Many dog owners are unaware that some common plants can be deadly to their dogs. There is a long list of what plants are toxic to dogs and how much of the plant they would need to eat in order for it to be fatal. The most common toxicity with these plants is caused by the chemical saponins. They cause irritation and inflammation of the digestive tract, which can lead to severe dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, and even death.
A list of toxic plants that can harm your canine friend if he chews on them can be found in this article. The article will show you how to know if your dog has eaten toxic plants, what to do if he eats any, and which specific types of plants are most dangerous. You can also find some prevention tips to keep your dog safe from these harmful plants. Read the information below to learn more about how to care for your furry friend!
Protect Your Dog From Poisonous Plants
If you own a dog, then you probably know that dogs are curious creatures who like to explore the world around them. Unfortunately, this exploration sometimes leads them into contact with plants that can be toxic to them. While not all plants are poisonous to dogs, there are many plants out there that can cause harm if they ingest them.
Understanding how poisonous plants affect animals can help to prevent an emergency. Dogs are more sensitive to poisonous plants than humans are. You should make sure to keep these plants out of your dog’s reach. If you see your dog ingest any of these plants, induce vomiting as soon as possible.
Common Poisoning Symptoms In Pets
Poisoning is a serious and rapidly worsening problem nationwide. Its effects vary depending on the type of poisoning. Pets can be poisoned in a variety of ways, but there are a few symptoms that may not be as obvious to the owner. Dogs may vomit, have diarrhea, and/or refuse to eat anything. Other symptoms to look for are breathing difficulties, hallucinations, and epileptic seizures.
Dogs are not generally herbivores, but often put plants in their mouths while they are playing outside. They can even get plants stuck in their teeth. There are many plants that are toxic to dogs including lilies, buttercups, and castor beans. Some plants can cause gastrointestinal upset or damage the lining of the stomach or intestines. Other plants may cause kidney problems, liver failure, seizures, coma, and even death.
What Treatments Can Give To A Toxic Dog
The best thing to do if you think your dog might have ingested any of these is to call your vet immediately. The vet will likely perform a physical examination and may take a blood sample for testing. Depending on the type of plant eaten, treatment will depend on the severity of the poisoning.
There are treatments that can be given to a dog who has ingested harmful plant material. Some of these treatments include inducing vomiting, administering activated charcoal and intravenous (IV) fluids and/or blood, and medical treatment in an emergency room. A pet owner may also use an emetic like hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting at home, but should only do so if the plant material is still present in the animal’s stomach.
17 Common Plants Toxic To Dogs
What plants are toxic to dogs? No one wants their four-legged friends to get sick. If you’re not sure what plants could be dangerous to your furry friend, here’s a list of some common ones:
Tulips
It is that time of year again, tulips are in bloom, and families with dogs and cats are starting to worry. Can you blame them? Tulip poisoning in dogs is not uncommon, and a dog can have symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, and respiratory irritation in just one hour (or less) after ingesting tulip bulbs. Affected dogs may have a hard time breathing, have labored breathing, or lose consciousness. In severe cases, dogs can die from tulip poisoning.
Rhododendron
A beautiful plant for all seasons, the Rhododendron can be toxic to dogs. The most common way for these plants to become toxic is when the dog eats the plant’s leaves. This type of ingestion can cause liver failure in dogs which can lead to death. It is important that one takes extra care in securing their garden areas if they have any non-poisonous plants around, or any other plants that are toxic to pets.
Tomato Plants
An article titled, “Tomato Plants” will discuss the different types of plants that are toxic to dogs. Some of these poisonous plants can be seen in urban gardens and even in yards. It is important to know how to identify the different types of plants so you may protect your dog from harm or death. The first thing we’ll discuss is what a tomato plant looks like and how it poses danger to dogs.
Rose
Carpenter’s roses are beautiful, but they are toxic to dogs. They have a chemical called protoanemonin that is what makes the rose so toxic to them. The best thing for you to do if your dog has eaten some of your rose bushes is to induce vomiting through oral, gastric lavage, or stomach pumping. You should also contact your vet if the symptoms persist or worsen at all after inducing vomiting.
Calla Lily
One of the most beautiful and delicate flowers in the world, which is also poisonous to dogs, is the Calla Lily. There are several different species of these beautiful lilies, but all of them can be toxic to dogs should they ingest them. Calla Lilies contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause the dog’s stomach pH to become too acidic and release digestive enzymes that will dissolve tissue.
Bird of Paradise
The Bird of Paradise is a beautiful flower that is commonly found in gardens all around the world. This flower, while known for its beauty, has poisonous properties. As it stands, only the unripe fruit of the plant is toxic to dogs. If ingested by an animal, this plant can cause vomiting or paralysis. Signs of ingestion include drooling, seizures, and weakness.
Iris
Many plants are toxic to dogs including the iris. Dogs have a harder time being sick from toxicity in plant material because they have a lower metabolic rate than humans. This does not mean that dogs cannot be poisoned by plants though. Some symptoms of poisoning can include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, facial drooping, dilated pupils, and difficulty walking.
