dogs and you must be very cautious with your pet around it. These commands will get your dog to stay away from Blue Star Creeper, 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 getting too close to Blue Star Creeper 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 Blue Star Creeper ever again!

Is Blue Star Creeper Safe for Dogs?

Blue Star Creeper is not safe for dogs. The toxic plant, also known as Isotoma fluviatilis can cause health issues if ingested by dogs. While appealing as a ground cover with its beautiful blue flowers, it poses a risk for pet owners. The symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, and general discomfort.

My Dog Ate Blue Star Creeper, What Do I Do?

If your dog ate Blue Star Creeper, it’s crucial to act quickly as the plant is toxic. Here’s what you should do:

  1. Remove any remaining plant material from your dog’s mouth, if possible.
  2. Observe the symptoms closely, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or drooling.
  3. Contact your veterinarian or an emergency pet poison helpline immediately.
  4. Follow the instructions provided by the veterinary professional.
  5. Keep a sample of the plant, if possible, to show the veterinarian for proper identification.

Dog Eating Blue Star Creeper: How to Prevent

Preventing your dog from eating Blue Star Creeper involves a combination of monitoring, physical barriers, and training:

  1. Monitor your dog’s behavior around the garden and plants.
  2. Create physical barriers like fences to keep your dog away from areas with Blue Star Creeper.
  3. Train commands like “Leave It” to teach your dog to avoid specific items. Learn it now in the first section.
  4. Regularly inspect and ensure that the plant is not accessible to the dog.

What Attracts Dogs to Blue Star Creeper?

Blue Star Creeper’s attraction to dogs can vary and might include:

  1. Its texture and taste: Some dogs are attracted to the unique texture and taste of different plants.
  2. Curiosity: Dogs may be drawn to the plant’s appearance and smell.
  3. Natural behaviors: Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs, and some might be drawn to chew on the plant.
  4. Accessibility: If Blue Star Creeper is within reach, a dog’s natural curiosity might lead them to investigate.

Blue Star Creeper is toxic to dogs and should be treated with caution in environments where pets have access. Immediate action should be taken if ingestion occurs, and preventative measures, including training (learn how in the first section) and barriers, should be implemented to keep pets safe from this hazardous plant.

You should get this handled right away as it will also help your dog to stay safe around other types of plants. You then won’t even have to think about things like is Virginia Creeper toxic to dogs, is Creeping Jenny safe for dogs, is creeping thyme toxic to dogs, or are Vinca toxic to dogs.

Blue Star Creeper and Dogs

Blue Star Creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis) is a popular ground cover plant known for its attractive blue flowers, but it is not safe for dogs. Ingestion can cause symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, and as a responsible pet owner, you should take measures to keep dogs away from this toxic plant.

Here’s what you need to know about Blue Star Creeper and dogs, including how to protect your furry friends and alternatives that are safe for them.

How to Keep Dogs Away From Blue Star Creeper

Keeping dogs away from Blue Star Creeper requires a combination of vigilance, training, and physical barriers:

  1. Physical Barriers: Installing fences or placing the plants in areas inaccessible to dogs can help keep them away from the Blue Star Creeper.
  2. Training: Teaching dogs commands like “Leave It” can be an effective way to deter them from approaching the plant. Learn it now in the first section.
  3. Monitoring: Regular supervision and checking the garden for the plant’s growth will ensure that it doesn’t pose a risk to your dog.
  4. Removal: If you already have Blue Star Creeper, consider removing it or replacing it with a non-toxic alternative to ensure your dog’s safety.

Blue Star Creeper Alternatives Safe for Dogs

If you love the look of Blue Star Creeper but want to ensure your garden is dog-friendly, there are non-toxic alternatives:

  1. Thyme: Thyme is a safe and fragrant alternative that also provides ground cover.
  2. Irish Moss: Known for its lush green color, Irish Moss is a non-toxic alternative that grows well in similar conditions.
  3. Corsican Mint: If you prefer a plant with a pleasing scent, Corsican Mint is another dog-friendly option.

