Plants Poisonous to Pets (& Humans)

The information on these pages was written with pets in particular in mind. However, the same information applies as much to children.

Index

Preface - How these pages came about.

Introduction

Symptoms

List of Plants Poisonous to Pets

Preface

I am presuming, that by visiting my website, you are a gardener. Many gardeners are keen pet owners as well.

The trouble is - Pets & children do not always mix well with plants.

How many of us have a prized plant in our garden or house, little knowing that it could actually kill our beloved children or pets.

My attention was first drawn to this matter when I saw a posting on one of the gardening newsgroups that I read (uk.rec.gardens), where a question was posted asking for relevant information on plants that were poisonous to pets.

Doing a bit of research, basically just out of interest at first, I was surprised how many plants could be dangerous to animals and children.

I decided to put this information together on these pages for every pet-lovers benefit (and the pets, of course).

Introduction

Poisonous plants of some variety are indigenous to most countries. Poisonous plants also are commonly kept as houseplants or used to landscape properties. Luckily, most pets are exposed to only a limited number of poisonous plants and problems can be prevented by avoiding these plants.

Eating plants is an exceedingly dangerous habit as many household and garden plants are poisonous. If your cat or dog is developing a habit of eating plants, you must separate the two until the problem is solved. Either remove the plants or confine your pet to an area with no plants. Do not delay. One good meal of the common houseplant Diffenbachia can be the last meal your cat will eat.

Even if your pet is well-trained, no pet is perfect and all it takes is one mistake for disaster to result.

The problem is not always confined to your house or garden though. Most Dog owners take their pet for a walk each day (or they should do) and as we all know, most cats roam freely. If you live in a built up area the problem may never arise but those that are in more rural areas, or even near a park, can come across the problem. If you let your dog of its lead in a wooded area, he could eat anything if you do not keep an eye on him. There are numerous plants and fungi in woodland areas that could cause harm if eaten. Cats are more of a problem because you are not watching them all the time they are outdoors.

Walk dogs on a lead and observe them carefully to prevent consumption of wild unidentified plants.

Finally, plant your garden with pet safe flowers and shrubs. Your dog or cat will be safer if you prevent plant poisonings rather than try to treat them.

Symptoms

Most cases of plant poisoning can only be diagnosed by identifying the plants eaten. This is done by examining the remains of partially eaten plants or by examining stomach contents. Plant poisons can act rapidly with some causing convulsions and death in as little as 15 minutes. There is no universal antidote for plant poisonings, so rapid identification and prompt veterinary medical treatment is always needed.

If you suspect that your pet has ingested a poisonous plant, you need to act fast. Symptoms can range from indigestion, irritation of the mouth, abnormal thirst, drowsiness, depression (or excitement), drooling, difficulty breathing, to staggering, loss of co-ordination, tremors, seizures, collapse, asphyxiation, heart failure, and possible death.

It goes without saying that you should contact a veterinarian immediately.