Pet-Toxic Plants

Hundreds of common garden plants are potentially harmful to animals. 

Uh-oh! Fido & Fluffy have been enjoying the garden and suddenly they're showing signs of distress. Did they eat something dangerous outside? 


Hundreds of garden plants are toxic to one degree or another, including peonies, honeysuckle, black-eyed Susans, clematis, and hydrangea. Moreover, many common weeds, such as crabgrass and clover, are hazardous, too. Harmful effects from eating these plants include digestive upsets, skin rashes, organ damage and death. With toxic plants surrounding us in nature and in gardens, how do animals manage to survive at all? Most animals, especially those finicky felines, instinctively avoid these plants. Theoretically, dogs and cats eat plants only when they're bored. 


Sometimes the danger is specific to particular animals. Yew, for example, is so deadly to cats and dogs that a dog need only eat one-tenth of 1 percent of its body weight to die! However, deer feast on yew and birds scarf up the berries with no apparent harm. Fireweed and lilies are toxic to cats. Simply ingesting two flower petals or minute bits of stems and leaves can result in renal failure and death. 

The ASPCA has a list of plants that are toxic to cats, dogs and horses on its website at:

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants/

If you suspect your pet has ingested a harmful substance, call your veterinarian. But if the animal is having seizures, losing consciousness, or having difficulty breathing, telephone ahead and take the animal immediately to your veterinarian or nearest emergency veterinarian clinic. 


The ASPCA's Poison Control Center and Pet Poison Hotline are both staffed around the clock to assist with emergencies: 

ASPCA Poison Control Center: 1-888-426-4435

Pet Poison Hotline: 1-800-213-6680

Common Plants Toxic to Dogs


Azalea: Ingestion of just a few leaves can cause digestive upset, drooling, loss of appetite, weakness, leg paralysis, or even death. 


Apple: Seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides (cyanide). Ingesting enough seeds can provide a fatal dose. 


Grape: Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, increased drinking, abdominal pain, and kidney failure. Even if consumed in low quantities over a period of time, the results can be fatal. 


Cherry, plum, peach: Leaves and seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can cause dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, shock and death. 







Common Plants Toxic to Cats


Ivy: Leaves and berries can cause stomach irritation, diarrhea, coma or death. 


Tulip: These bulbs can damage a cat's mouth and esophagus and cause vomiting, severe diarrhea, and abnormal heart rhythms. Hyacinths and daffodils are also harmful. 


Castor Bean: All parts, but mostly seeds, if chewed, will cause nausea, abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, excessive thirst, muscle twitching, convulsions and death. 


Larkspur: Plants and seeds can cause digestive upset, nervous excitement, or depression. Potentially fatal. 





Courtesy of Organic Gardening Vol. 59:4 / Images courtesy of petside.com. sierracanine.com, mycathealth.com