While there are many species of flowers and plants that are appealing to our human eyes, several are also toxic to our four-legged friends. Here are 10 of the common plants that are poisonous to our pets.
1) Autumn Crocus
This plant is poisonous to both cats and dogs and can cause vomiting, seizures, kidney damage and more.
While these 10 plants are common culprits to pet poisoning, there are hundreds of more plants that can trigger similar symptoms. Check out these detailed lists from the ASCPA and remember to double check before adding any new plants to your garden.
2) Azalea
Toxic to cats and dogs, these plants’ toxins are very potent. The ingestion of a few leaves may be enough to induce vomiting, diarrhea, or even coma and death in both canines and felines.
3) Daffodil
The entire plant may be poisonous to both cats and dogs, but the bulbs of these plants are particularly high in toxicity. Eating any part of the daffodil may induce vomiting, diarrhea, drops in blood pressure, and even heart arrhythmias.
4) Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia)
The entire “Dumb Cane” family of plants is toxic to cats and dogs. It will cause irritation and swelling in the pet’s mouth, making it difficult for them to swallow and triggering a burning sensation.
5) Tulip
Tulips are capable of causing nausea, excessive drooling, and difficulty breathing in both cats and dogs. The bulbs, like in daffodils, are the most toxic part of the plant.
6) Kalanchoe
Commonly called the “Mother In Law” plant, these beautiful flowers can induce vomiting, drooling, weakness, cardiac arrhythmia, seizures, and more in cats and dogs.
7) Sago Palm
This plant is highly toxic to both cats and dogs and causes bloody vomiting and diarrhea, liver failure, jaundice, and bleeding disorders when ingested.
8) Oleander
This outdoor shrub is dangerous for several animal species-including cats, dogs, birds, cows, and horses. This plant can cause drooling, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, muscle tremors and incoordination, and fatal heart problems.
9) Lilies
This plant more toxic to cats than dogs, but it can still be deadly. Symptoms to watch out for include lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, dehydration (often seen as inappropriate urination or extreme thirst), and seizures.
10) Amaryllis
Highly poisonous to cats and dogs, this plant causes excessive drooling, vomiting, lack of appetite, difficulty breathing, and abdominal pain.
If you think your pet has been poisoned by any plant, contact your veterinarian right away. Another beneficial thing to do is to snag a sample of the potentially poisonous plant to provide your vet.
Here at Emerald Animal Hospital, we hope for every pet to have a safe summer, and are equipped for when things don’t go as perfectly as planned. We offer a wide variety of diagnostic testing as well as personalized treatment plans and preventative care. Give us a call at 216-688-3737 to set up an appointment to get your pet into tip top summer shape!
While these plants may be more common to have in your home, be sure to check this full list provided by the ASCPA before planting any new seeds!
*All photos provided by the Pet Poison Helpline*