Plants That Are Poisonous to Dogs and Cats
Spring is a great time to get out and enjoy the outdoors with your pet. But as you explore new sights, smells, and sounds with your furry friend, be wary of plants that may be dangerous. There are, in fact, outdoor and indoor plants that are poisonous to dogs and cats. So, whether you own a garden, like to fill up your home like a greenhouse, or regularly take your pet buddy on walks, watch out for the following toxic plants.
Before we get too far, however, take note: The ASPCA has a 24-hour Animal Poison Control Center hotline at 888-426-4435.
Mistletoe
Although your pet must ingest a large amount to fall sick, every part is poisonous, even the mistletoe’s berries and leaves. The plant’s main toxins, lectins and phoratoxins, attack the animal’s heart to lower blood pressure and heart rate. In some cases, mistletoe poisoning can be fatal, too. Other poisoning symptoms include:
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Drooling
Seizures
Abdominal pain
Holly
While holly bushes decorate your compound and feed birds, this plant can poison cats and dogs with its toxins. For example, holly contains glycosides which are hard for the cat liver to digest. Additionally, theobromine alkaloids can overstimulate the nervous system while the leaf spines tear the oral tissue. Holly also contains saponins which can cause diarrhea and vomiting. Here are other symptoms to watch out for.
Drooling
Appetite loss
Mouth bleeding
Low energy levels
Seizures
Tulips
Every part of the plant contains toxins, from the leaves to the petals. However, toxins are higher in the bulb than in the stem and leaves. Like other plants in the lily family, tulips contain glycosides, a toxin that hinders protein synthesis. Even a small bite of this plant could irritate your pet’s mouth and esophagus. Humans might also develop a rash from handling tulip bulbs. If ingested in small amounts, tulips can cause your pet to:
Drool
Vomit
Diarrhea
On the other hand, consuming large amounts results in:
Convulsions
Tremors
Breathing difficulties
Increased heart rate
Abdominal pain
Cardiac arrhythmias
Amaryllis
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), Amaryllis is poisonous to horses, cats, and dogs. The main toxin, lycorine, resides in the leaves, bulbs, and stems. The following signs might point to Amaryllis poisoning.
Vomiting
Abdominal discomfort
Diarrhea
Appetite loss
Drooling
Low blood pressure
Sago Palm
Although every part of this plant is dangerous to your four-legged friend, the seeds are incredibly toxic. Moreover, pets are more attracted to seeds than other parts. Symptoms of poisoning may appear between 15 minutes and 12 hours of ingesting sago palm. Remember, even a small amount of the plant’s toxins could cause severe effects. Poisoning symptoms include:
Tremors
Drooling
Lethargy
Lack of appetite
Seizures
Left untreated, Sago Palm poisoning may end in liver failure which could be fatal.
Preventing Plant Poisoning
Although vets can treat poisoning with fluid therapy, induced vomiting, anti-seizure medication, and muscle relaxants, you should protect your furry friend from toxic plants. Here’s how to avoid health scares and costly visits to the veterinarian.
Leave your pet indoors when planting. It’s not uncommon for animals to dig up your plants.
Lining your garden with pine cones and gravel prevents animal invasion by making the ground uncomfortable.
Use chicken-wire fences and bamboo stake barriers.
Install motion-activated sprinklers to scare the pet away while nourishing your plants.
Train your pet to stay away from the garden and reward them for good behavior.
If your dog enjoys digging, designate a play area away from your plants.
Provide toys to keep your pet busy.
How Do You Treat Plant Poisoning in Cats and Dogs?
Rush to the vet as soon as you suspect plant poisoning. Even if the animal doesn’t display any symptoms, or you don’t catch them ingesting the plant, getting to the veterinarian as soon as possible could save their life. You could also dial the ASPCA hotline to learn how to manage the situation before you reach the hospital.
Again, The ASPCA has a 24-hour Animal Poison Control Center hotline at 888-426-4435.
Contact us to make an appointment today!
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