Whether you’re an avid gardener or simply enjoy keeping a houseplant or two, there’s good reason to be concerned about pets and plants. According to recent statistics, 25% of the total pet poisoning cases each year are caused by ingestion of a toxic plant.
There are currently more than 700 plants identified that produce compounds that can be toxic to pets, with effects ranging from mild stomach upset to death. Greenery can be tempting to dogs, cats, and other pets, making it of vital importance to identify and remove any potentially toxic plants from your pet’s environment.
Pets and Plants: Top Toxins
Lilies (Day, Calla, Easter, etc. are all toxic to cats, and even a small amount can be fatal)
Yes
Amaryllis
Daffodil
Ivy
Philodendron
Hyacinth
Aloe Vera
Mistletoe
Crocus
Sago Palm (extremely toxic, can cause liver failure)
Corn Plant
Dieffenbachia (also called Dumb Cane)
Pothos
If growing vegetables is your thing, keep in mind that several popular garden items can pose a danger to your pet, such as:
Tomatoes (leaves and immature fruits)
Rhubarb (leaves)
Garlic and onion
Cocoa mulch, compost, and other soil amenders (not plants, but can include compounds that are toxic to pets)
What do I do if my pet eats a toxic plant?
The symptoms of plant poisoning may vary, but common behaviors include:
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Excessive salivation
Difficulty swallowing
Lethargy
Tremors or convulsions
If your pet is experiencing any of the above symptoms, or you suspect they have ingested a toxic substance, find your nearest
emergency pet hospital and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
How can I protect my pet from toxic plants?
Even if you make sure that all the plants in your home, garden, and lawn are perfectly pet-safe (and you should!), tummy troubles can still occur if your furry friend decides to sample your greenery. To avoid emergencies and ailments, take the following precautions with pets and plants:
Make sure that your pet can’t access any plants in your home. This can be accomplished with the creative use of hanging baskets or high shelves, or by dedicating one room in your home to plants and keeping it off-limits to pets.
Provide cat grass for your kitty’s nibbling pleasure. This can be purchased pre-grown at most garden supply stores or is easily cultivated at home.
Supervise your pet when visiting other people's homes and when outdoors.
Please don’t hesitate to contact your local Thrive Pet Healthcare team with any questions about plants, pets, and poisoning!
