It is difficult to know what plants are toxic to our pets and why, so we have researched this for you. We strive to make pet ownership as safe as possible and hope this provides clarity on how to keep a safe yard and household.
Autumn Crocus
DANGEROUS TO DOGS & CATS
The Autumn Crocus is highly toxic and can cause severe vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding, liver and kidney damage, and respiratory failure. Signs may be seen immediately but can be delayed for days.
Azalea
DANGEROUS TO DOGS & CATS
Eating even a few leaves can result in vomiting, diahorrea and excessive drooling; without immediate veterinary attention, a pet could fall into a coma and possibly be fatal.
Cyclamen
DANGEROUS TO DOGS & CATS
The roots of this seasonal flowering plant are especially dangerous to pets. If ingested, cyclamen can cause severe vomiting and even death.
Kalanchoe
DANGEROUS TO DOGS & CATS
This popular flowering succulent plant can cause vomiting, diahorrea and heart arrhythmias if ingested by pets.
Lillies
DANGEROUS TO DOGS & CATS
Peace, Peruvian, and Calla lilies contain oxalate crystals that cause minor signs, such as tissue irritation to the mouth, tongue, pharynx, and esophagus – this results in minor drooling. The more dangerous, potentially fatal lilies are true lilies, and these include Tiger, Day, Asiatic, Easter and Japanese Show lilies – all of which are highly toxic to cats! Even small ingestions (such as 2-3 petals or leaves) can result in severe kidney failure.
Oleander
DANGEROUS TO DOGS & CATS
Oleander is an outdoor shrub, and the leaves and flowers are extremely toxic if ingested and can cause severe vomiting, slow the heart rate and possibly even cause death.
Dieffenbachia
DANGEROUS TO DOGS & CATS
Popular in many homes and offices, dieffenbachia can cause intense oral irritation, drooling, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing if ingested.
Daffodils
DANGEROUS TO DOGS & CATS
These flowers contain lycorine, an alkaloid with strong emetic properties (something that triggers vomiting). Ingestion of the bulb, plant or flower can cause severe vomiting, diahorrea, abdominal pain, and even possible cardiac arrhythmias or respiratory depression.
Lily of the Valley
DANGEROUS TO DOGS & CATS
These symptoms include vomiting, diahorrea, a drop in heart rate, severe cardiac arrhythmias, and possibly seizures.
Sago Palm / Cycad
DANGEROUS TO DOGS & CATS
Very popular in warmer climates, this household and outdoor plant can be very harmful to pets. If ingested, the leaves and seeds can cause vomiting, bloody stools, damage to the stomach lining, severe liver failure and, in some cases, death.
Tulips and Hyacinths
DANGEROUS TO DOGS & CATS
Tulips contain allergenic lactones while hyacinths contain similar alkaloids. The toxic principle of these plants is very concentrated in the bulbs (versus the leaf or flower), so make sure your dog isn’t digging up the bulbs in the garden. When the plant parts or bulbs are chewed or ingested, it can result in tissue irritation to the mouth and esophagus. Typical signs include profuse drooling, vomiting, or even diahorrea, depending on the amount consumed. With large ingestions of the bulb, more severe symptoms such as an increase in heart rate and changes in respiration can be seen and should be treated by a veterinarian.
I would love to hear any feedback or experiences that you have!
Belinda Bird
