Common Plants Toxic to Dogs and Cats
Many of our fur babies have a habit of chewing on plants, twigs and other things around the home, particularly if you have just been out in the garden pruning and have left branches and leaves laying around. These can cause serious illness and even death in some cases. It’s therefore important to check the safety of any plants before giving your pets access to them.
Below is a list of common plants that are dangerous to dogs and cats:
Aloe Vera
Amaryllis
Angels Trumpet
Autumn Crocus
Azalea/ Rhododendron
Baby’s breath
Begonia
Buttercup (Ranunculus)
Carnations
Castor Bean
Chrysanthemum
Cycads
Cyclamen
Daffodil
Dumbcane and Elephant’s Ear
Gladiola
Ivy
Kalanchoe
Lantana (berries)
Marijuana
Milkweed
Oleander
Paspalum
Peace Lily/Pothos/Schrfflera
Poinsettia
Sago Palm/Japanese fern
Tomato plant
Tulips
Wandering Jew
White Cedar
Wisteria
Yew
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and you should always check before purchasing new plants. Because this is a massive category on its own, and far from the scope of this article, it is best to view specific articles on such plant poisons. The best people to talk to would be you vet and nursery.
Signs of poisoning
If your pet is showing any of the following symptoms:
Irregular or racing pulse.
Vomiting
Cold extremities
Lethargy
Rapid Breathing
Frothing at the mouth
Please call your local veterinarian immediately for advice.
The best action is prevention, however If you think your pet has ingested a toxic plant, don’t wait. Please call your local veterinarian immediately for advice. You should always have the phone number of a 24-hour vet handy for everyone in the household, just in case of such occasions.
Links
Pet Poisons Helpline – US based
Provides some good information on a range of poisons
https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poisons/
ASPCA – US Based
A compilation of the most frequently encountered plants.
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants
Cornell CALS - College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Plants Poisonous to Livestock and other Animals