TOXIC HOUSEPLANTS AND YOUR PET
By:  Elizabeth Bublitz

Depending on your climate, some plants can only survive indoors while others can live either in or outside.  However, I’m going to discuss the most common indoor plants in Colorado, especially the popular ones during the holidays.  Although many plants are given as gifts during this time of year, others are purchased all year and pet owners need to know which ones are toxic.  If your pet has nibbled on a plant and you have any questions or concerns, you need to contact a veterinarian or poison control.  Poison control’s phone number is 1-800-222-1222.

Aloe Vera:   Although it’s medicinal for humans, don’t let companion animals eat it.   It can cause gastrointestinal upset which includes diarrhea. 

Amaryllis (amaryllis):  Due to its beauty and growth habit, this plant can be very enticing to pets.  It is usually given as gift during the holidays.  The Amaryllis can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, depression and tremors.  

Azalea, Rhododendron (Ericaceous):   Azaleas/ Rhododendron are usually a gift at Christmas.  Although they are beautiful, they can cause cardiovascular collapse which can be fatal.  They contain acetylandromedol, which can lead to excessive salivation, weakness, depression, drooling and vomiting.  Coma, heart failure and weakness can also result. 

Caladium:   Beautiful foliage plants that come in a variety of colors, however, they can create upset stomach, oral irritation, asphyxiation, tremors, seizures, loss of balance and death. 

Calla Lilly:  Another favorite during Easter but very deadly.  Symptoms include upset stomach, oral irritation, asphyxiation, tremors, seizures, loss of balance, death. 

Castor Bean (Ricinus communis):   Keep this enticing 3’ high plant out of pets reach.   If ingested, pets can suffer from drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite and excessive thirst.  Severe poisoning can result in tremors, seizures, coma and death.

Christmas Tree Water:  If you have a live tree, keep your pets away from the stand that holds the water.  Many pets drink it and will get an upset stomach. 

Christmas Tree Ornaments and Tinsel:  Many pets are enticed by glass bulbs, lights and tinsel – all of which, if ingested, can cause obstructions in the stomach, electrocution leading to death.  Be sure to decorate your tree but think of your pets – place all breakables, tinsel and wires high on your tree. 

Chrysanthemum - commonly known as mums (Compositae):  The flowers are toxic on mums.  If eaten by companion animals, they could produce drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, depression and loss of coordination.  Mums can also cause dermatitis. 

Cyclamen (Cyclamine):  The culprit of cyclamen is the rhizome (thickened roots).  If ingested, it can produce intense vomiting which can be fatal.  Can also cause skin irritation.

Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane):  Many pets experience upset stomach, oral irritation, asphyxiation, tremors, seizures and loss of balance sometimes leading to death.

Holly (Berries):  Upset stomach, tremors, seizures, loss of balance.
 

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Kalanchoe (Succulent flowering plants):  If ingested, the toxins affect the heart and alter its rhythm and rate; it can also cause stomach irritability.   

Lilies (Lilium) – all types, including Easter Lily (Lilium longiflorum), Tiger lily (Lilium tigrinum), Rubrum lily (Lilium speciosum), Japanese show lily (Lilium lancifolium) and some species of the Day lily (Hemerocallis species):  All parts of lilies are toxic to cats. If eaten, they will develop kidney failure.  The first signs of exposure are vomiting, lethargy and loss of appetite.  Many cat owners do not see these signs as unusual and do not seek immediate attention.  Kidney failure will develop in 24-72 hours upon ingestion.  Kidney failure symptoms include excessive thirst, increased urination, lethargy, vomiting, lack of appetite and dehydration.

Marijuana (Cannabis sativa):  Will affect the central nervous system and coordination which can lead to increased heart rate, seizures and coma.  It will also cause stomach problems such as diarrhea, drooling, and vomiting.

Mistletoe (Phoradendron species) :  If one or two berries are ingested, it can be fatal to your pet.  Be safe, keep it out of your pet’s reach or better yet, don’t bring it in your home at all.  Artificial mistletoe is a beautiful substitute. 

Peace Lily (AKA Mauna Loa Peace Lily): If ingested by our companion animals, Peace Lilies can cause oral irritation which includes drooling, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, burning and irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue.

Philodendron:  Very popular plants because they are so easy to grow.  Symptoms include swollen mouth, painful tongue and sore lips.

Poinsettias:  These plants are the most popular during Christmas– they are available in pink, white or red.  Although most people think they are the most toxic indoor plants, it would actually take ingestion of a large amount to see possible clinical signs in your pet – usually 600 leaves need to be ingested. However, do not take chances; keep it away from pets since they can have a reaction.  Signs could include vomiting, anorexia and depression. They also contain milky sap that can cause skin irritation. 

Pothos (Araceae family):  Very popular indoor plant.  If consumed by our companion animal, swelling of oral tissues, vomiting, diarrhea or stomach irritation.

Sago Palm (Cycas Revoluta):  Although all parts of this plant are toxic, the seeds contain the largest amount of poison.  They can cause seizures, depression, vomiting, diarrhea and liver failure. 

Schefflera – Commonly known as Umbrella Plant:  Vomiting, kidney problems, tremors, heart and respiratory problems.  Scheffleras can also cause oral irritation such as difficulty swallowing, drooling and burning of the mouth, lips and tongue.

Tulip/Jonquil/Narcissus bulbs: Many people “force Paper White bulbs” during the holidays.  They can cause serious stomach problems, hyperactivity, tremors, depression, irregular heartbeat, weakness, loss of appetite and cardiac abnormalities.

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