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Poisonous Plants
Common Plants Toxic to Your Pets
Some Plants Are Dangerous to Pets!
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Planting flowers and shrubs is a Spring event. Flowers are also a favorite gift at this time of year, but be wise, and consider that certain flowers are extremely dangerous to our animal companions. Some plants are toxic to pets and should be avoided.
Being familiar with plants in and around your home is key in preventing your pet from consuming any plants that may be poisonous. The toxic effects of some plants on your pet can vary depending on the plant. Effects can include symptoms from mild stomach upset, vomiting and diarrhea, increased heart-rate, renal failure, convulsions, or even death.
For example, most varieties of lilies are highly poisonous to cats, and while roses may not be toxic to your pet, their thorns could cause injury. While some flowers are considered to be nontoxic, it’s important to keep in mind that even “safe” plants may produce minor stomach upset if ingested.
Some of the Most Common Poisonous Plants
• Lilies
• Tulip & Narcissus bulbs
• Marijuana
• English Ivy
• Sago Palm
• Chrysanthemum
• Oleander
• Amaryllis
• Castor Bean
• Peace Lily
• Yew
• Azalea & Rhododendron
There are numerous varieties of plants that can be toxic, other than the few listed above, so please do your research.
When in doubt, check it out!
A great resource to learn about which plants are toxic to pets is located on ASPCA website at: www.aspca.org/apcc. If you think your pet has been exposed to a potentially toxic plant, call your veterinarian immediately or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center hotline at 1- 888-426-4435. There may be a fee for using this service, but it may save your pet’s life!
Common Plants Toxic to Your Pets
Lilies
Members of the Lilium species are considered to be highly toxic to cats. While the poisonous component has not yet been identified, it is very clear that even very small amounts of this plant if ingested, can result in severe kidney damage. In some cases leading to renal failure and death.
Marijuana
Ingestion of Cannabis sativa by companion animals can result in depression of the central nervous system and incoordination, as well as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, increased heart rate, and even seizures and coma.
Sago Palm
All parts of Cycas Revoluta are poisonous, but the seeds or “nuts” contain the largest amount of toxin. Ingestion of just one or two seeds can result in very serious effects, which include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, seizures and liver failure.
Tulip & Narcissus Bulbs
The bulb portions of Tulipa and Narcissus species contain toxins that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation, drooling, loss of appetite, depression of the central nervous system, convulsions and cardiac abnormalities.
Azalea & Rhododendron
Members of the Rhododenron species contain substances known as grayantoxins, which can produce vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, weakness and depression of the central nervous system. Severe Azalea poisoning could lead to coma and death from cardiovascular collapse.
Oleander
All parts of Nerium oleander are considered to be toxic, as they contain cardiac glycosides that have the potential to cause serious effects including gastrointestinal tract irritation, abnormal heart function, hypothermia and even death.
Castor Bean
The poisonous principle in Castor Bean is ricin, a highly toxic protein that can produce severe abdominal pain, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, weakness and loss of appetite. Severe poisoning cases can result in dehydration, muscle twitching, tremors, seizures, coma and death.
What to do If Your Pet Is Poisoned
Don’t Panic
The most important thing to remember in any emergency situation is DON’T PANIC! A quick response is very important. Panic will only interfere with the process of helping your pet.
Collect Valuable Information
Take 30 to 60 seconds to safely collect and have on hand any materials involved. This could be of great benefit to your veterinarian and/or toxicologists as they try to determine what poison or poisons are involved. In the event that you need to take your pet to your veterinarian or emergency clinic, be sure to take the product’s container with you. Also, collect in a resealable plastic bag any material your pet may have chewed or vomited.
Seek Emergency Advice
If you witness your pet consuming anything that you suspect might be toxic, do not hesitate to seek emergency assistance, even if you do not notice any adverse effects. Animals may appear normal for several hours, or even days after the incident.
Have the Following Information Ready:
• The species, breed, age, sex, weight and number of animals involved
• The animal’s symptoms
• Information regarding the exposure, including the agent (if known), the amount of the agent involved, and the time elapsed since the time of exposure
• Have the product container or packaging available
If your animal is having seizures, losing consciousness, is unconscious or is having difficulty breathing, telephone ahead and bring your pet immediately to your veterinarian or emergency veterinary clinic.
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
1-888-426-4435
Information Provided Courtesy of the ASPCA®. Copyright 2009 ASPCA®. All rights reserved.