I also have a few pets and I know that the relationship between the caregiver and their pet is very special.

Their ability to offer so much unconditional affection, loyalty, and to keep our moods elevated are only some of the reasons why we keep them so close to our homes and hearts.

We would do almost anything for our pets, to keep them healthy, safe, and happy.

However, did you know that some of the plants that you keep in the house or in your garden could be poisonous for them?

Here is some common poisonous plants that you should steer away from:

Tulip / Narcissus

The bulb of this plant has a high toxin concentration.

Symptoms to be aware of are:

Intense gastrointestinal irritation
Drooling
Loss of appetite
Depression
Convulsions
Cardiac abnormalities

Oleander

Don’t get fooled by its beauty because all parts of this plant contains a highly toxic cardiac glycoside which severely affects cats, dogs, and even horses.

Symptoms to be aware of are:

Colics
Diarrhea (possibly bloody)
Sweating
Incoordination
Shallow or difficult breathing
Muscle tremors
Possibly death from cardiac failure

Milkweed

Although used to attract butterflies, their toxicity can be quite harmful for your pets.

Symptoms to be aware of are:

Vomiting
Profound depression
Weakness
Anorexia
Diarrhea

These symptoms may be followed by seizures, difficulty breathing, rapid, weak pulse, dilated pupils, kidney or liver failure, coma, respiratory paralysis, and eventually death.

Ivy

No matter which type of ivy you have, its foliage is more toxic than berries.

Common symptoms after ingesting include:

Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Hypersalivation
Diarrhea

Daffodil

Its bulbs are the most toxic part.

Signs that your pet ingested daffodils are:

Vomiting
Hypersalivation
Diarrhea

Large ingestions may cause convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias.

Gladiola

Again, be aware of the bulb because it can cause:

Salivation
Vomiting
Drooling
Lethargy
Diarrhea

Chrysanthemum

It can cause depression and loss of coordination if enough of any part of the plant is consumed.

Other symptoms you might observe are:

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Hypersalivation
Dermatitis

Begonia

The most toxic parts of this plant are the tubers.

Symptoms you need to be aware of are:

Oral irritation
Intense burning
Irritation of mouth, tongue and lips
Excessive drooling
Vomiting
Difficulty swallowing

Castor Bean Plant

This plant is highly toxic for your pet and immediate care is mandatory. The ingestion of even one ounce of seeds can be lethal.

The symptoms appear between 12 to 48 hours after ingestion and include:

oral irritation
burning of mouth and throat
excessive thirst
vomiting
diarrhea
kidney failure
convulsions
loss of appetite
weakness
colics
trembling
sweating
loss of coordination
difficulty breathing
progressive depression
fever

As syndrome progresses, bloody diarrhea may occur, and convulsions and coma can precede death.

Carnations

Although the least poisonous of them all, it can still cause mild gastrointestinal signs and mild dermatitis.

Tomato Plant

Although not lethal, it can still cause quite of discomfort, such as:

hypersalivation
lack of appetite
severe gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea
drowsiness
CNS depression
confusion
behavioral change
weakness
dilated pupils
slow heart rate

If you want to check if the plants in your home (maybe they have not been stated in my list) are a risk to your precious pet, you can access this link https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

What can you do in the dreadful event that your pet ingests a poisonous plant?

The best thing that you can do is to remove that plant from your pet’s mouth if you can and determine what plant is it.
If you can’t or don’t know, it’s best to keep it safe and close to you so that the veterinary can find out precisely what it is.
If you find yourself in such a situation you can require more information, you can call ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Phone Number: (888) 426-4435.

Information is key when it comes to keeping the ones we love and ourselves healthy. Knowledge is power, use it wisely.

Please leave a like if you enjoyed this article and let me know your thoughts in the comment section.