Common houseplants can be poisonous to pets: Vet
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Houseplants brighten up a room and freshen the air, but a veterinarian wants pet owners to beware of several popular plants that can be toxic to dogs and cats when ingested.
In the age where “plant influencers” on Instagram are inspiring many to embrace exotic plants like succulents and cacti, veterinarian Rebecca Greenstein, an advisor for pet-sitting company Rover, said it’s important for pet owners to look beyond the visual appeal of a houseplant and consider if a plant could potentially be toxic when ingested by our four-legged friends.
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While cases that result in deaths are rare, Greenstein said any part of a sago palm can be fatal when chewed by a dog.
According to the U.S. Humane Society, over 700 plants have been identified as poisonous to animals.
“The vast majority (of symptoms) from toxic plant ingestion are mild tummy upset and oral irritation — irritation to the lining of the mouth and tongue.” Greenstein said.
Other symptoms include drooling or hyper-salivation, nausea, lethargy, drowsiness, incoordination and diarrhea.
If your pet falls ill after consuming a toxic plant, Greenstein said owners should call their veterinarian or contact the American SPCA’s poison control hotline at 1-888-426-4435 (fees may apply).
For a list of common plants that are toxic to cats and dogs, check out Rover.com’s blog post on poisonous plants or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control website.
15 HOUSEPLANTS POISONOUS TO DOGS (according Rover.com)
1. Aloe vera
2. Ivy
3. Jade
4. Dumb cane
5. Philodendron
6. Pothos
7. Sago palm
8. ZZ plant
9. Elephant ear
10. Corn plant
11. Asparagus plant
12. Desert rose
13. Bird of paradise
14. Peace lily
15. Chinese evergreen
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