Dogs are known for being loyal companions, but they can also be great garden helpers. In fact, many dogs love spending time in the garden and will help weed, water, and harvest plants. However, most dog owners are completely unaware of the fact that those potted plants and the flower garden they’re so proud of may be toxic to their pet. Many common house plants and even more common garden plants can have toxic properties that could seriously harm your favorite pet.
Common House Plants Need to Keep Away from Pets
Cyclamen
Cyclamen plants are beautiful and popular, but they can also be dangerous to pets. The leaves and flowers of cyclamen plants contain saponins, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in animals. In severe cases, saponins can also be toxic and even fatal. So it’s important to keep your pets away from cyclamen plants if you have them in your home or garden.
Tulips
This spring favorite can be very dangerous for a dog. The real threat is the bulb, which contains a toxin that will irritate a pet’s bowels. From the start, your pet might lose interest in his food. This toxin could also depress your pet’s central nervous system, causing convulsions or even cardiac arrest.
Lilies
Most people are aware that lilies are poisonous to cats, but what many people don’t know is that lilies are also poisonous to dogs. All parts of the lily plant contain toxins which can cause serious health problems in pets if ingested. Symptoms of poisoning can include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and excessive thirst. If you have a pet that has eaten a lily plant, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Azaleas
Azaleas are beautiful plants that can be found in many gardens and landscapes. They are known for their vibrant colors, which can add a splash of color to any setting. However, there is one important thing to keep in mind when it comes to azaleas: they are poisonous to pets.
If your pet happens to eat parts of an azalea plant, they could experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and even seizures. In some cases, the poisoning may be fatal. So if you have azaleas in your garden or landscape, be sure to keep your pets away from them.
Hibiscus
Hibiscus plants are beautiful and popular flowers, but they can be dangerous to pets. All parts of the plant are poisonous, and even a small amount can be deadly. Pets that eat hibiscus flowers or leaves may experience vomiting, diarrhea, and even seizures. If you have a pet that likes to nibble on plants, keep them away from hibiscus plants to avoid any potential health risks.
Autumn Crocus
The leaves and flowers of the Autumn Crocus plant are poisonous to both dogs and cats. Ingestion of these plants can cause vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, and even seizures. If you suspect that your pet has eaten any part of an Autumn Crocus plant, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums plants are pretty popular and can be found both outdoor and indoor. But these flowers are poisonous to pets. If ingested, pets can experience vomiting, diarrhea, and even seizures. In some cases, death may occur. It is important to keep your pets away from these plants and to dispose of any chrysanthemum leaves or flowers they may have eaten immediately.
Begonia
It is important to keep your pets away from Begonia plants, as they can be harmful if ingested. Begonia plants contain oxalates, which can cause irritation and even poisoning in pets if eaten. Symptoms of ingestion may include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive thirst.
Chamomile
Although chamomile is generally considered safe, it may cause adverse reactions in some people. Pets are also susceptible to the adverse effects of chamomile. Chamomile tea contains high levels of apigenin, an anti-inflammatory agent that can cause vomiting and diarrhea in pets. Ingesting large amounts of chamomile can also lead to liver damage in animals.
Daffodils
Daffodil bulbs contain toxins that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, arrhythmia and low blood pressure in pets. If your pet eats a daffodil bulb, contact your veterinarian immediately. Daffodil leaves also contain toxins, but these are not as harmful as the bulbs. Pets may experience nausea or vomiting if they eat daffodil leaves, but there is usually no long-term damage done.
Conclusion
The above list is definitively not exhaustive and is only a collection of the common house plants that are harmful to pets. If you intend to start planting new plants in your garden or putting plants into your house, it would be advisable to take some time to research the new plants first. Many are mildly toxic to dogs, though some can cause serious internal damage or death.
