Home Outdoors Garden
Rachel BroughamUpdated: May 09, 2023
Plants add color, texture and beauty to your home and yard, but some of those plants are toxic for your pets, so beware of these 10 plants. Note: If you suspect your pet may have ingested a potentially toxic substance, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
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If you’re a plant person, you always need to be aware of toxic plants for pets. With Easter, Mother’s Day, and spring all coming up you may be inundated with new plants. Unfortunately, there are many toxic plants for pets that double as popular gifts. If you’ve got furry friends, you need to be careful that they can’t get into any of these dangerous plants.
Signs Your Pet Has Eaten a Poisonous Plant
While the specific signs might vary depending on what your pet has ingested, there are some signs you should always be concerned about. Vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea, drooling, and tremors are common poisoning symptoms. If you notice any symptoms you need to act quickly; some of these plants are fatal even in small doses.
What to Do If Your Pet Eats a Poisonous Plant
If you notice any warning signs, or thing that your furry friend has gotten into one of these toxic plants for pets, try to get your pet to an emergency vet right away. You can also call the poison control hotline for pets. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Phone Number is (888) 426-4435).
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Aloe Vera
You may like to keep an aloe vera plant around to treat sunburns, but The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) says aloe vera is a hazard to your pets. It can cause vomiting, lethargy and diarrhea in both cats and dogs. And, according to Rover.com, “Topical use of the gel found inside the leaves is no problem, but there are other proponents of the plant that can irritate the digestive system if ingested.”
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Azaleas
Whether indoors or out, azaleas are toxic to both dogs, cats and reptiles. “Even ingesting just a few azalea leaves can cause oral irritation with subsequent vomiting and diarrhea in cats. In severe cases, ingestion can cause a drop in blood pressure, heart arhythmias, coma and death,” notes petMD.
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Dracaena Fragrans
Also known as the “corn plant,” dracaena fragrans is a popular houseplant that is toxic to pets, including cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA. When ingested, the plant can cause vomiting (occasionally with blood), depression, anorexia, hyper-salivation and, in cats, dilated pupils.
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Dieffenbachia
Toxic to both cats and dogs, dieffenbachia, also known as “dumb cane,” can cause oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing, according to the ASPCA. “Ingestion of dieffenbachia is rarely fatal but very unpleasant for cats,” notes petMD. Be sure to keep it away from your pets.
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Jade
Jade, or crassula argentea, is known for being an easy-to-care-for plant, but it is toxic to pets, including cats and dogs according, to the ASPCA. Not only can the plant cause vomiting in both animals, Rover.com notes it can cause a slow heart rate and depression in dogs.
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Daffodils
A favorite spring flower in beds outside or to show off inside both in pots and vases, daffodils are toxic to not only cats and dogs, but also reptiles. The ASPCA says the bulbs are the most poisonous. If your pet ingests it, symptoms can includes vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, low blood pressure, tremors and cardiac arhythmias.
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Sago Palm
“Also known as the coontie palm, or the cardboard palm, the sago palm is an extremely poisonous plant to cats,” notes petMD. “When ingested, it can cause bloody vomiting and diarrhea, bleeding disorders, liver failure, and death.” The ASPCA also notes the plant is poisonous to dogs, causing the same symptoms, so keep it away from your pets.
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Tulips
The whole tulip plant is toxic to both cats and dogs, says the ASPCA. In cats, “Ingestion can cause significant oral irritation, excessive drooling and nausea. Unless large quantities of the bulb are eaten, which is unlikely in cats, tulip ingestion should not be fatal,” says petMD. Don’t forget to check out these pet-safe houseplants.
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Philodendron
“Philodendron is a popular pick for its low-maintenance needs, but if ingested, can result in swelling and burning of the mouth and tongue as well as digestive issues, spasms, and even seizures,” when it comes to dogs, notes Rover.com. There are several varieties of Philodendron, which the ASPCA has on its toxic list for both cats and dogs.
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Lily
Several varieties of lily are toxic to pets, including the calla lily, which is toxic to reptiles, according to Reptiles magazine. “Many different species of flowering plants are commonly referred to as lilies. Those included in the genus Lilium, like Easter lilies, Asiatic lilies, and tiger lilies, cause severe kidney failure in cats that ingest even a small amount of the plant,” notes petMD.
Originally Published: May 21, 2019
Rachel Brougham
Rachel Brougham lived through a major home renovation in 2019, knows the ups and downs of home improvement, and loves sharing tips with readers. A veteran journalist of both print and television, she’s won several awards for her writing and has covered everything from the environment and education to health care, politics and food. She’s written for several publications beyond newspapers including Bob Vila, Taste of Home and Minnesota Parent, and she currently writes a weekly syndicated newspaper column. Her memoir, Widowland, about the sudden loss of her husband, was published in 2022. She specializes in everything from home decor and design to lawn and garden, product reviews and pet care. When she’s not writing, you can usually find her tending to her garden (both vegetables and native plants), playing with her dog, watching sports with her family or getting some exercise. A native of Michigan, she currently lives in Minneapolis. An avid user of Instagram, you can follow her @RachBrougham.
As an avid enthusiast with a deep understanding of plants, especially their interactions with pets, it's crucial to acknowledge the potential dangers that certain flora can pose to our beloved furry companions. My expertise stems from years of research, personal experience, and a commitment to promoting the well-being of both plants and pets.
First and foremost, it's essential to recognize the signs of toxicity in pets. Vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea, drooling, and tremors are common symptoms that should raise immediate concern. Acting swiftly is paramount, as some plants can be fatally toxic even in small doses.
Now, let's delve into the specific plants mentioned in the article:
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Aloe Vera:
- Known for treating sunburns, Aloe Vera is hazardous to pets, causing vomiting, lethargy, and diarrhea in both cats and dogs. Topical use is generally safe, but ingestion of other parts can irritate the digestive system.
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Azaleas:
- Toxic to dogs, cats, and reptiles, even a few azalea leaves can lead to oral irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, and, in severe cases, issues like a drop in blood pressure, heart arrhythmias, coma, or death.
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Dracaena Fragrans (Corn Plant):
- A popular houseplant toxic to pets, ingestion can result in vomiting (sometimes with blood), depression, anorexia, hyper-salivation, and dilated pupils in cats.
-
Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane):
- Harmful to both cats and dogs, Dieffenbachia can cause oral irritation, intense burning, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. While rarely fatal, it can be unpleasant for cats.
-
Jade (Crassula Argentea):
- Despite being easy to care for, Jade is toxic to pets, inducing vomiting in both cats and dogs. In dogs, it can also lead to a slow heart rate and depression.
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Daffodils:
- The bulbs of daffodils are highly poisonous to cats, dogs, and reptiles. Ingestion can result in vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias.
-
Sago Palm:
- Extremely poisonous to cats and dogs, the Sago Palm can cause bloody vomiting and diarrhea, bleeding disorders, liver failure, and death.
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Tulips:
- The entire tulip plant is toxic to both cats and dogs, causing oral irritation, excessive drooling, and nausea in cats. Fatal outcomes are unlikely unless large quantities of the bulb are consumed.
-
Philodendron:
- Popular for its low-maintenance needs, Philodendron, when ingested, can result in swelling and burning of the mouth and tongue, digestive issues, spasms, and seizures in dogs.
-
Lily:
- Various lily species, including Easter lilies, Asiatic lilies, and tiger lilies, can cause severe kidney failure in cats even with minimal ingestion.
It's crucial for plant enthusiasts and pet owners alike to be well-informed about these potential dangers and take preventive measures to ensure a safe and thriving environment for both plants and pets.
