April Showers Bring May Flowers
Do You Know Which Flowers and Plants are Harmful to Your Pets? Read on, Daisey's Doggie Chic offers up flower and plant identifiers guide to keep you in the know and helping your pet stay safe.
Spring is here and the outdoors is calling to you. Warm Weather invites you and your pet to enjoy Mother Nature's Bounty. Sun bathing, adventure walks, playing in the open air can be a very enjoyable experience for you and your pet. You may be and avid gardener, or just enjoy the beauty of gardens and flowers that you come across on your walks with your pet.
Outdoor activities lure pets whose spirited and curious nature may put them in situations that they may not belong in and ultimately can result in hurting themselves or getting very sick.
Did you know that many of those beautiful and fragrant flowers that you may love to have around your home pose a deadly threat to your pet's well-being? Be mindful and keep your pet away from those hidden dangers lurking in the most indiscreet of places.... Flowers and Plants.
Tulips
Tulips contain allergenic lactones while hyacinths contain similar alkaloids. The toxic principle of these plants is very concentrated in the bulbs (versus the leaf or flower), so make sure your dog isn’t digging up the bulbs in the garden. When the plant parts or bulbs are chewed or ingested, it can result in tissue irritation to the mouth and esophagus. Typical signs include profuse drooling, vomiting, or even diarrhea, depending on the amount consumed.
Daffodils
These flowers contain lycorine, an alkaloid with strong emetic properties (something that triggers vomiting). Ingestion of the bulb, plant or flower can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and even possible cardiac arrhythmias or respiratory depression. Crystals are found in the outer layer of the bulbs, similar to hyacinths, which cause severe tissue irritation and secondary drooling. Daffodil ingestions can result in more severe symptoms so if an exposure is witnessed or symptoms are seen, we recommend seeking veterinary care for further supportive care.
Lily of the Valley
The Convallaria majalis plant contains cardiac glycosides which will cause symptoms similar to digitalis (foxglove) ingestion. These symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, a drop in heart rate, severe cardiac arrhythmias, and possibly seizures. Pets with any known exposure to this plant should be examined and evaluated by a veterinarian and treated symptomatically.
Autumn Crocus
There are two Crocus plants: one that blooms in the spring (Crocus species) and the other in the autumn Colchicum autumnale). The spring plants are more common and are part of the Iridaceae family. These ingestions can cause general gastrointestinal upset including vomiting and diarrhea. These should not be mistaken for Autumn Crocus, part of the Liliaceae family, which contain colchicine. The Autumn Crocus is highly toxic and can cause severe vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding, liver and kidney damage, and respiratory failure
Oleander
Oleander is an outdoor shrub, popular for its evergreen qualities and delicate flowers. However, the leaves and flowers are extremely toxic if ingested and can cause severe vomiting, slow the heart rate and possibly even cause death.
Azalea
In the same family as rhododendrons, azaleas can have serious effects on pets. Eating even a few leaves can result in vomiting, diarrhea and excessive drooling; without immediate veterinary attention, the pet could fall into a coma and possibly die.
Kalanchoe
This popular flowering succulent plant can cause vomiting, diarrhea and heart arrhythmias if ingested by pets.
Dieffenbachia
Popular in many homes and offices, dieffenbachia can cause intense oral irritation, drooling, nausea, vomiting and difficulty swallowing if ingested.
Lillies
There are dangerous and benign lillies out there, and it’s important to know the difference. Peace, Peruvian, and Calla lilies contain oxalate crystals that cause minor signs, such as tissue irritation to the mouth, tongue, pharynx, and esophagus – this results in minor drooling. The more dangerous, potentially fatal lilies are true lilies, and these include Tiger, Day, Asiatic, Easter and Japanese Show lilies – all of which are highly toxic to cats! Even small ingestions (such as 2-3 petals or leaves) can result in severe kidney failure
Basic Safety Tips: Prevention is the best medicine.
Remember don't let your guard down when you and your pet are enjoying the outdoors.
Keep pets close and always have watchful eye out for potentially dangerous plants and flowers.
Pets are naturally curious. Don't let your pet near any plants or flowers that may want to chew or ingest.
Always know where the nearest veterinary clinic is when you prepare for a hike or walk especially in unfamiliar areas.
