It may not come to our mind when we buy a nice plant for the garden or in the house. The potential danger to your pet from a plant that looks so innocent. In this blog we tell you which plants are poisonous to cats and dogs and how you can recognize a plant-related poisoning. Keep on reading!
Why are house and garden plants a real prey for dogs and cats?
First things first: why do cats and dogs sometimes eat plants? This can have several causes. The most common cause is curiosity. There is a new object in the house and that makes your sweet four-legged friend very curious. What is this? How does this taste? They can also eat plants out of boredom.
The second cause may be that the animal feels the need to chew on plants because essential vitamins and minerals are missing in its diet. So always make sure that your furry friend receives all essential nutrients.
Last but not least, the cause can also be without intention. For example, cats can accidentally eat parts of poisonous plants simply because they get stuck in their fur.
How do you recognize plant-related poisoning?
Although the symptoms differ per plant or flower, there are a number of common symptoms that help to recognize plant-related poisoning in a dog or cat. These are:
* stomach and intestinal problems. Think of (severe) diarrhea and/or frequent vomiting
* (serious) skin irritation
* lethargy
* your dog or cat doesn’t want to eat for a long time
The above symptoms can of course also be symptoms of another cause, but if you know that your pet has eaten the plant or there is a possibility, it is important to inform the vet as soon as possible.
No gos
But which plants are poisonous to cats and dogs? We give you the names of twelve common poisonous indoor plants and nine common poisonous outdoor plants.
Poisonous indoor plants
– Aloe Vera (contains poisonous sap from the leaves)
– Ivy (contains poisonous leaves and berries)
– Jade plant (contains poisonous leaves)
– Dieffenbachia (entire plant is poisonous)
– Philodendron (entire plant is poisonous)
– Dragon ivy (contains poisonous leaves)
– Cycas Revoluta (contains poisonous leaves)
– Zamioculcas Zamiifolia (contains poisonous sap)
– Caladium (contains poisonous leaves)
– Dragon plant (contains poisonous leaves)
– Monstera Deliciosa (contains poisonous bulb and sap)
– Palm lily (contains poisonous leaf fibers)
Poisonous outdoor plants
– Oleander (entire plant is poisonous)
– Taxus Baccata (contains poisonous needles and seed in berries)
– Daphne Mezereum (entire plant is poisonous)
– Datura (entire plant is poisonous)
– Colchichum (contains poisonous tuber and seeds)
– Cytisus Laburnum (contains poisonous pods)
– Aconitum (entire plant is poisonous)
– Digitalis Purpurea (entire plant is poisonous)
– Rhodondendreon (entire plant is poisonous)
If you have a dog or cat, the advice is to not purchase these plants, or to place them out of the reach of the animal (especially with cats you should watch out for this, because they like to jump on (high) objects).
Did you know we also wrote a blog about making your home and garden pet proof? You can find it here.
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