Pets and Poisonous Plants
My-Dog.info > Dog Diseases, Bites, Worms & Ticks
Pets have a penchant for chewing on plants! Not being
particularly fussy about what they eat, pets will often chew on
plants that are NOT edible, some of which are toxic. Depending on
the toxicity level, the effects of ingesting certain plants can
range from simple digestive upset and vomiting to coma and death.
Understanding the basics of plant identification and knowing
which plants to keep out of your pets’ reach is an important
first step in ensuring the safety of your furry friends.
Keeping a toxic plant on a table may not be enough to keep it
out of reach for a cat that can climb and jump. Large dogs can
also stand with forelegs up on table edges to reach plants that
would normally be considered well out of reach.
List of toxic houseplants
Note: This is not an
all-inclusive listing since some people bring outdoor trees and
plants (that are not generally considered house plants) into
their homes. Some of these listed below are only house plants
when they are brought into the home for special occasions, but
are possible sources of toxic exposure. Though plants can be
classified as very, moderately, or minimally toxic, true toxicity
can vary according to the species ingesting it, the number of
leaves ingested, or whether other parts of the plants are more or
less toxic and whether these are ingested also.
- Candelabra Cactus
Crown of Thorns
Moderately toxic
These are members of the spurge family. The ingestion of
leaves generally results in mild to moderate digestive upsets
including excess saliva, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Dieffenbachia (also called Dumbcane)
Moderately toxic
This family of plants cause local irritation because of oxalic
acid salts in the plant.
Roots, leaves, and stem ingestion can cause mouth irritation,
extra saliva production and on rare occasions, diarrhea.
- English Ivy
Minimally toxic
Leaves and berries may cause digestive system irritation,
diarrhea, breathing difficulties and rarely, coma or even death.
This ornamental plant is a common Christmas fixture and
ingestion is most commonly associated with signs such as
digestive upset and nervous system depression. They have some of
the same toxic components as chocolate (caffeine, theobromine).
Contains a cyanide-type toxin, a very rapid acting poison
leading to oxygen starvation and very quick onset of symptoms
including death.
- Lily: Easter Lily, tiger lily, Japanese showy
lilies, day lilies and others in the Lilium family
(Liliaceae)
Very toxic
Will cause kidney failure and death in cats.
This is a real concern for cats since only a small amount of
ingested leaf can lead to serious problems. Vomiting, dull
attitude, and appetite loss are the first signs generally noted.
Treatment should begin immediately.
Note: Peace lilies and Calla lilies are in other plant families.
A Christmas decoration, the American Mistletoe produces quite
severe irritation of the digestive tract, as well as whole body
symptoms including low heart rate and temperature, difficulty
breathing, unsteadiness, excess thirst, and sometimes seizures,
coma, and even death.
Even small amounts can kill. All parts of the plant are very
poisonous and result in digestive system irritation, vomiting and
diarrhea, heart irregularities, depression, and often death.
Though leaves are bitter when fresh, wilted and dead ones are a
bit more palatable and are still toxic when dry.
- Philodendron
Moderately toxic
This family of plants cause local irritation because of oxalic
acid salts in the plant.
Roots, leaves and stem ingestion can cause mouth irritation,
extra saliva production, and sometimes diarrhea when ingested.
- Poinsettia
Minimally to moderately toxic
These are members of the spurge family. The ingestion of
leaves generally results in mild to moderate digestive upsets.
Signs include excess saliva, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Rhododendron (Azelia)
Moderately toxic
Leaves particularly may cause digestive pain and irritation,
abnormal heart function, tremors, and perhaps seizures, coma and
even death when ingested. More commonly found outdoors than
indoors.
Other toxic plants:
Chrysanthemum
Daffodil
Delphinium
Hyacinth
Jerusalem Cherry
Sago Palm
Tulip
Catnip has very minimal toxic effects; just mostly the
familiar silly effects (wild, or disoriented (drunk appearance),
so you can go ahead and allow cats to chew this plant in
moderation, grown either in the household or fresh from the
garden! Note that vomiting and diarrhea could result if very
large amounts are ingested in a short interval.
Currently, it is uncertain whether these are toxic, but there
are a few reports of possible kidney failure in dogs resulting
from LARGE amounts of grapes and raisins being ingested. Until
more information is available, it would be prudent to avoid
exposure to large quantities of either.
To protect your pet:
Be prepared. Know what plants are toxic and keep pets away.
If you suspect your pet has chewed and/or eaten parts of a
toxic plant, call your veterinarian immediately. Do not wait
until the end of a weekend, or overnight for regular office hours
since some plants that can damage internal organs may cause
significant (and perhaps irreversible) injury in a short time
frame.
For pets that are allowed to free-roam in yards, the local
trees, flowers, and plants should also be scrutinized for their
toxic potential.
Do not attempt home treatment without professional guidance.
If you have trouble identifying a plant, contact your local
nursery for assistance.
Reprinted with permission from www.animalhealthcare.ca
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