By Katie B
RVT & Montgomery Village Veterinary Clinic Medical Director
I am sure like me many of our clients have picked up a new hobby and since we have such compassionate client’s what’s one more thing we want to add to our plates? Plants! This fun little hobby has really taken off in a lot of home. But, did you know a lot of our pretty plants can kill our pets!
We have been getting an increase of phone calls about pets eating the plants, or we find out too late that they have eaten a plant and are showing signs of poisoning. This blog covers the 10 top common toxic plants.
Please check the ASPA website for a comprehensive list of the little green friends that can or cannot live with your cats or dogs.
Lily
Scientific Name: Lilium species
Family: Liliaceae
Toxicity: Toxic to Cats Non-Toxic to Dogs, Non-Toxic to Horses
Toxic Principles: Unknown
Clinical Signs: Cats: kidney failure.
Aloe – Great for sunburn, not so great for cats or dogs
Scientific Name: Aloe vera
Family: Liliaceae
Toxicity: Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses
Toxic Principles: Saponins, anthraquinones
Clinical Signs: Vomiting (not horses), lethargy, diarrhea. The gel is considered edible.
Pothos
Additional Common Names: Pothos, Devil’s Ivy, Taro Vine, Ivy Arum
Scientific Name: Epipremnum aureum
Family: Araceae
Toxicity: Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats
Toxic Principles: Insoluble calcium oxalates
Clinical Signs: Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing.
Chinese Evergreen
Scientific Name: Aglaonema modestum
Family: Araceae
Toxicity: Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses
Toxic Principles: Insoluble calcium oxalates
Clinical Signs: Oral irritation, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting (not horses), difficulty swallowing
Tomato Plant
Scientific Name: Lycopersicon spp
Family: Solanaceae
Toxicity: Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses
Toxic Principles: Solanine
Clinical Signs: Hypersalivation, inappetence, severe gastrointestinal upset, depression, weakness, dilated pupils, slow heart rate; ripe fruit is non-toxic
Chives/Onions
Scientific Name: Allium cepa
Family: Liliaceae
Toxicity: Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses
Toxic Principles: N-propyl disulfide
Clinical Signs: Vomiting, breakdown of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia, Heinz body anemia), blood in urine, weakness, high heart rate, panting
Fun Fact!: Planting pungent herbs, such as rosemary and sage, will keep pets out of the garden bed thanks to their distinct smell. Coleus canina – also known as ‘Scaredy Cat Plant’ – is another great herb with a very pungent smell that felines can’t stand.
Chrysanthemum
Additional Common Names: Daisy, Mum; many varieties
Scientific Name: Chrysanthemum spp.
Family: Compositae
Toxicity: Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses
Toxic Principles: Sesquiterpene, lactones, pyrethrins and other potential irritants
Clinical Signs: Vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, dermatitis
Fun Fact!: Pyrethrins, which are used in pesticides and dog flea and tick medications, are extracted from this plant. Reason enough to keep it away from them!
Dracaena
Additional Common Names: Corn Plant, Cornstalk Plant, Dragon Tree, Ribbon Plant
Scientific Name: Dracaena spp.
Family: Agavaceae
Toxicity: Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats
Toxic Principles: Saponins
Clinical Signs: Vomiting (occasionally with blood), depression, anorexia, hypersalivation, dilated pupils (cats).
Asparagus Fern
Additional Common Names: Asparagus, Emerald Feather, Emerald Fern, Sprengeri Fern, Plumosa Fern, Lace Fern, Racemose Asparagus, Shatavari
Scientific Name: Asparagus densiflorus cv sprengeri
Family: Liliaceae
Toxicity: Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats
Clinical Signs: Allergic dermatitis with repeated dermal exposure. Berry ingestion could result in gastric upset (vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhea).
Fun Fact!: Plants that are considered ‘true ferns’ – Boston, maidenhair, bird’s nest and staghorn, although not recommended for ingestion, are considered non-toxic for pets.
Snake Plant
Additional Common Names: Golden Bird’s Nest, Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, Good Luck Plant
Scientific Name: Sansevieria trifasciata
Family: Agavaceae
Toxicity: Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats
Toxic Principles: Saponins
Clinical Signs: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
Jade Plant
Additional Common Names: Baby Jade, Dwarf rubber plant, Jade tree, Chinese rubber plant, Japanese rubber plant
Scientific Name: Crassula argentea
Family: Crassulaceae
Toxicity: Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses
Toxic Principles: Unknown
Clinical Signs: Vomiting, depression, incoordination
Hydrangea
Additional Common Names: Hortensia, Hills of Snow, Seven Bark
Scientific Name: Hydrangea arborescens
Family: Hydrangeaceae
Toxicity: Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses
Toxic Principles: Cyanogenic glycoside
Clinical Signs: Vomiting, depression, diarrhea. Cyanide intoxication is rare
Cutleaf Philodendron (Monstera)
Additional Common Names: Hurricane Plant, Swiss Cheese Plant, Ceriman, Mexican Breadfruit, Split-leaf Philodendron, Window Leaf Plant
Scientific Name: Monstera deliciosa
Family: Araceae
Toxicity: Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats
Toxic Principles: Insoluble calcium oxalates
Clinical Signs: Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing.
What to do if your pet is showing signs of being poisoned by a plant
If your pet has ingested a plant or you have plants in your house and your pet is showing signs of being poisoned, please call us immediately at 403-615-8016 to see one of our vets.
If you are having an after-hours emergency visit one of the 24 hr emergency clinics in the city. A list of emergency clinics can be found on our website.
For more information on household toxins for your pets, you may contact the National Animal Poison Control Centre or the Pet Poison Helpline 24/7 Animal Poison Control Centre at 1-855-764-7661 (fees may apply). The Animal Poison Control also has a mobile app for pet toxicities.
