Which Plants Are Toxic To Pets?

Screen-shot-2012-07-20-at-9.40.24-AM-300x300[1]Of the thousands of flower and plant species, only a small number of them are toxic to the point of being truly dangerous to your pets. Before your dog or cat eats a flower or plant in your garden, worrying you to the point of calling a helpline, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the following  list of commonly found poisonous species.

Autumn Crocus
Diarrhea and vomiting will most likely follow your cat or dogs ingestion of the spring variety. The less commonly found Autumn crocus, which contains colchicine, is extremely toxic. Along with severe vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding, liver and kidney damage, respiratory failure can follow. There could be immediate signs of distress, or they may be delayed for several days. If you think it was the autumn variety which was ingested, take your pet to a veterinarian for immediate care.

Azalea
Eating just a few leaves can cause excessive drooling, vomiting and diarrhea. If this happens, your pet could fall into a coma and require immediate veterinary care.

Cyclamen
Severe vomiting, sometimes leading to death, can occur if the roots of this plant are ingested.

Kalanchoe
Ingestion by your pet can cause diarrhea, vomiting and heart arrhythmia.

Lilies
Ingestion of just a few highly toxic petals or leaves of the following lily varieties can cause life-threatening kidney failure (especially in cats):
Tiger, Day, Easter, Japanese Sow and Asiatic lilies.

Note: The Peace and Calla varieties may cause minor mouth irritation.

For best prognosis, if your pet ingested any of the dangerous varieties listed above, seek immediate veterinary assistance.

Oleander
Ingestion of its toxic leaves can cause vomiting, slowing of heart rate and possible death.

Dieffenbachia
Ingestion of leaves from this home and office favorite can cause nausea, oral irritation, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing.

Other plants with similar toxic characteristics, which are dangerous if ingested by a pet, include: Hyacinths, Daffodils, Lily of the Valley, Sago Palms and Tulips

Being aware of these dangers, it’s a good idea to avoid the possibility of your pets coming into contact with the above flowers and plants.

Brought to by Horizon Landscape Company