How often do you see your dog eating a random plant and think... I really hope that is not dangerous, why can't you just stick with the treats I gave you!
With the array of plants at parks, beaches and yards, it is impossible to know them all. This is why I have researched and compiled a list of the top 11 the most common toxic plants to cats and dogs.
Most of us know about cats and Lillie's, but did you that Daffodils and Tulips are poisonous too? I am sure we all have at least one of these plants flourishing in our backyard somewhere. This article will only take you a few minutes to read, but it could potentially save the life of your dog or new puppy one day. Everyone should be aware of these dangers before purchasing plants, and especially before purchasing a new puppy!
TOP 11 TOXIC PLANTS
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 also be delayed for days.
Azalea
DANGEROUS TO DOGS & CATS
Eating just a few leaves of an Azalea can result in vomiting, diarrhoea and excessive drooling; without immediate veterinary attention, a cat or dog 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
The Kalanchoe is a popular flowering succulent plant that can cause vomiting, diahorrea and heart arrhythmias if ingested by pets.
Lilies
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
Daffodil 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
The symptoms seen with Lily of the Valley 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 of a Cycad 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 oesophagus. 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.
After all this talk about dangerous plants, I thought it would be nice to lighten the mood by giving you the top 15 pet safe indoor plants. This is a great video by Harli G to get you on the right track in replacing all those ripped out plants!
Now that we have plants covered, toxic foods and household products are your next step. You can read the article and view the full list here.
If you have any feedback or questions that you would like to share, please reach out to me. I would love to hear from you.
Belinda Bird
Founder & Veterinary Nurse
