As pet parents, we always strive to create a safe and nurturing environment for our furry friends. However, many of us are unaware that some of the most common household plants can be toxic to our beloved pets. That’s why we’ve rounded up 15 plant species that can pose a risk to our furry companions. By understanding these potential dangers, we can take proactive steps to protect our pets and create a pet-friendly haven.
1. Lilies
Source: Lisa Larson/Youtube
Lilies, particularly those of the Lilium and Hemerocallis species, are highly toxic to cats. Ingesting any part of the plant (including the water they are growing in) can cause kidney failure in less than 3 days, so it’s crucial to keep them out of reach. Even small amounts of pollen or water from a vase containing lilies can be dangerous if consumed by cats.
2. Sago Palm
Source: ABC 10 News/Youtube
This popular decorative plant contains toxins, including cycasin and cycad toxins, that can lead to liver failure in both cats and dogs when consumed. Symptoms of sago palm poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, seizures, and even death if not treated promptly. Be careful particularly of the seeds, as they pose the largest threat to pets.
In April of 2021, a family lost two of their dogs to Sago Palm. Minutes after ingesting the seeds that Maisy and Murphy found in their South Carolina backyard, the pups began vomiting. They were in desperate need of medical help, but this did not save them.
3. Azaleas and Rhododendrons
These vibrant flowering plants contain toxins called grayantoxins. Ingesting even a small amount can lead to drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially more severe symptoms such as abnormal heart rate, weakness, and coma. It’s important to note that all parts of the plant, including the leaves, flowers, and nectar, are toxic to pets.
4. Tulips and Hyacinths
The bulbs of these beautiful spring flowers contain toxins called tulipalin A and hyacinthacin, which can cause gastrointestinal irritation when consumed by pets. Symptoms of tulip or hyacinth poisoning include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and in some cases, increased heart rate and difficulty breathing. While all parts of these flowers are toxic, the bulbs are the most threatening to the lives of your pets.
A cat lover snapped a picture of her fur baby in 2018 posing with a bunch of tulips. But, less than 24 hours later Juliey Chidlow had to make the terrible decision to put down her cat Kiki. Kiki was poisoned by the flowers and quickly got sick after ingesting them.
5. Daffodils
Source: KCAL News/Youtube
Daffodils, including their bulbs, stems, leaves, and flowers, contain toxic alkaloids such as lycorine and narcissine. Ingesting these parts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and even heart issues in pets. It’s important to keep daffodil plants out of reach and prevent pets from digging them up.
6. Oleander
This ornamental shrub contains toxic compounds, including cardiac glycosides, which affect the heart. Ingesting any part of the plant can lead to symptoms such as drooling, weakness, irregular heartbeat, tremors, seizures, and even death. These can negatively impact not just dogs and cats, but goats, cows, sheep, horses, and rabbits too. It’s crucial to keep pets away from oleander plants, including fallen leaves or flowers.
In 2016, a Sonoma County woman lost her horse and dog to Oleander-laced cookies that were left out deliberately to harm the animals. Other animals were poisoned as well but did not lose their lives.
7. Dieffenbachia
Also known as the “dumb cane” plant, Dieffenbachia contains oxalate crystals that can cause intense oral irritation, swelling, and difficulty swallowing if chewed or ingested. Symptoms of Dieffenbachia poisoning include drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing.
8. English Ivy
While English Ivy adds a touch of green to our homes, it can cause digestive issues, abdominal pain, increased salivation, diarrhea, and even difficulty breathing if consumed by pets. The leaves and berries of English Ivy contain toxins such as triterpenoid saponins and polyacetylene compounds, which can be harmful to pets.
9. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera, known for its healing properties, can be toxic to pets, particularly dogs, when ingested. The gel inside the leaves contains anthraquinones, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and changes in urine color. It’s important to keep aloe vera plants out of your pet’s reach and avoid using aloe vera products on their skin.
10. Philodendron
This popular houseplant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause oral irritation, drooling, and difficulty swallowing if chewed or ingested. Symptoms of philodendron poisoning include pawing at the mouth, vomiting, and in some cases, swelling of the mouth and throat, leading to breathing difficulties. While philodendrons are only mild to moderately toxic, they still should be kept out of reach of pets.
11. Pothos
Source: flowerri/Youtube
Pothos, also known as Devil’s Ivy, contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation, vomiting, and difficulty breathing if consumed. It’s important to keep pothos plants out of reach and avoid placing them in hanging pots where pets can access them.
12. Snake Plant
Snake plants, while excellent for purifying the air, can be toxic to pets. Ingesting the leaves can cause gastrointestinal upset and, in some cases, tremors. The toxic compounds in snake plants are saponins, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in pets.
13. Peace Lily
Source: University Veterinary Hospital/Youtube
Peace lilies contain calcium oxalate crystals, similar to other plants in the Araceae family, which can cause oral irritation, drooling, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting if consumed by pets. It’s important to note that all parts of the peace lily plant, including the leaves, stems, and flowers, contain these toxic compounds. Keep peace lilies out of reach or opt for pet-safe alternatives to ensure your furry friends’ safety.
14. Yew
Yew is a common landscaping shrub that contains toxins called taxine alkaloids. These toxins affect the central nervous system and can lead to symptoms such as trembling, difficulty breathing, seizures, and even death if ingested by pets. It’s crucial to prevent pets from accessing yew plants, including fallen leaves or berries.
A petting farm in the U.K. called Nunny’s Farm lost several animals after accidentally being fed yew tree branches. Three sheep and three goats passed away when the toxic tree was mixed in with donated Christmas trees for the animals to eat.
15. Cyclamen
The tubers of cyclamen plants contain toxic compounds, including cyclamine and saponins, which can cause gastrointestinal upset if consumed by pets. Symptoms of cyclamen poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, and in some cases, heart rhythm abnormalities.
While plants bring beauty and freshness to our homes, it’s crucial to be aware of their potential dangers to our furry companions. The 15 plant species mentioned above can pose a risk to pets if ingested. By familiarizing ourselves with these toxic plants, we can take proactive steps to ensure our pets’ safety. Consider pet-friendly alternatives and place toxic plants out of reach or opt for hanging baskets. Regularly inspect your home for any potentially harmful plants and create a pet-safe environment that promotes the well-being of our furry friends.
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