Springtime brings toxic plant dangers for pets
Lilies and tulip/hyacinth bulbs among most poisonous
With springtime blooms just around the corner, Thrive Pet Healthcare reminds pet owners of the dangers lurking in their yards and homes in the form of beautiful, but toxic plants.
“Spring brings vibrant flowers and new growth, but it’s important to remember that not all plants are pet-friendly,” says Dr. Jennie Culen, medical director at Thrive Pet Healthcare Specialists Hoffman Estates. “If you have pets, please be mindful of the plants you bring into your home or plant in the yard. Pets are naturally curious and may nibble on them. Depending on the plant they ingest, effects could range from mild stomach upset to organ failure or even death.”
The three most dangerous plants to pets
Lilies are highly toxic to cats. All parts of the lily plant are dangerous. A cat that ingests a small part of a lily, its pollen or even water from the vase could suffer severe, acute kidney failure if not treated immediately. The most life-threatening lilies belong to the genera Lilium (include Asiatic, Easter, Japanese Show, rubrum, stargazer, red, tiger, Western and wood lilies) and Hemerocallis (day lilies) species. The sooner the cat is treated, the better the prognosis.
Tulip or hyacinth bulbs (versus the leaf or flower) can result in severe poisoning. This is often seen when dogs dig up and chew on freshly planted bulbs. Signs of ingestion include profuse drooling, vomiting or diarrhea, depending on the amount consumed. More severe symptoms include an increased heart rate, changes in respiration and difficulty breathing.
Devil’s ivy or pothos plants are mildly to moderately harmful to dogs and cats. When they chew or bite on this plant, it releases crystals that irritate the mouth and stomach. Common signs your pet has nibbled on this plant include drooling, pawing at the mouth, oral pain, decreased appetite and vomiting. In rare cases, swelling of the upper airway occurs making it difficult to breathe.
Early action is key to saving your pet
If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic plant, immediate veterinary care is crucial. Symptoms of plant poisoning may vary, but common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, difficulty swallowing, lethargy, tremors or convulsions.
“If you wait until your pet begins to act ill, organ damage may have already occurred,” says Dr. Culen. “Early decontamination and treatment can prevent the most life-threatening complications.”
Eating just about any plant could cause vomiting and diarrhea in your pet. Vomiting is not always a sign of poisoning or an indication that more severe signs will develop. A common example of this is when cats or dogs vomit after eating grass.
“Even if the plant isn’t poisonous, if a pet vomits a lot or has diarrhea, veterinary treatment may be needed to prevent dehydration,” said Dr. Culen. “Your veterinarian can ensure the plant material is not obstructing the stomach or intestine, and rule-out other causes of illness unrelated to the plant exposure.”
Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe from Plant Poisoning
- Research the plants in your home and garden. Identify any plants that may be toxic to pets.
- Keep toxic plants out of reach of pets. Hang plants in baskets or place them on high shelves. Consider dedicating a pet-free room for toxic plants. If you’re unable to keep the plant out of reach, permanently remove it.
- Supervise pets outdoors. Prevent them from eating unknown plants in your yard.
If you’re planning to gift a plant or bouquet of flowers to someone, please consider the safety of their pets and steer clear of ones that could be harmful if ingested.
Thrive Pet Healthcare’s Emergency Veterinary teams are here to help
Thrive Pet Healthcare has two 24/7 emergency hospitals in the Chicago area:
- Thrive Pet Healthcare Specialists Hoffman Estates, 2700 W. Higgins Road Hoffman Estates. (618) 495-5010.
- Elk Grove Veterinary Specialty and Emergency, 1050 Bonaventure Drive, Elk Grove Village. (847) 393-4206
About Thrive Pet Healthcare:
Thrive Pet Healthcare is a leading veterinary service network that uniquely delivers a continuum of care to pet families and services to veterinary hospitals. With an industry-first membership program and over 350 acute, primary, and specialty providers, Thrive Pet Healthcare offers personalized, accessible care through every stage of a pet’s life and health. The veterinarian-founded organization provides premier benefits for practice staff while elevating privately held veterinary hospitals with innovative service and technology solutions. By focusing on the needs and aspirations of veterinary care providers, Thrive Pet Healthcare is supporting the well-being of the industry and raising the national bar for veterinary excellence.
To learn more about Thrive Pet Healthcare, please visit thrivepetcare.com.