Pets love to chew on plants! Since they tend to eat anything, it often happens that our companions chew on inedible plants, some of which are toxic.
Depending on the degree of toxicity, the ingestion of certain plants can produce effects ranging from simple indigestion to vomiting, coma and death. For the protection of your animals, it is important to know which toxic plants should be kept out of their reach.
Once you know the plants, make sure to keep them well away from your pets. Note that placing the plant on a table is not always enough: cats can reach it by jumping or climbing and large breed dogs can also rest their front paws on the edge of the table and reach the toxic plant.
If you believe your pet has chewed or ingested any part of a toxic plant, call your veterinarian at AnimaPlus immediately. Do not try to treat your pet yourself. If the incident occurs at night, do not wait until your usual clinic is open: contact an emergency centre without delay.
It is also advisable to examine the trees, flowers and plants in the surrounding area to protect animals that go outside. If you cannot identify a plant, consult your local nursery.
Houseplants Toxic to Animals
** Note: This list is not exhaustive. Sometimes, outdoor trees and plants (not typically considered houseplants) are brought into the home, especially for special occasions. Some of these are listed below. Plants can be highly, moderately, or mildly toxic, but their true toxicity is also measured by the species of the animal that ingests it, the amount ingested, and the part of the plant that is ingested.
Candelabra Cactus/Crown of Thorns/Splendid Euphorbia
These plants belong to the euphorbia family. Ingestion of the leaves usually causes minor to moderate indigestion and may cause excessive salivation, vomiting and diarrhea.
Dieffenbachia
Plant species belonging to the Araceae family cause local irritation due to the presence of oxalic acid salts in the plant. Ingestion of the roots, leaves and stems can irritate the inside of the mouth, cause excessive salivation and diarrhea.
Mistletoe
Often used as a Christmas decoration, mistletoe causes major irritation of the digestive system and other serious symptoms such as a drop in heart rate and temperature, breathing problems, loss of balance, and excessive thirst. Its ingestion can sometimes even cause convulsions, coma and death.
Hydrangea
Although pretty, this plant contains a toxin similar to cyanide, a very fast-acting poison. The latter causes asphyxiation and other symptoms that usually appear very quickly. It can also cause death.
Holly
This ornamental plant is very popular during the holiday season. Its ingestion causes digestive disorders and depression of the nervous system. This plant has certain components in common with chocolate, namely caffeine and theobromine.
Oleander
Even a small amount of this plant can cause death. All parts of the plant are highly toxic and can cause digestive irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, arrhythmia, apathy, and death. Fresh leaves are bitter, but withered or dead leaves have a less pronounced taste; however, they remain toxic when dried.
Ivy
The leaves and fruits of ivy can irritate the digestive system and cause diarrhea, respiratory problems and sometimes even coma and death.
Lilies (Easter lily, tiger lily, Asiatic lily, daylilies and other lilies)
Lilies pose a serious threat to animals. Even a small amount of ingested leaves can lead to serious health problems. Vomiting, listlessness, and loss of appetite are usually the first symptoms to appear following ingestion. This plant can also cause kidney failure and death in cats.
Other plants toxic to animals:
- Aloe
- Arum
- Asparagus
- Colchicum
- Cotoneaster
- Croton
- Datura
- Dieffenbachia
- Euphorbia
- Ficus
- Hyacinth
- Cherry laurel
- Black nightshade
- Lily of the valley
- Onion
- Poinsettia
- Potato
- Crab apple
- Pyracantha
- Castor bean
- Sanseveria
- Syngonium
- Tobacco
- Tulip
- Yucca