Dear Friend,
Always, be mindful of your pet's curiousity and keep them close to you. Keep an eye out for potentially dangerous plants and flowers. Don't let your pet near any plants or flowers that may want to chew or ingest. If your pet does happen to chew on any plant or flower deemed dangerous,TAKE them to your local vet immediately for treatment. (Try to remember to bring a sample of the offensive plant/flower to allow for proper veterinary treatment). Always know where the nearest veterinary clinic is when you prepare for a hike or walk in unfamiliar areas.
| Plants Poisonous to Dogs | ||
| COMMON NAME | SCIENTIFIC NAME | SYMPTOMS WHEN INGESTED |
| Aloe | Aloe vera | vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, depression, tremors, change in urine color |
| Amaryllis | Amaryllis sp. | vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, depression, abdominal pain, excessive salivation, tremors |
| Apple and Crabapple | Malus sylvestrus | seeds, stems and leaves can result in red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting and shock |
| Autumn Crocus/Meadow Saffron | Colchicum autumnale | oral irritation, bloody vomiting, diarrhea, shock, organ damage, bone marrow suppression |
| Azalea/Rhododendron | Rhododendron spp. | vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, weakness, coma, death |
| Calla Lily/Trumpet Lily/Arum Lily | Zantedeschia aethiopica | oral irritation and pain, excessive salivation, vomiting, difficulty swallowing |
| Castor Bean/Castor Oil Plant | Ricinus communis | oral irritation and burning, increased thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, kidney failure, convulsions; Note: beans are highly toxic |
| Chrysanthemum/Mum/Daisy | Chrysanthemum spp. | vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, loss of coordination, dermatitis |
| Cyclamen | Cyclamen spp. | excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, heart arrhythmias, seizures, death |
| Daffodil/Narcissus | Narcissus spp. | vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, heart arrhythmias |
| Dumbcane | Dieffenbachia | oral irritation and burning, excessive salivation, vomiting, difficulty swallowing |
| Elephant Ears | Caladium hortulanum and Colocasia esculenta | oral irritation and burning, excessive salivation, vomiting, difficulty swallowing |
| English Ivy | Hedera helix | vomiting, abdominal pain, excessive salivation, diarrhea |
| Foxglove | Digitalis purpurea | heart arrhythmias, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, death |
| Hosta | Hosta plataginea | vomiting, diarrhea, depression |
| Hyacinth | Hyacinthus orientalis | vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors |
| Hydrangea | Hydrangea arborescens | vomiting, diarrhea, depression |
| Iris | Iris species | excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy |
| Lily of the Valley | Convallaria majalis | vomiting, irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, disorientation, coma, seizures |
| Marijuana/Hashish | Cannabis sativa | depression, vomiting, loss of coordination, excessive salivation, dilated pupils, low blood pressure, low body temperature, seizure, coma |
| Mistletoe/American Mistletoe | Phoradendron flavescens | gastrointestinal complications, cardiovascular collapse, difficulty breathing, slow heart rate, behavior changes, vomiting, diarrhea |
| Oleander | Nerium oleander | vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, shallow/difficult breathing, muscle tremors, collapse, cardiac failure |
| Peace Lily | Spathiphyllum | oral irritation and burning, excessive salivation, vomiting, difficulty swallowing |
| Philodendron | Philodendron spp | oral irritation and burning, excessive salivation, vomiting, difficulty swallowing |
| Pothos/Devil's Ivy | Epipremnum aureum | oral irritation and burning, excessive salivation, vomiting, difficulty swallowing |
| Sago Palm | Cycas revoluta, zamia species | vomiting, black (tarry) stools, jaundice, increased thirst, bruising, blood clotting problems, liver damage, death |
| Schefflera | Schefflera | oral irritation and burning, excessive salivation, vomiting, difficulty swallowing |
| Tobacco | Nicotiana glauca | hyperexcitability then depression, vomiting, loss of coordination, paralysis |
| Tulip | Tulipa species | vomiting, depression, diarrhea, excessive salivation |
| Yew/Japanese Yew | Taxus sp. | sudden death from acute cardiac failure (early signs include muscular tremors, difficulty breathing, seizures |
| In Case Of Emergency: IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION | ||
| In case of toxin exposure, keep a list of important phone numbers in a visible, easily accessible location. Be sure pet sitters and other people who might be in your home are aware of the location of the list. The following phone numbers should be included: | ||
| Your primary veterinarian: | ||
| One or more nearby 24-hour veterinary emergency clinics: | ||
| ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 (possible fee) | ||
| Pet Poison Hotline: 800-213-6680 (possible fee) | ||
| An emergency contact number for you and your dog's co-owner (if applicable): |
