Spring and Summer Toxic Plants

We prefer plants since they are long lasting. But if your family includes pets, you may want to learn which plants are safe and which to avoid. Understanding the basics of plant identification and knowing which plants to keep out of your pets' reach is an important first step in ensuring the safety of your furry friends.

Plants cause a large number of toxicities in pets and can result in death. In fact, in cats, plants are the second most common toxins. In dogs, plants rank in the top 5 of common toxic exposures. It is difficult to give concise information about plant toxicities as there are hundreds of plants that are potentially poisonous to animals. However, actual reports of animals getting seriously ill from eating plants are relatively infrequent compared to reports of poisonings from household products or drugs.

Though some plants can cause serious illness or death, irritation of the mouth and gastrointestinal tract are the most common problems. Vomiting usually occurs soon after ingestion, which removes most of the plant from the system and reduces additional toxin absorption.

Springtime holidays are often associated with bulb plants and ingestion of the bulbs causes the most severe illness. Summer holidays are associated with plants. Here are some of the more common spring and summer holiday plants and information on their toxicity.

Tulip (Tulip spp)- Ingestion can result in intense vomiting, depression, diarrhea, hypersalivation, drooling and lack of appetite.
Hyacinth (Hyacinthus oreintalis)- Ingestion can result in intense vomiting, diarrhea, depression and tremors.
Daffodil (Narcissus spp)- Ingestion can result in severe gastrointestinal illness, convulsions, seizures, low blood pressure and tremors.
Peace lily (Spathiphyllum spp)- Ingestion can result in ulcers in the mouth, vomiting and diarrhea.
Easter cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesi)- Ingestion can result in vomiting, diarrhea and depression. Cats can also develop staggering.
Easter daisy (Townsendia sericea)- This plant is considered non toxic.
Easter orchid (Cattleya mossiae)- This plant is considered non toxic.
Easter lily cactus (Echinopsis multiplex)- This plant is considered non toxic.
Resurrection lily (Kaempferia pulchra)- This plant is considered non toxic.
Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia splendens prostrata)- Ingestion results in vomiting and diarrhea.

Azalea (Rhododendron spp)- Ivomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, weakness, coma, hypotension, CNS depression, cardiovascular collapse and death.
Crocus (Colchicum autumnale)- Excessive salivation, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, gastro-intestinal disorders, lack of appetite, tremors, convulsions, seizures
Rhododendron (Rhododendron spp)- Vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, weakness, coma, hypotension, CNS depression, cardiovascular collapse and death.
Tiger Lily (Lilium tigrinum)- Vomiting, inappetence, lethargy, kidney failure. Cats are only species known to be affected.
Easter Lily (Lilium longiflorum)- Vomiting, inappetence, lethargy, and kidney failure. Cats are only species known to be affected.
American Bittersweet (Celastrus scandens)- Weakness, convulsions, gastroenteritis (vomiting, diarrhea.)
Clematis (Clematis sp.)- Vomiting, diarrhea, oral ulcers, ataxia irritant or vesicant action.
Daffodil (Narcissus spp)- Severe gastrointestinal disorders, convulsions, shivering, hypotension, dermatitis, muscular tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias.
Day lily (Hemorocallis dumortirei)- Vomiting, inappetence, lethargy, kidney failure. Cats are only species known to be affected.
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)- Cardiac arrhythmias, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, cardiac failure, death.
Lily of the Valley (Convalaria majalis)- Ataxia, vomiting, cardiac arrhythmias, death.
Narcissus (Narcissus spp) Severe gastrointestinal disorders, convulsions, shivering, hypotension, dermatitis, muscular tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias.
Morning Glory (Ipomoea spp)- Seeds may cause hallucination, may cause diarrhea.

Become familiar with the dangerous plants in your area, yard and home. Know them by sight and name.
Do not eat wild plants and mushrooms.
Keep plants, seeds, fruits, and bulbs away.
Be certain you know the plants used as skewers for meat or marshmallows.
Avoid smoke from burning plants.
Remember, heating and cooking do not always destroy the toxic substance.

First of all never leave toxic products where your pets may drink or eat them. The most important part of treating ingestion of a toxic plant is to determine if your pet actually ate the plant, how much was ingested and which part of the plant was eaten. The entire plant is not always toxic. Sometimes only the seeds, the leaves, stems or roots are toxic. Also, plant identification is crucial in diagnosis. Get a sample of the plant if you are unsure of the name. This information can help your veterinarian determine the best course of treatment.

Unfortunately, there are very few specific treatments or antidotes for toxic plant ingestion. Supportive care, including intravenous fluids, may be necessary. Without proper care, some plant toxicities can have devastating effects on your pet’s health.

By knowing which plants could pose a threat, you can work towards preventing your pet from access to the plant and keep your pets safe and your yard beautiful.

If you suspect that your dog might have eaten any plant that might be toxic, contact his/her vet immediately.

Eye drops or ointments are usually the drugs of choice. Eye drops are watery solutions that must be applied every few hours, while ointments last longer and are usually only applied two to three times per day. In severe cases, oral antibiotics are used in addition to the topical preparations.Many eye ointments containing hydrocortisones and antibiotics are available and are frequently used when the exact cause of the problem is unknown. It is important, however, not to use hydrocortisone-containing agents if a corneal ulcer is present. Hydrocortisone, although great at minimizing eye inflammation, may actually hinder the healing of or worsen an ulcerated cornea.