Join the Conversation
Like this article? Have a point of view to share? Let us know!
Sites We Love
10 Household Plants That Are Dangerous to Dogs and Cats
Spotting Toxic Plants
Plants help cozy up a living space, but pet owners should be extra careful when choosing greenery. More than 700 plants contain toxic substances that may harm dogs or cats if ingested. Signs of poisoning can be mild to severe and in some cases, pets can even die. Most houseplants have multiple names, so it's important to confirm that the plants you own or plan to purchase are not toxic to your pet.
Dreamstime
1. Asparagus Fern
The asparagus fern (also called emerald feather, emerald fern, sprengeri fern, plumosa fern or lace fern) is toxic to dogs and cats. The toxic agent in the plant is sapogenin — a steroid found in a variety of plants. If a dog or cat ingests the berries of this plant, vomiting, diarrhea and/or abdominal pain can occur. Allergic dermatitis (skin inflammation) can occur if an animal is repeatedly exposed.
Alamy
2. Corn Plant
Corn plant (also known as cornstalk plant, dracaena, dragon tree or ribbon plant) is toxic to dogs and cats. Saponin is the offensive chemical compound in this plant. If the plant is ingested, vomiting (with or without blood), appetite loss, depression and/or increased salivation can occur. Affected cats may also have dilated pupils.
Dreamstime
3. Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia (commonly known as dumb cane, tropic snow or exotica) is toxic to dogs and cats. Dieffenbachia contains a chemical that is a poisonous deterrent to animals. If the plant is ingested, oral irritation can occur, especially on the tongue and lips. This irritation can lead to increased salivation, difficulty swallowing and vomiting.
BigStockPhoto
4. Elephant Ear
Elephant ear (also known as caladium, taro, pai, ape, cape, via, via sori or malanga) contains a chemical similar to that in dieffenbachia, so an animal’s toxic reaction to elephant ear is similar: oral irritation, increased salivation, difficulty swallowing and vomiting.
BigStockPhoto
5. Lilies
Many plants of the lily family are toxic to cats, and some are toxic to dogs. Cats are the only animals in which the Easter and stargazer lilies are known to be toxic. Generally, a cat’s first reaction to this plant includes vomiting, lethargy and lack of appetite, but kidney failure and even death can quickly follow if a cat is untreated. The peace lily (also known as Mauna Loa) is toxic to both dogs and cats. Ingestion of the peace lily or calla lily can cause irritation of the tongue and lips, increased salivation, difficulty swallowing and vomiting.
BigStockPhoto
6. Cyclamen
Cyclamen (also known as sowbread) is a pretty, flowering plant that is toxic to dogs and cats. If ingested, this plant can cause increased salivation, vomiting and diarrhea. If an animal ingests a large amount of the plant’s tubers — which are found at the root, generally below the soil — heart rhythm abnormalities, seizures and even death can occur.
BigStockPhoto
7. Heartleaf Philodendron
Heartleaf philodendron (also known as horsehead philodendron, cordatum, fiddle leaf, panda plant, split-leaf philodendron, fruit salad plant, red emerald, red princess or saddle leaf) is a common, easy-to-grow houseplant that is toxic to dogs and cats. This philodendron contains a chemical that can irritate the mouth, tongue and lips of animals. An affected pet may also experience increased salivation, vomiting and difficulty swallowing.
Dreamstime
8. Jade Plant
Jade plant (also known as baby jade, dwarf rubber plant, jade tree, Chinese rubber plant, Japanese rubber plant or friendship tree) is toxic to both cats and dogs. The toxic property in this plant is unknown, but ingestion can cause vomiting, depression, ataxia (incoordination) and bradycardia (slow heart rate; this is rare).
Dreamstime
9. Aloe Plant
Aloe plant (also known as medicine plant or Barbados aloe) is a common succulent that is toxic to dogs and cats. Aloin is the toxic agent in this plant. The bitter yellow substance is found in most aloe species and may cause vomiting and/or reddish urine.
BigStockPhoto
10. Satin Pothos
Satin pothos (also known as silk pothos) is toxic to dogs and cats. If ingested by a cat or dog, the plant may irritate the mouth, lips and tongue. The pet may also experience increased salivation, vomiting and/or difficulty swallowing.
Dreamstime
Loading…
Today on Vetstreet
-
How to Help Pets After the Tornado
We’ve compiled a list of resources for victims in need of assistance and others who simply want to help or…
-
Tornado Victim Reunites With Dog
During a TV interview, someone spotted Barbara Garcia's pup, and she was able to pull him out of the rubble.
-
Teams Try to Help Oklahoma Animals
Groups are jumping in to care for and return home pets who were lost during the massive tornado in Moore, Okla.
-
Honor This Animal on Memorial Day
Up until 1957, homing pigeons performed remarkable feats, like flying over open water, to send vital messages to…
-
Your Handy Guide to Canine Growling
From being approached too quickly by a stranger to guarding food, any number of situations could cause a dog to…
-
A Stylish Way to Dine Under the Sea
These ocean-themed placemats give you the perk of being surrounded by sea life, without any chance of seasickness.
-
Little Ducklings Are Scared to Jump
You can almost hear them: "You go first." "No, you go first!" And the whole thing is set to…
-
Don't Ignore This Gorgeous Kitty
With a coat that comes in more than 300 colors and patterns, the Oriental is an eye-catching feline.
Petwire Newsletter
Advertisement