Holiday plants - a danger to my animals?
The Pet Connection’s Pet Talk: Where People & Pets Connect
Recently while scrolling on social media, I ran across a very interesting post. It was telling you how to identify a Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter Cactus. As I looked through around my office, I noticed what I thought was a Christmas cactus was not only a Thanksgiving cactus, but it was blooming as well. As I admired my beautiful plant I began to wonder if it was a danger to my animals. With the holidays just around the corner I know many of you will be decorating your homes with beautiful plants. Here are some plants that you might want to be very cautious of and possibly even stay away from if you have animals. I encourage everyone to do their research when it comes to plants. There are so many that are harmful to dogs and cats and I’ve only touched the surface.
Lilies are very toxic to cats, even in very small amounts. This plant can cause severe kidney damage.
Sago Palm if ingested just one or two seeds can cause vomiting, diarrhea, liver failure, seizures, and depression.
Tulip/narcissus Bulbs toxins cause gastrointestinal irritation, loss of appetite, drooling, convulsions and even cardiac problems.
Azalea/rhododendron may produce vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, weakness and sever Azalea poisoning could lead to a coma and death.
Oleander is also considered toxic and has the potential to cause abnormal heart function, hypothermia, and even death.
Castor Bean can cause severe stomach pain, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, thirst, loss of appetite and with severe cases, death.
Amaryllis is usually found around the Easter holiday will also cause vomiting, depression, diarrhea, stomach pain and tumors.
Autumn Crocus when ingest by pets, causes bloody vomiting, diarrhea, shock, multi-organ and bone marrow suppression.
Chrysanthemum which contains pyrethrins, if ingested will upset stomach, causes drooling, vomiting and diarrhea. Causing serious health problems determined by how much of the plant was consumed.
English Ivy also known by many names if eaten by pets can cause vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea.
This is just a few of the plants that might and can cause health issues. You will notice that many have the same health issues, but keep in mind this all depends on how much of the plant was ingested. The more of the plant that they have eaten, the more severe the health issues will be. If you would like to view all 17 Plants Poisonous to Pets check out the ASPCA website for more detailed descriptions. ASPCA 24-hour emergency poison hotline directly at 888-426-4435.
Keeping all plants out of reach of dogs and cats is always a good idea. According to the ASPCA, you need not ban the poinsettia from your home for fear of a fatal happening. Poinsettias can be irritating to the mouth and stomach if ingested, these plants are only mildly toxic to dogs and cats. However, the Mistletoe is poisonous and will cause cardiovascular issues. The Christmas Cactus is not poisonous but can cause vomiting and diarrhea if eaten in mass quantities. As I research what plants are more likely to make your pets sick if eaten - not only potted plants but even flower arrangements.
These flowers can also cause problems:
• Baby’s Breath
• Birds of Paradise
•Peonies
• Irises
• Carnations
• Dahlias
• Daisies
•Daffodils
Keep these and others out of the reach of all pets just to be on the safe side. When you are not at home, placing them where you know your pets can’t reach them is a great idea.
As I read through all of these poisonous plants, I am wondering if some of the people that thought their pets had been poisoned by a stranger, may want to look out in their yards and see what plants and trees they have. Did you know that Wilted Red Maple leaves are especially dangerous? ASP
CA claims most of these poisonings take place between late summer and early winter. Even the beautiful Lantana can cause clinical signs of vomiting, diarrhea, weakness and possible liver failure. This can also be commonly found with farm animals as well. Climbing plants, such as Ivy and Wisteria should be a no for your dogs out in the yard.
Plants like Rhubarb are also harmful to dogs and cats. I would suggest doing research before you go out and spend several hundreds of dollars on landscaping to ensure your pets are safe. Even something as simple as Mulch can pose a danger to your pets. Mulch may contain pesticides and mycotoxins that produce mold. Symptoms of mulch toxicity can happen with 6-12 hours after ingestion. Some mulch is made from cocoa shells and is very toxic to dogs. Research says that mulch generally poses little problems to cats, but are a huge risk for dogs. Mulch such as pine, cedar, or hemlock may be a better alternative that the cocoa bean mulch.
However, please always supervise your pets, especially if using a pine needle mulch. It’s reported that the pine needles can puncture the stomach if eaten. Pets may also show signs to allergies from the mulch, resulting in rashes, pus filled sores, and itching. Always seek veterinary help if your pet experiences any of these symptoms.
Talking about dangerous plants also goes without saying to stay away from dangerous foods during the holiday season. Here’s just a few:
• Chocolate, Avocado, Garlic and onions, Grapes and raisins, Macadamia nuts, Raw dough, Alcoho, Xylitol, Apple seeds, Apricot, peach, or cherry pits, Coffee, Mushrooms, Salt, Tea, Walnuts, Honey baked ham, Seasoning and spices, Bones, Packaging.
As I look through all the side effects that feeding an animal off the table can cause, I would just recommend keeping them on their vet recommended pet food. During the holidays we get distracted by family and friends and we may not keep as close of watch on our pets as we normally do. May I suggest when it gets that time to bring out the wonderful food dishes, that we kennel and crate our animals or close them off in a back bedroom where they won’t be tempted to get into the turkey or ham and our family won’t feel obligated to feed our pets off the table.
As Thanksgiving approaches, I want to wish each of you the safest of holidays. Many of you may be celebrating your holidays with just your pets, as I will be, so keeping them safe is our main priority. Contact me at r4thepets@aol.com.
Please don’t litter, spay and neuter.