Fickle FOLIAGE
CHOOSE PLANTS THAT ARE SAFE FOR PETS
Adding lush greenery to your indoor space is a great way to incorporate colour and texture into the home. But if you have a curious fourlegged friend living there, you need to consider what plants you’re bringing home as some can be toxic, even deadly, to cats and dogs.
CATS
It’s no secret cats are curious creatures. If you’ve ever owned one you know they’re likely to investigate, and possibly chew, anything they can get their paws on.
Unfortunately, some of the most beautiful and useful plants can be deadly to cats, explains Petstock Vet, Dr Natalia Li.
“Flowers such as the Asiatic lily, bird of paradise, iris, hydrangea and daffodil have been reported to affect cats and kittens,” she says.
“Daffodils and lilies, for example, can cause stomach upsets, vomiting, kidney failure or even worse if your cat eats the foliage, flowers or pods.”
Dr Li says that some unassuming plants can actually pose a significant risk to your feline friend. “Other plants you may not suspect, like aloe vera, can also be toxic to cats.”
DOGS
Whether playful or just outright rambunctious, dogs don’t have a care in the world when it comes to what they play with. So it’s up to you as the pup-parent to make sure they don’t come into contact with anything dangerous.
Dr Li explains that when it comes to dogs, the most dangerous plant is the azalea.
“The azalea is so poisonous that the ingestion of just a couple of leaves can leave your dog with severe oral irritation and other terrible side effects,” she says. “The sago palm is also extremely toxic, especially the seeds or ‘nuts’, which contain the highest toxicity.”
She warns not to be fooled by a plant’s appearance. “Even the most beautiful plants, such as oleanders, are toxic to dogs and can quickly cause fatal heart abnormalities – so don’t let its pretty exterior fool you!”
STAYING SAFE
The symptoms of poisoning in pets can include a sudden collapse, pale gum colour, vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling seizures or weakness. If you suspect your pet has been poisoned, Dr Li says see a vet.
“When taking your sick pet to the vet, it is a good idea to also take any material involved, such as the chewed-up plant, so your vet has a better idea of what they’re treating,” she says.
When buying a new plant always check they are pet-safe.