{"id":6099,"date":"2021-06-23T14:44:41","date_gmt":"2021-06-23T14:44:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aercmn.com\/?p=6099"},"modified":"2021-06-23T14:44:41","modified_gmt":"2021-06-23T14:44:41","slug":"four-common-houseplants-that-are-toxic-to-cats-and-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/four-common-houseplants-that-are-toxic-to-cats-and-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"Four Common Houseplants that are Toxic to Cats and Dogs"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"houseplant<\/p>\n

If you witnessed or strongly suspect your pet ingested a toxic plant, this is considered an \u201cORANGE\u201d \u2013 or urgent case \u2013 on our Fast Track Triage system. We recommend calling ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435 for help determining if your pet consumed a toxic amount and for guidance on what to do next. If veterinary care is advised, call your family veterinarian or local animal emergency hospital ahead of your arrival.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Houseplants are all the rage right now \u2013 and it\u2019s not hard to see why! Not only are they a great way to spruce up your indoor space, but they are also a source of st<\/span>ress\u00a0<\/span>relief<\/span>\u00a0and they bring joy to many people! But before you jump in the car and run to your local gardening center, it\u2019s important to think of our pets. Unfortunately, many dogs and cats find our plant companions to be very interesting (and sometimes tasty!). This can lead to big trouble! There are a variety of houseplants that are\u00a0<\/span>highly<\/span>\u00a0toxic to our pets and can even cause fatal symptoms. To avoid a trip to the animal ER, pet owners should know exactly which houseplants are toxic to their pets and avoid bringing these plants home. Here is a list of four more common toxic houseplants and what happens if\u00a0<\/span>a\u00a0<\/span>pet get<\/span>s<\/span>\u00a0into them.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"sago<\/p>\n

1. Cycad Palm (Sago Palm, Fern Palm)<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

This plant is very popular in home<\/span>s<\/span>, but it\u2019s extremely dangerous to dogs<\/span>!<\/span>\u00a0Exposure in cats is not common, but is presumed to be just as serious as in dogs. Every part of this plant is toxic, including the seeds, and even in small amounts, it can be fatal. Symptoms include liver failure, neurologic signs, and in less severe cases, vomiting and diarrhea. If you suspect your pet got into this palm plant, seek immediate veterinary care \u2013 even before clinical signs start!<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Monstera\u00a0Deliciosa,<\/p>\n

2. Monstera<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Deliciosa<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

Despite the name \u2018<\/span>deliciosa<\/span>\u2019, th<\/span>is plant<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>is<\/span>\u00a0anything but delicious! When chewed on,\u00a0<\/span>the plant<\/span>\u00a0releases a compound called calcium oxalate which causes severe oral irritation, swelling, and gastrointestinal upset.\u00a0<\/span>While exposure to this plant is often not severe or fatal, it does usually still require emergency veterinary care for several days.\u00a0<\/span>If the\u00a0<\/span>s<\/span>welling of the mouth is significant enough, a pet\u00a0<\/span>may need<\/span>\u00a0help maintaining their airway.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Alocasia,<\/p>\n

3. Alocasia<\/span>\u00a0(Elephant\u2019s Ear) and Caladium (Elephant\u2019s Ear)<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

These two plants may share a nickname, but they are different in appearance and\u00a0<\/span>genus. However; they do share the same toxic principle in calcium oxalate \u2013 just like the toxin found in\u00a0<\/span>Monstera<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Deliciosa<\/span>. See above for more information.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"lilies,\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

4. Easter Lilies, Tiger Lilies, and Various Day Lilies<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

While they are beautiful, many types of\u00a0<\/span>lilies<\/span><\/a>\u00a0are extremely dangerous to cats. Every part of these lily varieties\u00a0are\u00a0toxic to our feline friends \u2013 including their pollen and even the water they are soaking in. Exposure can cause acute kidney failure in cats and can be very fatal, even if caught early. If your cat gets into a lily, seek immediate veterinary care!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Note that Peace Lilies and Calla Lilies do not cause kidney failure; however, they do contain calcium oxalate, just like\u00a0Monstera\u00a0Deliciosa,\u00a0Alocasia, and Caladium. See above for more information.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"cat,<\/p>\n

These four common houseplants aren\u2019t the only plants to beware of! For a complete list, view\u00a0<\/span>APCA\u2019s Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant Guide<\/span><\/a>. We also recommend using\u00a0<\/span>PlantSnap<\/span><\/a> and\u00a0ASPCA\u2019s\u00a0guide\u00a0as you shop for plants\u00a0to learn if\u00a0it\u00a0is hazardous to your pets before\u00a0bringing it home.\u00a0After all, when it comes to houseplants, the best prevention is to keep toxic houseplants out of your home or in a secure area that your pet does not have access to such as a sunroom or a greenhouse. Remember, many pets know how to make their way on top of tables, counters, and refrigerators \u2013 so don\u2019t think that higher-up places will keep your pet out of your houseplants. Where there\u2019s a will, there\u2019s a way!\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u00a0suspect or witnessed\u00a0your pet\u00a0eat\u00a0any part of\u00a0a toxic houseplant, contact ASPCA\u2019s Animal Poison Control<\/a> at 888-426-4435, your family veterinarian, or your local animal emergency hospital\u00a0for next steps.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Animal<\/p>\n

\"Animal<\/p>\n

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