Some common plants, can pose hazards for pets. Some may cause only mild
digestive upsets, whereas, others can cause severe illness, and even death.
The
following common plants should kept out of reach of your pets. This list
is meant to serve as a guideline to prevent possible poisoning. If you
feel your pet is having symptoms of toxicity from ingesting a plant or
any other substances that have possibly been ingested you should call your
veterinarian and poison control immediately.
Amaryllis
Common garden plants popular around Easter, Amaryllis species
contain toxins that can cause vomiting, depression, diarrhea, abdominal
pain, hypersalivation, anorexia and tremors.
Autumn Crocus
Ingestion of
Colchicum autumnale by pets can result in oral irritation, bloody vomiting,
diarrhea, shock, multi-organ damage and bone marrow suppression.
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 in animals. Severe
azalea poisoning could ultimately lead to coma and death from cardiovascular
collapse.
Castor Bean
The poisonous principle in Ricinus communis is ricin,
a highly toxic protein that can produce severe abdominal pain, drooling,
vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, weakness and loss of appetite. Severe
cases of poisoning can result in dehydration, muscle twitching, tremors,
seizures, coma and death.
Chrysanthemum
These popular blooms are part of
the Compositae family, which contain pyrethrins that may produce gastrointestinal
upset, including drooling, vomiting and diarrhea, if eaten. In certain
cases depression and loss of coordination may also develop if enough
of any part of the plant is consumed.
Cyclamen
Cylamen species contain cyclamine, but the highest concentration of this
toxic component is typically located in the root portion of the plant.
If consumed, Cylamen can produce significant gastrointestinal irritation,
including intense vomiting. Fatalities have also been reported in some
cases.
English Ivy
Also called branching ivy, glacier ivy, needlepoint
ivy, sweetheart ivy and California ivy, Hedera helix contains triterpenoid
saponins that, should pets ingest, can result in vomiting, abdominal pain,
hypersalivation and diarrhea.
Kalanchoe
This plant contains components
that can produce gastrointestinal irritation, as well as those that are
toxic to the heart, and can seriously affect cardiac rhythm and rate.
Lilies
Members of the Lilium spp. are considered to be highly toxic to cats.
While the poisonous component has not yet been identified, it is clear
that with even ingestions of very small amounts of the plant, severe
kidney damage could result.
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.
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.
Peace Lily (AKA Mauna Loa Peace Lily)
Spathiphyllum contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation,
excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing and intense burning
and irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue in pets who ingest.
Pothos
Pothos (both Scindapsus and Epipremnum) belongs to the Araceae family.
If chewed or ingested, this popular household plant can cause significant
mechanical irritation and swelling of the oral tissues and other parts
of the gastrointestinal tract.
Sago Palm
All parts of Cycas Revoluta are
poisonous, but the seeds or “nuts” contain
the largest amount of toxin. The ingestion of just one or two seeds can
result in very serious effects, which include vomiting, diarrhea, depression,
seizures and liver failure.
Schefflera
Schefflera and Brassaia actinophylla
contain calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation, excessive
drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing and intense burning and irritation
of the mouth, lips and tongue in pets who ingest.
Tabacco
Contains nicotine,
which affects the digestive and nervous systems. Ingestion can result
in rapid heartbeat, collapse, coma, and death.
Tulip/Narcissus bulbs
The bulb portions of Tulipa/Narcissus spp. contain toxins that can cause
intense gastrointestinal irritation, drooling, loss of appetite, depression
of the central nervous system, convulsions and cardiac abnormalities.
Yew
Taxus spp. contains a toxic component known as taxine, which causes central
nervous system effects such as trembling, lack of coordination, and difficulty
breathing. It can also cause significant gastrointestinal irritation and
cardiac failure, which can result in death.
