If you have pets you know that they will eat just about anything. Better safe than sorry – know what beautiful greenery flourishing throughout your home and yard is toxic to you fluffy loved ones.
Lilies
Members of the Lilium spp. family are considered to be highly toxic to cats. They can cause severe kidney damage.
Marijuana
If ingested can cause:
- Depression of the central nervous system.
- Coordination issues
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Increased heart rate
- Seizures
- Coma
Sago Palm
All parts of the Sago Palm are poisonous, but the seeds or “nuts” contain the most toxin.
The ingestion of just one or two seeds can result in:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Depression
- Seizures
- Liver failure
Tulip/Narcissus Bulbs
The bulb portions of the tulip contains toxins that can cause:
- Drooling
- Loss of appetite
- Depression of the central nervous system
- Convulsions
- Cardiac abnormalities
- Intense gastrointestinal irritation
Azalea/Rhododendron
Members of the Rhododenron spp. contain substances known as grayantoxins. If ingested it can cause:
- Vomiting
- Drooling
- Diarrhea
- Weakness
- Depression of the central nervous system in animals
Severe poisoning can lead to coma and death due to heart failure.
Oleander
All parts of Nerium oleander are considered toxic. They contain cardiac glycosides that have the potential to cause :
- Gastrointestinal tract irritation
- Abnormal heart function
- Hypothermia
- Death
Castor Bean
The poisonous element of the castor bean is ricin. Ricin is a highly toxic protein that can produce:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Excessive thirst
- Weakness and loss of appetite
- Dehydration
- Muscle twitching
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Coma
- Death
Cyclamen
Cylamen contains the toxin cyclamine. The highest concentration of cyclamine is found in the root of the plant. If ingested it can cause:
- Significant gastrointestinal irritation
- Including intense vomiting
Death has been reported in some cases.
Kalanchoe
This plant contains toxins that can cause:
- Gastrointestinal irritation
- Cardiac rhythm and rate.
Yew
The Yew contains toxin known as taxine. Yew causes central nervous system disruption such as:
- Trembling
- Coordination problems
- Difficulty breathing
- Gastrointestinal irritation
- Cardiac failure
- Death
Amaryllis
Amaryllis contains toxins, alkaloid lycorine, that causes:
- Vomiting
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Hyper-salivation
- Anorexia
- Tremors
Autumn Crocus
If ingested by pets the crocus can cause:
- Oral irritation
- Bloody vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Shock
- Multi-organ damage
- Bone marrow suppression
Chrysanthemum
These popular fall plants contain pyrethrins. If ingested they may cause:
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Drooling,
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Depression
- Loss of coordination
English Ivy
Also known as:
- Branching ivy
- Glacier ivy
- Needlepoint ivy
- Sweetheart ivy
- California ivy
This ivy contains triterpenoid saponins. If ingested this plant can cause:
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Hyper-salivation
- Diarrhea
Peace Lily (or Loa Peace Lily)
The peace lily contains calcium oxalate crystals that cause:
- Oral irritation
- Excessive drooling
- Vomiting
- Difficulty swallowing
- Burning and irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue
Pothos
If chewed or swallowed this plant can cause irritation and swelling of the oral tissues and other parts of the gastrointestinal tract.
Schefflera
This popular house plant contains calcium oxalate crystals. These cause:
- Oral irritation
- Excessive drooling
- Vomiting
- Difficulty swallowing
- Burning and irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue
If your pet were to chew or ingest any of the above mentioned plants, please contact your veterinarian for next steps.
You can also contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Phone Number: (888) 426-4435