Beware Toxic Garden, Household Plants
Spring has arrived, meaning growth of all kinds of plants and flowers will explode. Here are a few of the most toxic to dogs.
Amaryllis
Can cause vomiting, depression, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, anorexia and tremors in dogs.
Autumn Crocus
Can cause an intense burning sensation in the mouth, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, liver and kidney damage, and even heart arrhythmias.
Azalea
Can cause oral irritation with subsequent vomiting and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingestion can cause a drop in blood pressure, coma and even death.
Chrysanthemum
Can cause irritation to the gastrointestinal tract and affect the nervous system. Signs of toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, increased salivation and incoordination.
Cyclamen
Also known as Sowbread, the Cyclamen can cause oral irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, heart abnormalities, seizures and death.
Daffodil
Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, arrhythmias, convulsions and a serious drop in blood pressure.
Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia, or dumb cane, can cause oral irritation, vomiting and difficulty swallowing, as well as create a burning sensation of the lips, tongue and mouth.
Kalanchoe
Also known as the Mother-In-Law plant, the Kalanchoe is a common houseplant that can cause vomiting and diarrhea. In rare cases, heart arrhythmias can occur.
Lily
Can cause include appetite suppression, lethargy and vomiting. Even small ingestions, such as the pollen, can be fatal.
Lily of the Valley
Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased heart rate, heart rhythm abnormalities and possibly seizures.
Milkweed
Can cause vomiting and diarrhea, as well as difficulty breathing, rapid and weak pulse, dilated pupils, and even kidney or liver failure and death.
Oleander
Oleander contains cardiac glycosides, which are similar to digoxin, and are very toxic to dogs and can cause fatal heart abnormalities, muscle tremors, incoordination, vomiting and bloody diarrhea.
Sago Palm
Extremely poisonous. Causes bloody vomiting and diarrhea, bleeding disorders, liver failure and death.
Tulip and hyacinth
Can cause significant oral irritation, excessive drooling and nausea.
But That’s Not All
There are dozens of plants that are toxic to dogs. The ASPCA publishes a comprehensive list that can be found here.
If you believe that your animal is ill or may have ingested a poisonous substance, contact either your local veterinarian or the Animal Poison Control Center 24-hour emergency poison hotline at 1-888-426-4435.