Most dog owners know that several outdoor plants, including sago and oleander, are harmful to dogs. You might be surprised to learn that there are numerous common houseplants that can be fatal to dogs. Knowing which plants are poisonous or even lethal to your closest buddy is the key to avoiding near calls with your dog’s life. Knowledge is power.
Recently, Hart Nursery in Cape Town warned their customers about potential dangers contained within some houseplants. The sap of a firestick plant caused a woman’s dog to become chemically burned on 30% of his wretched, painful body. Our hearts break equally for the dog and its owner. She would never have taken the lovely but deadly plant into her home if she had realized that a straightforward succulent could bring such harm.
The euphorbia species known as a firestick was to blame for the two dogs’ chemical burns and severe illness in the case cited above. There are more than 2000 species of this plant genus, which presents a challenge for dog households! 1200 of them are succulents, distinguished by their unusual architectural shapes. Common home plants like milkweed (seen above) and poinsettias are examples of non-succulent types.
Toxicity: If the milky sap found in the stems and leaves of this genus of plants comes into touch with the skin or is consumed, dogs and people may become ill. The toxicity of different euphorbia species varies. Burning, rashes on the skin, irritation of the mucous membranes and/or digestive system, excessive drooling, vomiting, and eye discomfort are a few symptoms.
Treatment: Simply wash the afflicted contact areas with warm water and mild soap for mild cases. If your dog is lethargic, burned by chemicals, or vomiting, consult a veterinarian.
This South African ornamental plant’s full-bloom blossoms, which resemble tropical birds, are its most appealing feature. Unfortunately, hydrogen cyanide is present in the plant. Most famously in the gas chambers of World War II, this was employed as a biological weapon against people.
Toxicity: This plant is poisonous to dogs in all parts and can make them nauseous, throw up, drowsy, have trouble breathing, lose their appetite, or even die.
Treatment: Take your dog to the vet if you think he may have consumed any part of a bird of paradise plant.
Although the kaffir lily is lovely, dogs that might bite or devour plants shouldn’t have them around. Because of the alkaloids, including licorice, that are present, the base of the leaves, stems, and bulbs are extremely deadly to dogs.
Toxicity: Dogs are poisoned by the entire plant, but the leaves, stems, and bulbs are particularly dangerous. Its consumption will result in nausea and diarrhea. It can result in cardiac arrhythmia, convulsions, low blood pressure, and tremors if excessive amounts are used.
Treatment: Keep an eye out for any more symptoms if your dog ate only a tiny bit, vomited, and appears to be feeling great. Visit the veterinarian right once if he consumed a sizable amount or if his symptoms worsen.
Actually a succulent, this stunning plant has a bonsai-like appearance while being succulent in nature. If you must have this piece of botany in your house, make sure to put it on a high shelf. It is extremely harmful to dogs, so keep it away from your puppy.
Toxicity: Digoxin, one of the substances in this plant, is what makes the entire plant toxic to your pet, including the sap, roots, and leaves. It can cause symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, anorexia, sadness, and irregular heartbeat when consumed. It can cause death if consumed in large quantities.
Treatment: Due to the severity of the symptoms and probable effects, a trip to the veterinarian is necessary for treatment.
The genus Dracaena contains over 40 different types of plants, and every single one of them is poisonous to dogs. They are a very common and accessible houseplant. Dog owners should be wary about letting a curious dog access this kind of plant.
Toxicity: These plants contain saponins, which, when ingested, can occasionally cause vomiting with blood, depression, a lack of appetite, and excessive drooling. This plant is poisonous to dogs in all sections.
Treatment: Follow up on the symptoms. Take your dog to the veterinarian if they are serious or don’t go away right away.
This family of plants includes some common houseplants such as the Schefflera (seen above), elephant’s ear, calla lily, Philodendron, and umbrella plant. Watch your dogs near these plants if you have any in the house. Dogs are extremely poisonous.
Toxicity: Araceae plants produce calcium oxalate crystals, which are poisonous to dogs when consumed. The mouth, lips, tongue, nose, and throat may get irritated when something is chewed into or consumed. Additional signs include severe burning, frequent drooling, swallowing issues, and vomiting.
Treatment: Keep an eye on your pet’s health and contact your veterinarian if you have any concerns. Rinse your dog’s mouth out completely with water to get rid of as many poisons as you can.
