Dogs and cats are two of the most popular domesticated pets, and yet many pet owners are unaware of a dangerous substance in their house that could potentially harm and kill your beloved friend. A common houseplant.
Most houseplants are chosen for a verity of reasons, their colorful flowers, their interesting leaf patterns, vines or spines. Sadly not many people choose their houseplants based on how poisonous they can be to animals. But they should. Vet costs from visits related to animal poisoning can be very expensive and often there isn’t anything that a person can do but put the animal down. Which is the reason that I have gathered together a list of the common plants that are allergic to our closest companions.
Poisonous houseplants for dogs include: Ceriman (aka Cutleaf Philodendron), Chinese Evergreen, Cordatum, Corn Plant (aka Cornstalk Plant), Cutleaf Philodendron (aka Ceriman), Devil’s Ivy, Dumb Cane, Golden Pothos, Green Gold Nephthysis, Marble Queen, Mauna Loa Peace Lily, Nephthytis, Peace Lily, Red-Margined Dracaena, Striped Dracaena, Taro Vine, Warneckei Dracaena, Aloe (Aloe Vera), Branching Ivy, English Ivy, European Bittersweet, Glacier Ivy, Hahn’s self branching English Ivy, Needlepoint Ivy,Cyclamen, Hydrangea, Kalanchoe, Poinsettia
For a complete list of plants poisonous to cats and dogs click here http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pro_apcc_toxicplantsA complete list of non toxic plants, both indoor and out can be found here.http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pro_apcc_nontoxicplants
If your pet does eat a poisonous plant there are some steps that you should take. Collect any and all remaining bits of the plant, Leaves and stems to take with you. Knowing the name of the plant is also very helpful in identifying possible solutions. Also, collect in a resealable plastic bag any material your pet may have vomited or chewed. Call your vet immediately to let them know you are on your way, with your animal. You can call the ASPCA’s animal poison control center at (888) 463-4435, there will be a consultation fee for using the hot line though. If you call have the following information ready to get a quick response. Species, breed, age, sex, weight and how many animals involved. Symptoms and information regarding exposure and the amount if you can tell. However if the animal is having seizures, losing consciousness, and or is having difficulty breathing, call ahead and bring your animal directly to the vet.
Its always wise to teach your animals not to eat the plants you grow however we cannot always be there when they decide to get into them. Its then best to make sure as many of your plants as possible are safe or mild for animals to eat. If something does happen to happen call your vet as soon as possible.