Azalea
Azalea, a flowering shrub with beautiful pink flowers, is toxic to dogs. According to the ASPCA, azaleas are toxic because they contain high levels of calcium oxalate. This can cause kidney failure or even death in some cases. Azaleas are not the only plants that are toxic to dogs, so it is important to be aware of any plants in your yard that your dog could have access to.
Amaryllis
Amaryllis is a genus of over 100 species of flowering bulbs, the most well-known being Amaryllis belladonna. These types of flowering bulbs are toxic to dogs because they contain saponins, alkaloids, and other steroid compounds that make them poisonous when ingested. The best thing to do if you suspect your dog has eaten amaryllis is to bring your dog in for treatment immediately.
Hydrangea
Hydrangeas are beautiful flowering plants with soft pastel colors. It’s no wonder these flowers are so popular in gardens across the country, but many people don’t know that they can be toxic to dogs. Hydrangeas contain the toxic compound geraniol, which is a component of citrus. Hydrangeas can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and tremors, and exposure to the flowers can cause convulsions.
Jade
The jade plant, which is also known as Nephthytis, is a plant that is toxic to dogs. The leaves and stems of this plant contain calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritations to the mouth and stomach lining when ingested. These irritating chemicals will cause gastrointestinal distress such as vomiting and diarrhea in most cases. Some individuals may experience an allergic reaction to these toxins leading to difficulty breathing or swelling in their mouth and throat.
Eucalyptus
There are several plants that are toxic to dogs. Eucalyptus is one of the poisonous plants that can be found in many backyard gardens. When ingested, eucalyptus can cause vomiting, diarrhea, depression, fever, and excessive drooling. The best thing to do is call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your dog has eaten any part of a plant.
Daffodil
Daffodil is a type of flower with an average height of 12-18 inches. They are best for planting in late winter or early spring. These flowers can be toxic to dogs because they contain substances that cause vomiting and diarrhea, but they do not typically produce anything more serious than this.
Dandelion
Dandelion is a common flower that grows up to 4 feet tall. Its leaves and flowers are both toxic to dogs. Dandelion leaves are poisonous when eaten but are not considered to be as dangerous as the flowers of the plant. The bitter taste of the leaves causes vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.
Sago Palm
The sago palm is a plant that can be dangerous to dogs when ingested. The leaves and seeds contain the toxin cycasin, which affects the liver and other organs. Death can occur in as little as 24 hours following ingestion. If you think your dog may have eaten the leaves, seeds, or flowers, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a small succulent plant that many people use for its medicinal properties. It can be found in your home as a plant but toxic to dogs. The plant causes acute gastrointestinal issues, vomiting, and diarrhea. If ingested by your dog, you should consult a veterinarian immediately for treatment because aloe vera can also cause severe liver damage.
Milkweed
Milkweed is a plant most commonly known for being toxic to dogs, with severe reactions even from small amounts. It’s important to know which plants are toxic to dogs so you can be prepared with the correct first aid kit and knowledge of what to do in case your dog ingests a poisonous substance. All parts of the milkweed plant are toxic, including the flowers, leaves, stems, and seeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you stop pets from eating plants?
It may be tempting to try and keep pets out of your garden, but you can’t stop them from eating plants. If you see your pet chewing on your plants, there are steps you can take to make sure they don’t cause any more damage. First, make sure to give them plenty of chew toys; if the toy doesn’t seem appealing enough for them to chew on, they will most likely move on to something else.
Why is my dog eating garden plants?
Dogs will eat anything given the opportunity. In the wild, your pets would not have been fed a steady, human diet of canned food and kibble. In the summer months, when they are hot and thirsty from the heat, they may be tempted to eat grass in an attempt to cool down. Other reasons for symptoms and take them to an emergency vet immediately. eating houseplants may be boredom, curiosity, or a reaction to a change in their environment or routine.
Does vinegar keep dogs away from plants?
Vinegar is a great natural disinfectant and can be used on plants to keep animals away; whether it be dogs or rabbits. Vinegar is made from water and the acidity of acetic acid. The smell of vinegar can help deter animals because they associate the smell with spoiled food. This has been found to work best if you spray the plant with vinegar and then place a shallow dish of vinegar on the ground near the plant.
How do you know if a plant is poisonous to dogs?
Dogs can eat some plants and not get sick, and others they should stay away from. Knowing which ones are dangerous to dogs is important for dog owners to keep their pets safe. Different sources have different ideas about what constitutes a poisonous plant, but it’s generally accepted that any plant with a milky sap or berries is poisonous to your pet.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is essential to know what plants are toxic and dangerous to your dog. To be on the safe side, do not let your dog near any plants. Toxic plants can be found inside and outside of homes all over the country. It’s important to take precautions when letting your dog explore these places, to ensure they won’t eat anything toxic. The best thing to do is keep your dog safe and away from all plants.
