A pet is a companion but it is also a great responsibility. Pet owners should never take this responsibility lightly and the most precious member of their family should be environmentally conscious. Sometimes unknowingly we forget to pet-proof our homes and it can be dangerous for the health of your furry friend. For example, plants may seem harmless, but they can prove dangerous to your pet. Indoor plants, plants in your garden, or even a bouquet of flowers – some of these can pose a serious threat to pets in the home.
Dr Vinod Sharma, Head of Veterinary Services at DCC Animal Hospital shares a list of plants that should not be eaten at home when you have a pet:
amaryllis
Amaryllis have bright lily-like flowers and attractive foliage; Amaryllis is a stunning flower that can add the wow factor to any room during the winter.
But this beautiful flower is also extremely harmful to your pet. In fact, it is toxic to all animals, not just dogs or cats. The bulb, leaves and stem of this plant contain phenanthridine alkaloids, which are known to cause adverse reactions in your pet. If an animal swallows any part of Amaryllis, it may vomit or drool excessively. Large amounts may cause diarrhea and shivering. Other symptoms include abdominal pain and a drop in blood pressure.
daffodil
Daffodils are another beautiful plant that poses a danger to your pet. If you have a pet rabbit, it can nibble on it and be fine. But, if you have a bird, a cat or a dog – they may be at risk.
The reason why daffodils are dangerous is because the plant contains an alkaloid called lycorine. Some other toxic substances called glycosides are also present in concentrated amounts in all parts of the plant and in the bulb. This can be especially bad for dogs who have a propensity for digging up garden beds.
Daffodil poisoning in pets causes severe diarrhea, tremors, salivation and vomiting. Cats and birds sometimes experience seizures. In birds, it can even be fatal if consumed in excess. Cats can also experience heart arrhythmias and shortness of breath.
In mild cases, dogs may only experience ‘daffodil itch’, which is a reaction caused by exposure to the sap of the plant. Although dogs recover within a few days, it is important to monitor for symptoms.
lily
Lily has a beautiful plan but they must be kept away from pets. All types of lilies have a bad effect on pets, especially birds and cats. Everything about the plant is toxic to animals, even the water inside the vase.
Depending on the type of lily, the effects can be varied. Cats, dogs and birds experience irritation in the mouth and digestive tract. If you notice your pet patting their face and the lips are swollen, you may need to investigate what they nibbled on. They may also have nausea and vomiting.
But there are some lily types that are far more dangerous and can be avoided altogether, especially by cat owners. Easter lilies and tiger lilies can be fatal to your cat because any part of these plants can cause sudden kidney failure.
morning Glory
Morning glory is a great addition to gardens. The vine looks classy with its vibrant colors. But they are not for cats, dogs and birds at all. A chemical called lysergic alkaloid is present in this plant. It can cause a serious reaction in pets such as vomiting, tremors, dilated pupils and even liver failure in some cases. Another animal that should be kept away from the morning glory is a horse.
Lysergic alkaloids are most concentrated in the seeds of the plant and are similar to the chemicals found in LSD. If a bird or cat or dog also chews on these seeds they may experience hallucinations, which can lead to confusion and lethargy.
poinsettia
Poinsettia plants may not be as toxic as the others listed here, but they can still cause mild irritation in some pets.
Cats and dogs may experience mild vomiting and drooling after ingesting the sap of the plant. The chemicals in this milky juice, the diterpenoid EU phorbol esters, are what cause these adverse effects. If this juice gets on your cat’s or dog’s skin, it can cause swelling and itching. Serious poinsettia poisoning is rare in cats and dogs, but birds are more severely affected.
azalea
Azaleas belong to the Rhododendron family and all plants in this gene pool are toxic to pets. They are bitter in taste and this usually discourages pets from munching excessively on them thus significantly reducing the effect. But if you have horses or any cattle then this flower can be a problem.
Unfortunately, all parts of this plant are poisonous. It contains a toxin called Grenotoxin which is poisonous to animals as well as humans. Symptoms of azalea poisoning include excessive salivation, vomiting and diarrhea. If they are not affected by the bitterness of azaleas, their symptoms can be much worse. Pay attention to tremors, seizures, and loss of appetite.
chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums are toxic to cats, dogs, rabbits and many other animals. The leaves and stems of this plant contain pyrethrin, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling and sometimes loss of appetite.
hydrangea
Hydrangeas are one of the most common garden plants. The bright colors are very eye-catching and bring any space to life almost instantly. But sadly, these beautiful plants are not safe for pets.
While the plant is not particularly dangerous to some pets such as cats and dogs, smaller pets may be at greater risk. Small animals can become seriously ill if they gnaw on the plant. Hydrangeas contain cyanogenic glycosides, which cause vomiting, diarrhea and difficulty breathing for many pets.
Cats may experience seizures and stiffness and may become depressed and dogs may lose their appetite, become tired and may even experience fever. Small pets such as birds or rabbits also experience similar symptoms but because they are smaller in size, it can be serious. So, grow hydrangeas if you want but make sure you don’t snack on them.
Bouquet
Tulips are one of the most dangerous flowers for pets. Tulip toxins – lactones and alkaloids are concentrated in the bulb. If your pet swallows any part of the plant, especially the flower, you will notice a variety of symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and excessive salivation.
If you have a dog, you may experience seizures, tremors, dizziness, and in some cases it can be fatal. Tulip poisoning can also cause death in birds, rabbits and other small pets. Horses may experience a variety of symptoms, including colic, increased heart rate and even jaundice. It is safe to say that tulips should be avoided at all costs if you have a pet in your home.
marigolds
Marigold is a favorite in Indian households. They are really a part of all celebrations. But, they are not so good for feline friends.
If your cat nibbles on the leaves of the marigold plant, it could cause stomach pain and a burning sensation in the mouth. It may also experience salivation and diarrhea. Marigold juice will also irritate your cat’s skin. Dogs are comparatively safe around marigolds but the sap can irritate their skin as well.
It is always good to arm yourself with the right knowledge about which plants can harm your pet. Some plants have a mild reaction and some can be extremely dangerous. It is advisable that you make an informed decision and seek medical help immediately if you suspect that your pet has ingested a harmful plant.