Plants that are toxic to pets
In honor of this week's Westminster Dog Show, it's a good time to think about the well-being of our pets, and an important part of keeping them healthy is keeping them away from harmful plants.
 Cornell University photos Three toxic plants, from left, Lantana, Dogbane, Daphne. |
 Cornell University photo Digitalis (Foxglove) |
Many houseplants, perennials and shrubs are toxic to animals, and different species are affected by different plants. (The lists below include the most common plants, and should not be considered entirely complete. In other words, please do not assume that a plant is safe just because a plant isn't listed here.)
Below are the 10 most common toxic plants, according to the Animal Poison Control Center of the ASPCA, and the symptoms associated with them.
Marijuana (Cannabis sativa): Central nervous system depression, loss of coordination, vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, increased heart rate, seizures and coma.
Sago Palm (Cycas Revoluta): Ingestion of just one or two seeds can induce vomiting, diarrhea, depression, seizures and liver failure.
Lilies ( Lilium spp.): Very small amounts can lead to severe kidney damage in cats.
Tulip/Narcissus bulbs (Tulipa/Narcissus spp): Gastrointestinal irritaion, drooling, loss of appetite, central nervous system depression, convulstions, cardiac abnormalities.
Azalea/Rhododendron (Rhododenron spp.): Vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, weakness, central nervous system depression, coma, cardiac collapse, death.
Oleander (Nerium oleander): Gastrointestinal irritation, abnormal heart function, hypothermia, death.
Castor Bean (Ricinus communis): Severe abdominal pain, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, weakness, loss of appetite, dehydration, muscle twitching, tremors, seizures, coma, death.
Cyclamen: Significant gastrointestinal irritation, intense vomiting, death.
Kalanchoe: Gastrointestinal irritation, serious cardiac rate and rhythm abnormalities.
Yew (Taxus spp.): Central nervous system abrnormalities, trembling, loss of coordination, difficulty breathing, death.
Other plants that are harmful to pets
Houseplants and tropicals
Caladium, Colocasia , Philodendron, Umbrella Plant, Aloe Vera, Mistletoe, Lucky Bamboo
Vines
Philodendron, English Ivy, Virginia Creeper, Jasmine.
Flowers and plants
Amaryllis, Crocus, Dogbane, Daphne, Lantana, Buttercups, Hellebores, Chrysanthemums, Foxgloves, Morning Glory and Peony. Contrary to popular belief, Poinsettias are not toxic, though eating them might cause an upset stomach.
Trees
Apple, Almond, Japanese Plum, Cherry, Oak.
If you suspect your pet has been poisoned, call the Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. There is a $60 consultation fee for this service. I phoned the service once after Shelby ate an entire ornamental purple cabbage and was instructed to induce vomiting by giving her a spoonful or two of hydrogen peroxide mixed with some milk. It worked like a charm -- but you shouldn't take that to mean vomiting is a universal cure all. It's not.
Only the Poison Control folks will be able to tell you how to treat each specific poisoning. Some might require induced vomiting, while for others -- especially caustic toxins -- vomiting could be the worst treatment, resulting in tears in your pet's digestive tract and stomach, and possibly even death. Vomiting also never should be induced if the pet is lethargic, convulsing or experiencing seizures, regardless of what he ate. It's $60 well spent.
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Comments (5)
You don't know how many sites I went through before finding one that listed Peonies as toxic! A note was posted on one of my breed list boards regarding a puppy ingesting the blooms. Now I can actually direct other pet owners here for confirmation. Thank you.
Hi there
I would like to keep some plants in my house, but i have a 10 months old house cat.
Is there any plants i can keep that would not be toxic to my pet?
Many thanks
Claire
Hi, Claire.
Thanks for stopping by! There are many plants that are non-toxic to cats. Among them, African violets, cast iron plant, Christmas cactus and Venus fly traps. For a complete list, visit the ASPCA's website at this link: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants/nontoxic-plants.html
-- Jessica
Hi,
I am planning on planting some shrubs called Wintercreeper, and I would like to know if they are toxic to dogs. I have a 6 year old dog (Samoyed). I can't find much info about Wintercreeper and if it is harmful to pets. Thank you for any information you can e-mail to me. Sincerely, Marianne
I have bird seed (millet and sunflower sprouts) growing in a couple containers for other plants. (Long story!). I'm wondering if these sprouts are safe to give my inside cats a little greens. Please reply!