As a pet parent, one of your top priorities is ensuring your furry friend’s safety and well-being. While you may think of household dangers like foods and chemicals, there’s another hazard that often goes unnoticed – plants. Many common plants that we love to have around the house or garden can be toxic to our pets, leading to serious health issues or even death.
In this blog, we’ll take a look at some of the most common toxic plants for pets, the symptoms of poisoning, and how to keep your pets safe from these hidden dangers.
Common Toxic Plants for Pets
Here are some of the most common plants that can be toxic to pets:
Lilies
While lilies may be a favorite for floral arrangements, they are incredibly dangerous to cats. Ingestion of even small amounts of lilies, including the leaves and pollen, can lead to kidney failure in cats.
Symptoms of lily poisoning include:
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Kidney failure (if untreated)
Azaleas and Rhododendrons
These popular shrubs, often found in gardens, contain grayanotoxins that can cause gastrointestinal distress, heart arrhythmias, and in severe cases, death in dogs.
Symptoms of azalea poisoning include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Weakness
- Decreased heart rate
Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums, a popular fall flower, are toxic to both dogs and cats. They contain pyrethrins, which cause gastrointestinal upset, skin irritation, and even neurological symptoms.
Symptoms of chrysanthemum poisoning include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Lethargy
- Lack of coordination
Oleander
Oleander is a beautiful flowering shrub often found in gardens, but it is highly toxic to both cats and dogs. All parts of the oleander plant – leaves, flowers, and stems – contain toxins that can cause heart issues, vomiting, and even death.
Symptoms of oleander poisoning include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Decreased heart rate
- Weakness
- Possible cardiac arrest
Sago Palm
Sago palms are often found in tropical or indoor plant collections, but they are extremely toxic to both cats and dogs. The seeds, or “nuts”, are the most toxic part of the plant and can cause severe liver damage.
Symptoms of sago palm poisoning include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- Liver failure (in severe cases)
Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)
This common houseplant is toxic to both dogs and cats, causing intense oral irritation, swelling, and difficulty swallowing. While it’s not fatal, the symptoms can be very painful for your pet.
Symptoms of dieffenbachia poisoning include:
- Mouth irritation and swelling
- Difficulty swallowing
- Excessive drooling
- Vomiting
Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)
Another common houseplant, pothos is easy to care for but toxic to pets, particularly cats and dogs. It can cause irritation in the mouth and gastrointestinal health.
Symptoms of pothos poisoning include:
- Oral irritation
- Vomiting
- Difficulty swallowing
- Excessive drooling
Autumn Crocus
While autumn crocus plants are known for their beautiful purple flowers, they contain colchicine, which can cause severe gastrointestinal distress, liver failure, and even death in pets.
Symptoms of autumn crocus poisoning include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Liver damage
- Kidney failure
How To Keep Your Pet Safe
Now that you know which plants can be harmful to your pets, here are some tips on how to keep them safe:
Remove Toxic Plants from Your Home and Garden
The best way to keep your pet safe from toxic plants is to remove them entirely. If you have plants that are known to be toxic, either relocate them to a pet-free area or replace them with pet-safe alternatives. For example, consider pet-friendly plants like spider plants, ferns, or Areca palm.
Be Mindful of Where You Place Plants
If you want to keep your potentially toxic plants, consider placing them in areas your pet can’t reach. High shelves, hanging baskets, or rooms with pet-proofed doors can help keep plants out of reach from curious paws and mouths.
Educate Yourself on Pet-Safe Plants
There are plenty of beautiful, non-toxic plants to choose from for your home and garden. Some pet-safe options include:
- Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
- Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
- Areca palm (Dypsis lutescens)
- Maranta (Prayer plant)
- Bamboo palm (Chamaedorea)
Monitor Your Pet’s Behavior
Even with precautions in place, pets are naturally curious. Keep an eye on their behavior and intervene if they start chewing on plants. Chewing on plants is a common way for pets to ingest toxins, so it’s important to monitor their interactions with greenery.
Keep Pesticides and Fertilizers Safe
Sometimes, the chemicals used to care for plants can be just as dangerous as the plants themselves. If you use pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers, make sure they are kept in a pet-safe area and that your pet doesn’t have access to these chemicals.
Know the Signs of Poisoning
If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic plant, acting quickly can make all the difference. Some common signs of poisoning include:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Excessive drooling
- Lethargy or weakness
- Uncoordinated movements
- Difficulty breathing
- Seizures or tremors
If you notice any of these symptoms, visit a veterinarian or an emergency animal clinic immediately. With PetWellClinic’s convenient walk-in model, you can get fast, high-quality care without the hassle of appointments.
As much as we love our plants, it’s important to remember that they can pose serious risks to our furry friends. By staying informed about common toxic plants and taking preventative steps to keep them out of your pet’s reach, you can create a safer environment for your animal companion. If you’re unsure whether a particular plant is safe for your pet, always consult your veterinarian for guidance.
Keeping your pet safe from toxic plants is just one way to show them you care. Regular check ups, a balanced diet, and plenty of playtime are also essential for their health. If you ever have concerns about your pet’s health, don’t hesitate to visit your local PetWellClinic®. We’re here to help ensure your pet leads a long, happy, and healthy life.
PetWellClinic® offers convenient, affordable care for your pets, with no appointment necessary. Visit us anytime for guidance on keeping your pet safe and healthy!