I am sure like me many of our clients have picked up a new hobby and since we have such compassionate client’s what’s one more thing we want to add to our plates? Plants! This fun little hobby has really taken off in a lot of home. But, did you know a lot of our pretty plants can kill our pets!
We have been getting an increase of phone calls about pets eating the plants, or we find out too late that they have eaten a plant and are showing signs of poisoning. This blog covers the 10 top common toxic plants.
Please check the ASPA website for a comprehensive list of the little green friends that can or cannot live with your cats or dogs.
Lily
- Scientific Name: Lilium species
- Family: Liliaceae
- Toxicity: Toxic to Cats Non-Toxic to Dogs, Non-Toxic to Horses
- Toxic Principles: Unknown
- Clinical Signs: Cats: kidney failure.
Aloe
Great for sunburn, not so great for cats or dogs.
- Scientific Name: Aloe vera
- Family: Liliaceae
- Toxicity: Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses
- Toxic Principles: Saponins, anthraquinones
- Clinical Signs: Vomiting (not horses), lethargy, diarrhea. The gel is considered edible.
Pothos
Additional Common Names: Pothos, Devil’s Ivy, Taro Vine, Ivy Arum
- Scientific Name: Epipremnum aureum
- Family: Araceae
- Toxicity: Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats
- Toxic Principles: Insoluble calcium oxalates
- Clinical Signs: Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing.
Chinese Evergreen
- Scientific Name: Aglaonema modestum
- Family: Araceae
- Toxicity: Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses
- Toxic Principles: Insoluble calcium oxalates
- Clinical Signs: Oral irritation, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting (not horses), difficulty swallowing
Tomato Plant
- Scientific Name: Lycopersicon spp
- Family: Solanaceae
- Toxicity: Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses
- Toxic Principles: Solanine
- Clinical Signs: Hypersalivation, inappetence, severe gastrointestinal upset, depression, weakness, dilated pupils, slow heart rate; ripe fruit is non-toxic
Chives/Onions
- Scientific Name: Allium cepa
- Family: Liliaceae
- Toxicity: Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses
- Toxic Principles: N-propyl disulfide
- Clinical Signs: Vomiting, breakdown of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia, Heinz body anemia), blood in urine, weakness, high heart rate, panting
Fun Fact!: Planting pungent herbs, such as rosemary and sage, will keep pets out of the garden bed thanks to their distinct smell. Coleus canina – also known as ‘Scaredy Cat Plant’ – is another great herb with a very pungent smell that felines can’t stand.
Chrysanthemum
Additional Common Names: Daisy, Mum; many varieties
- Scientific Name: Chrysanthemum spp.
- Family: Compositae
- Toxicity: Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses
- Toxic Principles: Sesquiterpene, lactones, pyrethrins and other potential irritants
- Clinical Signs: Vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, dermatitis
Fun Fact!: Pyrethrins, which are used in pesticides and dog flea and tick medications, are extracted from this plant. Reason enough to keep it away from them!
Dracaena
Additional Common Names: Corn Plant, Cornstalk Plant, Dragon Tree, Ribbon Plant
- Scientific Name: Dracaena spp.
- Family: Agavaceae
- Toxicity: Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats
- Toxic Principles: Saponins
- Clinical Signs: Vomiting (occasionally with blood), depression, anorexia, hypersalivation, dilated pupils (cats).
Asparagus Fern
Additional Common Names: Asparagus, Emerald Feather, Emerald Fern, Sprengeri Fern, Plumosa Fern, Lace Fern, Racemose Asparagus, Shatavari
- Scientific Name: Asparagus densiflorus cv sprengeri
- Family: Liliaceae
- Toxicity: Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats
- Clinical Signs: Allergic dermatitis with repeated dermal exposure. Berry ingestion could result in gastric upset (vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhea).
Fun Fact!: Plants that are considered ‘true ferns’ – Boston, maidenhair, bird’s nest and staghorn, although not recommended for ingestion, are considered non-toxic for pets.
Snake Plant
Additional Common Names: Golden Bird’s Nest, Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, Good Luck Plant
- Scientific Name: Sansevieria trifasciata
- Family: Agavaceae
- Toxicity: Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats
- Toxic Principles: Saponins
- Clinical Signs: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
Jade Plant
Additional Common Names: Baby Jade, Dwarf rubber plant, Jade tree, Chinese rubber plant, Japanese rubber plant
- Scientific Name: Crassula argentea
- Family: Crassulaceae
- Toxicity: Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses
- Toxic Principles: Unknown
- Clinical Signs: Vomiting, depression, incoordination
Hydrangea
Additional Common Names: Hortensia, Hills of Snow, Seven Bark
- Scientific Name: Hydrangea arborescens
- Family: Hydrangeaceae
- Toxicity: Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses
- Toxic Principles: Cyanogenic glycoside
- Clinical Signs: Vomiting, depression, diarrhea. Cyanide intoxication is rare
Cutleaf Philodendron (Monstera)
Additional Common Names: Hurricane Plant, Swiss Cheese Plant, Ceriman, Mexican Breadfruit, Split-leaf Philodendron, Window Leaf Plant
- Scientific Name: Monstera deliciosa
- Family: Araceae
- Toxicity: Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats
- Toxic Principles: Insoluble calcium oxalates
- Clinical Signs: Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing.
What to do if your pet is showing signs of being poisoned by a plant
If your pet has ingested a plant or you have plants in your house and your pet is showing signs of being poisoned, please call us immediately at 403-615-8016 to see one of our vets.
If you are having an after-hours emergency visit one of the 24 hr emergency clinics in the city.
For more information on household toxins for your pets, you may contact the National Animal Poison Control Centre or the Pet Poison Helpline 24/7 Animal Poison Control Centre at 1-855-764-7661 (fees may apply). The Animal Poison Control also has a mobile app for pet toxicities.
Written by Katie B, RVT & Montgomery Village Veterinary Clinic Medical Director