Poisonous Plants

and other products harmful to your pet.
by Dr. Tracy R. Pierce, D.V.M.

Puppies & Kittens

Pets Who Look Like Their Kids

Forever Holiday

FAQ's

Links

Mail

Most people have ornamental plants either inside or outside their home.  Pet owners should be aware that many ornamental plants are toxic to animals when ingested.  The resulting effects can range from drooling and mild stomach upset to convulsions, cardiac abnormalities and even death. Some common poisonous plants and their possible effects are listed below:

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                  

Sago Palm -Vomiting, diarrhea, depression, seizures, and liver failure

(The seeds contain the largest amount of the toxin, though all parts are poisonous.)

Lillies - Severe kidney damage.

Tulip/narcissus bulbs - Intense gastrointestinal irritation, drooling, loss of appetite, depression of the central nervous system, convulsions, and cardiac abnormalities

Azalea/rhododendron - Vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, weakness, and depression of the central nervous system.  Severe poisoning can lead to coma and death from cardiovascular collapse.

Oleander - Gastrointestinal tract irritation, abnormal heart function, hypothermia, and death.

Castor bean - Severe abdominal pain, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, weakness, and loss of appetite – severe cases can result in dehydration, muscle twitching, tremors, seizures, coma, and death.

Cyclamen  - Gastrointestinal irritation, intense vomiting, and even death

Kalanchoe - Gastrointestinal irritation and arrhythmia

Yew - Trembling, incoordination, difficulty breathing, gastro-intestinal irritation, and cardiac failure

Marijuana - Depression of the central nervous system and incoordination, diarrhea, vomiting, drooling, increased heart rate, seizures, and coma.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Other common household poisons that are particularly dangerous to pets are ethylene glycol (antifreeze), rodenticide (rat/mouse poison), and other pesticides.  If you suspect that your pet has eaten either of these, seek veterinary treatment immediately.

There are also some foods which are potentially harmful to pets and should be avoided:

Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pet
- Alcoholic beverages
- Avocado
- Chocolate (all forms)
- Coffee (all forms)
- Fatty foods
- Macadamia nuts
- Moldy or spoiled foods
- Onions, onion powder
- Raisins and grapes
- Salt
- Yeast dough
- Garlic
- Products sweetened with xylitol

This list is not all-inclusive.  If you suspect that your pet has ingested a potentially toxic substance, contact the Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or Ratcliff Animal Hospital at (318) 683-0036.

Home                Next