Plants that are Poisonous to Pets

Some plants are obviously harmful to pets, such as poison ivy, oak, or sumac. But there are many common plants and flowers that pose a big danger for dogs and cats as well. Seasonal bouquets, in particular, often contain flowers that are lethal to pets. And with Valentine’s Day right around the corner, it’s a good time to read up on the plants and flowers that are dangerous for your pets. This article will help you keep an eye out for both indoor and outdoor dangers.

If your dog or cat does get into a flower bouquet or other plant, call the HomeAgain Pet Emergency Medical Hotline, 1-888-HOMEAGAIN (466-3242) prompt 2, for help right away. Licensed ASPCA veterinarians are standing by to coach you through the crisis.

Dangerous plants you find indoors

Some popular holiday decorations can make pets very sick. American and English Holly are toxic to animals. The ASPCA believes that the unpleasant taste keeps animals from eating a lot of the plant but recommends keeping pets far away from them. Mistletoe is also poisonous.

Different flowers in the lily family are extremely poisonous to pets. Cats are more common lily poisoning victims than dogs, but they are toxic to both species. They are also extremely popular bouquet items. Lilies, Tiger Lilies, Easter Lilies, Tulips, and Calla Lilies are just some of the toxic plants found in the lily plant family.

Other bouquet favorites are also likely to make your dogs and cats sick if eaten. Keep flower arrangements that include these plants where your pets can’t get at them:

• Baby’s Breath
• Bird of Paradise
• Carnations
• Daffodils
• Dahlias
• Daisies
• Irises
• Peonies

You can still keep your favorite flowers inside where you can appreciate their beauty, but lock them away when you’re not at home and keep a close watch when your pets are near the bouquet. By being aware of the danger and taking proper precautions, you can keep your favorite flowers and pets safe.

Poisonous outdoor plants and trees

It’s not advisable to let pets out unsupervised, but we can’t watch them every second. You can help keep your pet healthy by knowing which plants and trees are toxic in your area.

Azaleas, Buttercups, Chrysanthemums, Gardenias, Gladiolas, Hibiscus, Hyacinth, Hydrangeas, Mums, Primroses, Rhododendrons, and Sweet Peas are popular garden items that are poisonous. That’s just another good reason to keep your dogs away from your neighbor’s award-winning flower bushes.

Trees like Yews and Red Maples have toxic leaves. Wilted Red Maple Leaves are especially dangerous and the ASPCA states most poisonings take place between late summer and early winter.

Gorgeous climbing plants, like Ivy and Wisteria should be off limits to your dog. Even medicinal and recreational plants are unsafe. St. John’s Wort, Aloe, Tobacco, and Rhubarb plants are no good for dogs or cats.

How to protect our pets

The complete list of poisonous plants from the ASPCA contains over 400 items. It’s helpful to keep a short list of the most common dangerous plants tacked to your fridge as a constant reminder. Visit the longer list periodically to refresh your memory, and a good rule of paw is to keep your pets away from any plants you don’t recognize or are unsure of.

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Your Dog Ate WHAT?

Avoid Dog Poisoning with a Room-by-Room Safety Check

There is a humorous take on the very serious matter of dog poisoning in a TV commercial featuring a bulldog on an operating table at the veterinarian’s office.

The dog has swallowed something and the owner is urging the vet to remove it. The commercial is funny, because the owner isn’t worried about foods poisonous to dogs—he’s worried because the dog has swallowed a cell phone and he’s worried about the cost of the call. Could this scenario really happen? You bet it could!

In fact, it’s amazing what pets have been known to ingest, from cell phones and TV remote controls to light bulbs, batteries, and even diamond rings.  Owners need to beware because many foods and plants are poisonous to dogs.

When your dog starts munching on books, digesting everything between the covers, tearing apart items left in the laundry basket, and gnawing on the leg of the dining room table, it’s a red flag that he’s bored and lonely.

Accidents happen quickly, and dog poisoning can occur right under your nose. Regular security checks throughout your home can help make certain there’s nothing within your dog’s reach that could endanger his safety and well-being.

Here are some pointers to help you write up your own room-by-room safety checklist:

Kitchen Antics—Avoid Foods that are Poisonous to Dogs

It’s a good idea to put childproof locks on all below-counter cupboards to ensure your curious canine can’t gain access to household cleaning materials, laundry detergents, and insecticides. Never leave plastic shopping bags lying around.

Some foods are poisonous to dogs, too.  Chocolate is highly dangerous for pets. Don’t leave any candy bars lying around on the couch or coffee table ever and be careful with apricots and rhubarb.  While not always fatal, they are another two foods that are poisonous to dogs.

If your dog does happen to eat something he shouldn’t, remember that you can rely on your HomeAgain membership services for help. Call the HomeAgain Pet Emergency Medical Hotline, 1-888-HOMEAGAIN (466-3242) prompt 2, for crisis advice from licensed ASPCA veterinarians.

Bathroom Habits—Everyday Products Can Cause Dog Poisoning

Keep all toiletry items and medications under lock and key. Make a habit of putting toilet lids down, especially if you use bleach or cleaning products. Never leave razors, blades, small scissors, or tweezers accessible on the vanity top.

Some products may be hazardous if they contain some of the plants poisonous to dogs, including lily of the valley, azalea, hydrangea, or hyacinth.

Living Areas and Bedrooms

In addition to dog poisoning, owners needs to be aware of  electrical hazards, too.  Keep electrical cords for lamps and appliances secured behind furniture or make them otherwise inaccessible to your dog.

Where possible, place computer wires in a hard conduit and glue it to the wall or floor. Your dog is more likely to get to wires if they are dangling free. Chewing cables not only causes mouth burns, but can also cause your dog to electrocute himself, and even set the home on fire.

Never leave candles burning while you are out. Dogs can knock them with an indiscriminate sweep of the tail, and if fancy candles include any of the plants that are poisonous to dogs, they may attract them with their scents.

Finally, check to see that any decorative houseplants you have are non-toxic. You can find a comprehensive list of plants that are poisonous to dogs at www.ASPCA.org.

Distraction Tactics

If your dog is home alone for lengthy periods and you’re unable to send him to doggy day care, start his day with a brisk walk. Exercise is not only essential to his well-being, but will also tire him out. You’ll be able to leave him snoozing when you say goodbye for the day.

Make sure he has a varied selection of toys to keep him busy while you’re away. Dogs enjoy “distraction toys” that can be stuffed with treats or peanut butter. You can also set up hide-and-seek games for him by concealing toys and treats in various places for him to nose out and enjoy. It’s also a good idea to leave the TV or radio on so he won’t feel quite so alone.

Let’s face it, there’s nothing like coming home to a welcoming dog—and a house that’s intact, along with everything in it.

Sandy Robins is an award-winning pet lifestyle writer. Her work appears in various national and international publications. She is a member of the Dog Writers Association of America and the Cat Writers Association of America.