The Dangers of Summertime Plants to your Pets
It's summer time! Hot days and warm nights. We're spending more time out doors and
so are our pets. But pet owners should be informed about potential dangers to our
furry friends, both outdoors and indoors, posed by plants commonly found around the
home.
Many common plants found around the home can be potentially dangerous for our pets.
Dogs and cats are curious animals by nature. They love to explore their environment
and love to lick and chew. Many young animals will play with plants and may eat them.
Unfortunately many plants found around the home are poisonous and you should be
informed about these plants so that you can remove or secure the plants that are
especially dangerous.
Tiger lilies are among the most poisonous plants for cats; even ingestion of very small
amounts of the plant can cause severe kidney damage. Sago Palms the popular, small
and hardy plant, causes very serious problems in dogs when they chew on the seeds or
'nuts'.
Cats are usually less likely than dogs to expose themselves through curious ingestions,
but cats will nibble on potentially deadly agents, such as lilies.
Dogs are very inquisitive. Sniffing, smelling, and usually tasting almost anything in sight
are natural behaviors for a dog. For that reason, vets commonly see dogs that ingest
items that can be very dangerous poisons.
Trees like Yews and Red Maples have toxic leaves. Wilted Red Maple Leaves are
especially dangerous.
Some of the most common and toxic plants include:
Arborvitae, Azalea, Bulbs Daffodils, Buttercups, Caladium, Caladium, Chrysanthemums,
Clematis, Croton, Delphinium, Gardenias, Gladiolas, Hibiscus, Holly, Hyacinth
Hydrangea, Lobelia, Wisteria, Castor bean, Japanese Yew, Lily of the
Valley,Ivy,Periwinkle,Peony, Philodendron, Oleander, Macadamia, Mums, Primroses,
Poppy, Privet, Sago Palm, Foxglove, Larkspur, Rhubarb, Day lily, Tiger Lily, Oriental
Lily, Rhododendron, Sweet Peas
If you do see your pet's chewing on one of these plants you should contact their
veterinarian immediately.
If you find your pet chewing on a plant that you are not sure of the species or a plant
that you don't know is poisonous or not, you should remove the plant from your pet's
mouth. Try to rinse the mouth with water. Turn on the hose about half strength and
rinse the lips, gums and tongue. Look for unusual behaviors, any changes in the skin
around the mouth, eyes, or paws. Watch for excessive or foamy salivation. Symptoms
of poisonings can include almost any clinical sign. The animal may even appear completely
normal for several hours or for days.
If your pet shows any signs contact your veterinarian immediately. Collect a sample of
the plant to take with you to the vet. They may be able to identify the plant or be
able to take it to somebody who can. Knowing the name of the plant is also very helpful
in identifying possible solutions.
Prevention is definitely better than Cure! The safest thing for your pet is to prevent
exposure to toxic plants. Remove dangerous plants from your pet's home and yard and
replace with plants known to be safe.
Toxic Food to Dogs
1. Onions
2. Chocolate cocoa
3. Macadamia nuts
4. Raisins
5. Grapes