Recognizing and Treating Blue Star Creeper Poisoning

Understanding the symptoms and knowing how to respond to Blue Star Creeper poisoning can save your dog’s life:

  1. Look for Symptoms: Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and general discomfort.
  2. Contact a Veterinarian: If you suspect poisoning, contact your veterinarian or an emergency pet poison helpline immediately.
  3. Provide Care: Follow the professional guidance provided by your veterinarian or poison control expert.

In conclusion, Blue Star Creeper’s attractiveness as a ground cover plant is offset by its toxicity to dogs. By understanding the risks and implementing preventive measures such as barriers, training (learn how in the first section), and monitoring, you can create a safe environment for your pets.

Consider non-toxic alternatives like Thyme, Irish Moss, and Corsican Mint to enjoy a beautiful garden without compromising your dog’s safety.

Blue Star Creeper Care

Blue Star Creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis) is a charming ground cover plant known for its star-shaped blue flowers. It’s an easy-to-grow plant that spreads quickly and provides an eye-catching carpet of color.

Though it’s important to keep it away from pets, such as dogs, due to its toxicity, caring for Blue Star Creeper in your garden doesn’t have to be complex. Here’s a comprehensive guide to Blue Star Creeper care, suitable for your specific zone, planting tips, winter care, growth rate, and understanding whether it’s an annual or perennial plant.

Blue Star Creeper Ground Cover

Blue Star Creeper’s popularity as a ground cover stems from its dense mat of foliage and beautiful little blue flowers that bloom throughout spring and summer. It’s ideal for filling gaps between stepping stones, covering slopes, or adding a soft touch to garden beds.

Though it can spread aggressively, proper maintenance, including regular pruning, can keep it in check.

Blue Star Creeper Zone

This plant thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9. It prefers a partially shaded to full sun location with well-drained soil. In the hotter zones, a little afternoon shade can prevent it from drying out. Blue Star Creeper’s adaptability to various climates and soil types makes it a versatile option for many gardeners.

How to Plant Blue Star Creeper

Planting Blue Star Creeper is straightforward:

  1. Select a site that receives partial to full sun and has well-drained soil.
  2. Space the plants around 9 to 12 inches apart to allow for growth.
  3. Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide.
  4. Place the plant in the hole and fill it with soil, patting down to remove air pockets.
  5. Water thoroughly after planting and regularly thereafter until established.

Blue Star Creeper in Winter

Blue Star Creeper is a hardy plant that can tolerate frost. In colder zones, it may die back but will typically regrow in spring. Adding mulch around the base of the plants can help to protect the roots in winter and preserve moisture.

How Fast Does Blue Star Creeper Grow?

Blue Star Creeper is known for its rapid growth, spreading quickly to form a dense mat. It can cover a large area in just one growing season. While this growth rate is an advantage for filling empty spaces, it may also require regular pruning to prevent it from overtaking other plants.

Blue Star Creeper: Annual or Perennial?

Blue Star Creeper is a perennial plant, meaning it returns year after year. Its long-lasting nature and tendency to spread make it a favorite among gardeners looking to create a lush, low-maintenance ground cover.

In conclusion, Blue Star Creeper offers an attractive and easy-care option for ground cover, suitable for various zones and garden settings. Its rapid growth, adaptability to different climatic conditions, and perennial nature make it a valuable addition to many gardens.

However, keep in mind that Blue Star Creeper is toxic to dogs, and plan your garden accordingly to ensure safety for all family members. You should also teach them the “Leave It” and “Drop It” commands, both of which you can learn now in the first section.

I’m sure it feels good to have your questions about Blue Star Creeper and dogs answered, so I’ll let you get started now. Good luck, and thanks for reading our article “Is Blue Star Creeper Poisonous to Dogs? Is Blue Star Creeper 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.