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Mother Nature's danger 

Poisonous plants that can harm your pet

By Melanie Dziengo

 

Spring means fresh air, a change of seasons, new plants, and a whole new world for curious animals. There can be dangers associated with house and garden plants that pet owners need to be aware of. According to The Humane Society of the United States, more than 700 plants are harmful to our furry friends. Here are just 10 plants you shouldn’t have in your home if you have a pet.

CATS

Asian Lily

Asian lilies, and lilies in general, are plants you should stay away from if you have a cat. This is especially because the entire plant is toxic. Symptoms to look for include vomiting, lethargy, and kidney failure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Baby’s Breath

While beautiful with graduation flowers, if ingested by cats

(in addition to being toxic to dogs), baby’s breath causes irritation to their gastrointestinal tracts. Should your kitty ingest the plant, the signs to look for are vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and depression.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aloe Vera

Used as an alternative medicine, and for healing sunburns and cuts, aloe vera is the third plant you should be cautious of. According to the San Francisco Gate, symptoms can appear in six to 12 hours. Signs to look for in case of consumption are vomiting, anorexia, depression, kidney failure, and changes in urine colour.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Elephant Ear

Its resemblance to an actual elephant ear is uncanny, but to our four-legged friends, it’s a plant that can wreak havoc. The entire plant isn’t one that you would want around the house. Symptoms are numerous, but include an irritated and burning mouth, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jade Plant

What specifically is toxic about this plant is not known. However, the plant is poisonous to both cats and dogs. If it is suspected the animal ingested the plant, signs are vomiting, depression, incoordination, and a slow heart rate.

 

DOGS

Dumbcane

Native to tropical countries like Mexico and Argentina, the entire plant is toxic to man’s best friend. The level of toxicity ranges from mild to moderate. Signs to look for are similar to the ones in elephant ear, including pawing at the mouth, and a lack of appetite.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corn Plant

This plant may sound tasty to us, but it has serious consequences for dogs if they eat it. Indicators include vomiting, possibly with blood, depression, anorexia, loss of appetite, and increased salivation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Satin Pothos

Also known as silk pothos, this houseplant is toxic to both dogs and cats. Should your canine ingest it, symptoms to be on the lookout for include, increased salivation, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and irritation of the mouth, lips, and tongue.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asparagus Fern

The level of toxicity when ingested by dogs is mild. But, if the animal is repeatedly exposed to the asparagus fern, skin inflammation can result. Warning signs include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Heartleaf Philodendron

Also known under numerous names like fruit salad plant, and red princess, toxicity levels are mild to moderate. Poisoning occurs when the animal bites into the plant. Symptoms include drooling, mouth pain, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, and lack of appetite.

 

If your pet has ingested these or other plants, it is vital to get the animal to your veterinarian as soon as possible. For more information on toxic or harmful plants, go to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

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