Plants represent a hidden danger for dogs, so it is essential for dog owners to be aware of the most common toxic plants and the symptoms of poisoning. Quick action and preventive measures can save a pet’s life. If you suspect that your dog or cat has come into contact with a toxic plant, it is crucial to seek veterinary help as soon as possible. It is also advisable to bring a sample of the plant to make it clear which plant it is.
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- 2. December, 2024
Toxic Plants for Dogs and Cats: Effects and Preventive Measures
Dogs and cats are curious creatures that explore the world with their snouts. Sometimes, this means they ingest or chew on plants they find in their surroundings. Unfortunately, some plants can be dangerous and toxic to dogs, potentially causing serious health issues or even death. It is important for pet owners to be aware of these dangers and ensure that their pets are protected from potential poisoning.
There are hundreds of plant species that can be toxic to dogs, some of which are very common in homes, gardens, and parks.
Below are some of the most common toxic plants.
Lily (Lilium spp.)
Lilies rank highly among toxic plants for dogs, and even more so for cats. Ingesting any part of the plant, including the flowers, stems, and leaves, can cause acute kidney failure. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, and excessive thirst. If you notice that your pet has ingested a lily, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Tulips (Tulipa spp.)
The bulbs of tulips contain alkaloid and glycoside compounds, as well as allergenic lactones, which can cause digestive issues in dogs, manifested by vomiting and diarrhea. Due to irritation of the oral cavity, there may also be increased drooling. Ingesting a large amount can lead to breathing difficulties, rapid heartbeat (tachycardia), and tremors.
Aloe vera (Aloe vera)
Although aloe vera is popular as a medicinal plant for humans, its gel is toxic to dogs. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and tremors. In severe cases, changes in behavior (depression) and urine color can also occur.
Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)
This popular holiday plant is mildly toxic to dogs. Due to its content of saponins, ingestion can cause irritation to the mouth and stomach, leading to vomiting, drooling, and diarrhea.
Oleander (Nerium oleander)
Oleander contains cardiotoxic glycosides that are very dangerous for dogs. Ingesting oleander can cause serious heart issues, including arrhythmias, weakness, vomiting, depression, collapse, and death.
Ivy (Hedera spp.)
Ivy contains toxic saponins, which cause digestive issues in dogs, such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and increased drooling. Ingesting larger amounts can lead to throat swelling, breathing difficulties, and in severe cases, respiratory failure.
ZZ Plant (Ficus elastica, Ficus benjamina)
Known as the “lucky plant” or “dollar tree,” the ZZ plant is a popular houseplant. It contains calcium oxalate crystals that cause irritation of the mouth, drooling, vomiting, and throat swelling in dogs.
Zamiokulkas (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Znana tudi kot “rastlina sreče” ali “dolarsko drevo”, je popularna sobna rastlina. Vsebuje kristale kalcijevega oksalata,, ki povzročajo draženje ust, slinjenje, bruhanje in otekanje grla pri psih.
Dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia spp.)
Fern (Asparagus spp.)
Fern, commonly used for decorative purposes, can be toxic to dogs. Ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Amaryllis (Amaryllis spp.)
Amaryllis is a popular indoor flower, especially during the Christmas season. Due to its alkaloid lycorine content, ingesting the bulbs causes vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, lethargy, and tremors. Heart arrhythmias may also occur.
Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)
Philodendrons are popular houseplants that contain calcium oxalate. Ingestion causes irritation of the mouth, increased drooling, tongue swelling, difficulty swallowing, and digestive issues.
Caladium (Caladium spp.)
Daffodil (Narcissus spp.)
Daffodils, especially their bulbs, are toxic to dogs. They cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, heart issues and nervous system disturbances.
Azalea (Rhododendon simsii, Rhododendron obtusum)
Contains the neurotoxin acetilandromedol, which affects nerve cells. Symptoms include vomiting, digestive disturbances, and when ingested in larger quantities, arrhythmias, uncoordinated movements, tremors, and convulsions.
Dracaena (Dracaena spp.)
Known as dragon tree, contains saponins that cause increased salivation, vomiting, digestive issues, mydriasis (dilated pupils), and weakness.
Monstera (Monstera spp.)
Contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals and causes drooling, difficulty swallowing and breathing, mouth ulcers, and vomiting.
Other toxic plants:
Clinical Signs of Poisoning
The symptoms of poisoning vary depending on the type and amount of plant ingested, as well as the dog’s size and health status. The most common symptoms, as already mentioned in the previous sections, include:
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Excessive salivation
- Lethargy and loss of appetite
- Breathing difficulties
- Changes in heart rate (arrhythmias)
- Balance and coordination issues
- Tremors and seizures
- Abdominal pain
Diagnosis and Treatment
If owners suspect that their dog has ingested a toxic plant, it is crucial to seek veterinary help immediately. The veterinarian will perform a thorough clinical examination and may suggest diagnostic tests based on the history and clinical signs, such as blood tests and, if necessary, other procedures.
Treatment depends on the type of plant and the severity of the poisoning. In some cases, the veterinarian may induce vomiting to remove toxic content from the stomach. Activated charcoal may also be used to prevent the absorption of toxins. In more severe cases, intensive therapy, intravenous fluid replacement, medications to protect the heart and kidneys, and other supportive treatments may be necessary.
Preventive Measures
The best way to prevent poisoning in dogs from plants is for owners to identify dangerous plants and keep them out of their pets’ reach.
Some preventive tips:
- Avoid growing toxic plants in and around the home, and if you have them, make sure they are out of reach of your pets.
- Be cautious during walks to ensure that your dog doesn't ingest unknown plants.
- Provide dog chew toys to satisfy dogs' natural chewing and exploring instincts.
- Ensure a fiber-rich diet.