Did you know that there are over 700 indoor and outdoor plants that contain toxic substances that may harm dogs and cats? It’s true! If these plants are ingested, it can lead to mild to severe poisoning, and in some cases, even death. That’s why it’s crucial to be aware of the plants you have in your home and ensure they are not toxic to your furry friends.
Asparagus Fern
One of the plants that can pose a danger to your pets is the Asparagus Fern. Also known as emerald feather, emerald fern, sprengeri fern, plumosa fern, and lace fern, this plant is toxic to dogs and cats. The toxic agent in this plant is sapogenin, a steroid found in various plants. If your pet ingests the berries of the Asparagus Fern, it may experience vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and even allergic dermatitis if repeatedly exposed to the plant.
You're reading: Ten Household Plants Dangerous to Dogs and Cats
Corn Plant
Another plant to watch out for is the Corn Plant, also known as cornstalk plant, dracaena, dragon tree, and ribbon plant. It is toxic to dogs and cats due to the presence of saponin, a toxic chemical compound. Ingesting this plant can lead to vomiting (with or without blood), appetite loss, depression, increased salivation, and dilated pupils in cats.
Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia, commonly known as dumb cane, tropic snow, and exotica, is toxic to dogs and cats as well. This plant contains a chemical that acts as a poisonous deterrent to animals. If your pet ingests Dieffenbachia, it may experience oral irritation, especially on the tongue and lips. This irritation can result in increased salivation, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting.
Elephant Ear
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Elephant Ear, also known as caladium, taro, pai, ape, cape, via, via sori, and malanga, contains a chemical similar to Dieffenbachia. As a result, the toxic reaction in animals is comparable, with symptoms such as oral irritation, increased salivation, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting.
Lilies
Many plants from the lily family are considered toxic to cats, and some are toxic to dogs as well. Cats, in particular, are known to have adverse reactions to Easter and stargazer lilies. Initial symptoms of toxicity in cats include vomiting, lethargy, and a lack of appetite. However, if left untreated, severe kidney failure and even death can quickly follow. Peace lilies (also known as Mauna Loa) are toxic to both dogs and cats and can cause irritation of the tongue and lips, increased salivation, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting.
Cyclamen
Cyclamen, also known as sowbread, is a beautiful flowering plant that is toxic to dogs and cats. Ingesting this plant can lead to increased salivation, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, if an animal consumes a large amount of the plant’s tubers, heart rhythm abnormalities, seizures, and even death can occur.
Heartleaf Philodendron
Heartleaf Philodendron, also known as horsehead philodendron, cordatum, fiddle-leaf, panda plant, split-leaf philodendron, fruit salad plant, red emerald, red princess, and saddle leaf, is a common houseplant that is toxic to dogs and cats. This philodendron contains a chemical that can irritate the mouth, tongue, and lips of animals, resulting in increased salivation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
Jade Plant
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Jade Plant, also known as baby jade, dwarf rubber plant, jade tree, Chinese rubber plant, Japanese rubber plant, and friendship tree, is toxic to cats and dogs. Although the toxic property in this plant is unknown, ingestion can lead to vomiting, depression, in-coordination, and rarely, a slow heart rate.
Aloe Plant
Aloe Plant, also known as the medicine plant and Barbados aloe, is a common succulent plant that is toxic to dogs and cats. The toxic agent in this plant is aloin, a bitter, yellow substance found in most aloe species. If ingested, it can cause vomiting and may turn the urine reddish.
Satin Pothos
Lastly, Satin Pothos, also known as silk pothos, is toxic to dogs and cats. If your pet ingests this plant, it may experience mouth, lip, and tongue irritation, along with increased salivation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
If you want to learn more about toxic and non-toxic indoor and outdoor plants, you can visit the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) website at www.aspca.org or The Humane Society of the United States website at www.humanesociety.org.
Remember, the well-being of our furry friends is essential, so it’s crucial to create a safe environment for them by being aware of the potential dangers certain household plants can pose.
Source: https://designsofapril.com
Category: Safe Plants
