Many plants that are harmless, or even beneficial to us, have been found to cause serious health complications in cats and dogs, so we at Metro Mutts have compiled this list for the average pet parent to keep them aware and prepared. Keep in mind that over seven hundred different plants could spell trouble for you or one of your fuzzy loved ones, so we’re going to do our best to go over the most common ones in this article.
Aloe Vera
It’s a common home remedy to use the gel inside these plants for sunburns during the summertime, but they provide no benefit for your cats or dogs! Because they contain chemicals like anthraquinone glycosides, which happen to be purgatives, it goes without saying that if your pet eats one, you might have quite a mess to clean up–whether it be vomiting or diarrhea. This helpful plant has been linked to digestive system irritation and tremors, so keep an eye out if you see these symptoms after getting a new aloe vera plant.
Tomato Plant
Cherry tomatoes and tomatoes are a great addition to your vegetable garden, but you should keep an eye out if you have any that your pets have access to. While the fully ripened fruit won’t pose any issues if your pets eat them, the solanine found in the green, budding versions of the fruit is toxic to cats and dogs. If they’ve just eaten a tiny bulb, you might be okay since it requires a considerable amount to be ingested before getting solanine poisoning.
Devil’s Ivy
Because they are relatively easy to grow and rather charming, these tropical plants are exceedingly common in most homes. Disappointingly, they’re also highly uncomfortable for your pet if ingested. This can result in symptoms of oral irritation, such as excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and burning of the mouth, tongue, and lips. Signs that your pet has ingested this plant include foaming at the mouth and pawing at the face, so get on the phone and call the Animal Poison Control Center as soon as you notice the red flags.
Holly
You’re probably used to seeing this vibrant cluster of berries around the holidays, so most people wouldn’t bat an eye when inviting the plant into their home. However, holly can pose several risks to your fur baby that you might not be aware of. If you notice your pet smacking its lips, having head tremors, or drooling, these are all signs your pet has chowed down on a holly plant. Toxins are to blame in this situation, but that’s not to mention how painful the spiky leaves can be on the tummy and mouth. All of this combined can lead to lethargy, diarrhea, and vomiting, but remember that some types of holly are more toxic than others.
Lilies
While only certain species are toxic to dogs, all of them are toxic to cats, so kitty cat owners should beware. Lily petal digestion can lead to symptoms such as dehydration, burning mouth, diarrhea, lack of appetite, excessive salivation, and vomiting. Horrifyingly enough, in extreme cases, lily poisoning could lead to total kidney failure, so you’d be better off skipping these flowers and going for something safer.
Schefflera
This plant, otherwise known as the umbrella tree or star leaf plant, is an attractive choice to add some color to your home and is relatively easy to care for, so it’s found in households all over the country. If your pets nibble on it, you’ll have many issues to care for as well—irritation and swelling in the mouth, drooling, vomiting, and swallowing problems. Because of the bright color, they might be attracted to this particular plant, so keep it outside or not at all.
Elephant Ear or Caladium
Elephant ears are common in warmer climates, and while most species are often found outside, these can pose a threat if you have them anywhere animals can access them. This is doubly so if you have one of the smaller varieties in your home. Like most plants on this list, intake of the toxins will lead to swelling of the tongue and other mouth and throat tissues, excess drool, and vomiting, which can lead to dehydration and a host of other issues.
English Ivy
Its simple yet elegant style makes English Ivy a staple of most well-to-do homes, whether on the outside or, if you’re really ambitious, the inside. These plants, however, take a step beyond the usual symptoms of mouth and digestive system issues. It can cause staggering, skin irritation, hyperactivity, gasping breaths, general body weakness, tremors, vomiting, and a burning sensation in the throat.
Philodendron
These commonly kept, tall houseplants contain crystals of calcium oxalate, which are released when your pet chews upon the stems and leaves. From there, these crystals will penetrate the tissues of the lips, mouth, tongue, and throat, which causes burning, drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and diarrhea in both cats and dogs.
ZZ Plant
While the swirling, marble-like patterns of the Zamioculcas Zamifolia’s leaves are certainly entrancing, they’re also toxic, as is the rest of the plant. Not only that, but they’re harmful to our beloved babies, along with humans as well! Keep these plants out of reach of your fur kids and your human ones, and only handle these plants while wearing gloves. If you think you or a loved one has made contact with the plant, wash your hands and call Poison Control if ingested.
If you ever find yourself in a situation where you think your pet might be poisoned, don’t hesitate to call the ASCPA’s Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 and your pet’s doctor.
Our furry friends don’t have the ability cannot tell us what might be wrong, and we haven’t been trained as a veterinarian has, so don’t try to treat things at home when you have such a precious life in your hands.
Get ahold of a professional, and if your vet happens to be closed at the time of day or week that you need help, look into emergency vet clinics in your area.
At Metro Mutts, your pets are our priority, whether you’ve joined our family by signing up for our Washington, DC dog walking or cat sitting services or not, and we want to ensure you have everything you need to keep them safe.
Happy Spring, happy planting, and call us for your pet care needs!
