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Fluffy, stop chewing on the plant! Which ones are hazardous?
Most pets like to explore their environment and get into everything. From knocking things off tables to nibbling on the potted plants, they are very curious creatures. However, in this case, curiosity can make them ill or deadly to your pets. As most of us know, seasonal favorites like mistletoe and holly are toxic if ingested. So what about the ivy, irises, and tulips plants? Bet you didn't know those were bad for Fluffy and Fido. How about oleander, a popular shrub? Every part of that plant is toxic, including smoke (if you burn it) and water from a vase that the flowers have been in.
I think I have that in my garden.
The list of toxic plants is quite extensive. Here are just a few common plants and what parts of them are harmful:
- Bird of Paradise - an ornamental, the entire plant is toxic
- Magnolia - the flowers
- Wisteria - pods and seeds
- Oleander - leaves, stems, flowers, seeds, smoke, water, everything
- Ivy (all types) - berries and leaves
- Irises - leaves and root stalk
- Tulips - bulbs
- Chrysanthemums - leaves and stems
- Daffodils - bulbs
- Azalea - leaves, as well as honey made from the flowers
- Holly (all types) - berries
- Mistletoe - berries and leaves
Oh no, Fido ate the fichus! What should I do?
The best way to keep this from happening is to ask your local gardening center if the plants in your home are toxic. Before purchasing new ones, be sure to check first. Another way is to keep the plants away from the pets, such as placing them on a higher shelf or in a room the animals don't enter.
If your pets end up munching on a toxic plant, stay calm. If you start to panic, so will they. You can call the local Poison Control Center at 888-426-4433. The Poison Control Center can give you some step by step instructions on how to provide first aid for your animals. You can't go wrong if you take the animal to the veterinarian's office. The vets can provide immediate first aid to help stop the toxins from being absorbed. If possible, inform the veterinarian what plant and which part the animal has ingested. If you’re not sure of the type bring in a sample of the plant.
Plants are a wonderful addition to your home and garden. But at the end of the day, an ivy plant can't curl up in your lap or lay at your feet. Let's do our best to keep our four-legged companions safe and healthy.
page last modified on: 5/7/2013