Beautiful but toxic: These common backyard blossoms can be deadly to pets, so think before you plant (2024)

With spring planting in full swing, gardeners should keep in mind that not all plant varieties are safe for pets. In fact, some are deadly and should be avoided if there are pets in the household.

Choosing the right plants to make our gardens bloom but also be safe for pets can be a daunting task — some plants are toxic for dogs but not cats, and vice versa, so it is important to do your homework before choosing what to plant.

Some of the most common poisonous plants that should be avoided for pets include:

SAGO PALM: Also known as the Palm Sunday palm, these plants are widely popular in our area, especially this time of year. The entire plant, and the seeds in particular, contain a potent toxin called cycasin that can be fatal, even if the animal only eats a single seed.

Ingestion of any part or amount of this plant warrants immediate emergency veterinarian treatment. Symptoms include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, abnormal fluid accumulation in the abdomen, abdominal pain, jaundice and black-tarry stool. A dog may also experience weakness, seizures, tremors and severe liver failure. Even with aggressive treatment, the survival rate is about 50%.

AZALEAS: Ingesting even a few leaves can cause serious issues such as upset stomach, drooling, loss of appetite, weakness and leg paralysis, and in some cases, coma or death.

HYDRANGEAS: These are poisonous to cats, dogs and horses. All parts of the plant are toxic because they containcyanogenic glycoside. Signs of ingestion include diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, confusion and depression.

BIRDS OF PARADISE: Toxic for both dogs and cats, they also can be fatal for rabbits. They can cause intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing and loss of coordination is possible.

DAFFODILS: While pretty, daffodils contain poisonous alkaloids that can cause vomiting, excessive salivation, diarrhea, convulsions, tremors and heart problems in pets. The bulbs are the most dangerous part of the plant.

GERANIUMS: The leaves, stem, roots and especially the flower of the scented geranium contain essential oils, linalool and geraniol, which are toxic to cats and dogs. Ingesting any part of the plant can cause vomiting, reduced appetite and depression. Touching the plant can cause skin irritation.

HIBISCUSES: The hibiscus plant is well known for its large, colorful flowers, but is a major "no" for pets. Signs of ingestion include vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and anorexia.

LILIES: While nontoxic for dogs, lilies are very toxic for cats and can cause serious kidney damage.

TULIPS: They are toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The bulb of a tulip can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation, drooling, loss of appetite, depression of the central nervous system, convulsions and cardiac irregularities.

DAISIES: These are toxic to both dogs and cats and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, lack of coordination and dermatitis.

ALOE VERA: Although it has medicinal benefits for humans, aloe vera is toxic to pets. If ingested, it can cause vomiting, lethargy and diarrhea.

This is just a sampling of the list of plants that are dangerous for pets. For an expanded list and photos of toxic plants, visit www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants.

The safest way to prevent poisoning is to avoid these plants. With a little research, you can find several beautiful options for flowers and plants that are safe for the entire family.

If you suspect that an animal has come into contact with a poisonous plant, seek medical attention immediately.

Events

Saturday: Animal Rescue New Orleans will be at Petco, 3520 Veterans Blvd. in Metairie, from noon to 4 p.m. with adoptable dogs. For more info, email adopt@animalrescueneworleans.org.