SAN ANTONIO — It's spring time and for most folks, that means heading outside to freshen up their gardens and do some planting. But if you have pets, there are some plants you should know about because they could cause your dog or cat to get an upset tummy, or even die if eaten.
More than 700 plants have been identified which produce compounds that can be toxic to pets, with effects ranging from mild stomach upset to death.
“Eating just about any plant could cause vomiting and diarrhea in your pet, but some plants such as Sago Palms and lilies can cause more significant complications including liver and kidney failure, respectively,” says Dr. Leslie Bauer, Medical Director at
Emergency Pet Clinic – San Antonio, a Thrive Pet Healthcare partner. “It’s important to be aware of which plants are toxic to pets and keep them out of reach. If you suspect your pet ingested a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline immediately. Accurate and timely treatment of known toxicities is critical. If you wait until your pet begins to act ill, organ damage may have already occurred. Early decontamination and treatment can prevent the most life-threatening complications.”
