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Read more about the article Common Houseplants That Are Toxic to Your Pets

Common Houseplants That Are Toxic to Your Pets

A cozy home full of beautiful blooming plants is wonderful sight to many of us, but to our younger furry companions such a luscious indoor garden could be a risky scene.

Don’t worry, this article won’t make you chose between your four legged or four leaved friends as generally, mature cats and dogs will not munch on toxic house plants – so its safe to keep them around.

However, much younger puppies and kittens who can’t seem to keep their gnawing teeth off anything in the house might act otherwise. It is recommended that when you are puppy/kitten proofing your home, you educate yourself on the dangers some common household plants present and take precautionary actions as necessary. This is often as simple as moving the toxic plants in your home to rooms/heights which are out of your pets reach.

Below is a list illustrating some of the most common pet-toxic household plants:

Lilies

Many members of the Lily family are toxic to both dogs and cats. Common examples include the Mauna Loa (Peace Lily), Daylilies, Tiger lilies, and the Lily of The Valley which are all toxic to dogs and cats. Stargazer and Easter Lilies are extremely toxic to cats, but not dogs.

Dumb Cane

Dieffenbachia (more commonly known as Dumb Cane), is highly toxic to both dogs and cats. It is recommended that Dumb Cane is kept out reach of puppies and kittens as upon ingestion, severe irritation, breathing problems, and even death can occur.

Elephant Ear (Taro)

Elephant Ear causes a similar reaction to that of Dumb Cane (as they have the same chemical toxins). Ingestion results in oral problems such as drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

Ivy

Common Ivy (including English and Devil’s Ivy) is harmful to both cats and dogs. It irritates their oral cavity, which results in vomiting and drooling.

Sago Palm

Every part of the Sago Palm plant is toxic to your pet, ingestion can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and even liver failure.

Aloe

A beautiful leaf succulent often consumed by humans, but toxic to dogs upon ingestion.

Eucalyptus

While the strong sent of Eucalyptus and Eucalyptus oil (a favorite oil in household diffusers) is loved by many people, our pets don’t share the same feelings. The plant and its oils can be irritating to your pet, as it is toxic to both cats and dogs.

McQueen Animal Hospital is proud to provide you with finest quality services in animal care in the Brampton region; we are located at 8975 McLaughlin Road, L6Y 0Z6 and are happy to answer any of your questions via phone at 905-455-7387.

Author: Jessica Wilkans, RVT at McQueen Animal Hospital

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Read more about the article Common Household Pet Hazards

Common Household Pet Hazards

There are many common household items that can harm or even kill your pets. It is important to be aware of these household toxins and take the necessary precautions, especially if you are considering bringing a new puppy or kitten into your home.

It is important to understand that even though your pets are members of your family – they are still not human. They react to substances, medicine, and foods radically differently as compared to us. Something which is harmless to you could potentially be lethal to them.

Keep toxic substances out of reach of your pet and in tight sealed containers, place these toxic substances in harder to reach areas like drawers or cupboards.

Food

It is highly recommended that you do not give your pet human food, many human foods cause digestive upset in our pets – and certain foods safe to us can even be lethal to cats and dogs. Just a few examples are:

  • Alcoholic and caffeinated beverages
  • Onions, garlic, and chives
  • Avocados
  • Grapes and raisins
  • Candy (particularly chocolate – which is toxic to dogs, cats, and ferrets)
  • Gum
  • Macadamia nuts and walnuts
  • Mushrooms
  • Mustard seeds
  • Rhubarb leaves
  • Salt
  • Xylitol
  • Yeast dough

Medicines

Never administer medicine to an animal unless otherwise instructed by a veterinary professional, as many over-the-counter drugs and dietary supplements are extremely toxic to pets. It is recommended to use child-proof caps and to keep all medications out of your pets reach and safely locked away when not in use.

Cleaning Products

Store cleaning products in a safe place that your pets cannot access, read all warning labels to become familiar with the storage requirements.

Plants

Many flowers and common garden growers are toxic to cats and dogs. For example, the green and leafy parts of tomato and potato plants are highly toxic to pets. Many common flowers, lilies, and outdoor shrubs can be toxic. Stay tuned for a later article where we go more into depth on these common leafy hazards!

Outdoor Products

Many kinds of mulch, fertilizers, and compost piles are hazardous to pets. Compost piles often grow bacteria and fungi, some of which can be highly toxic to your pet. Make sure that if you do have a compost pile, your pet can’t get into it – and never compost dairy or meat items. Most garage chemicals are dangerous to pets as well. Antifreeze in particular, can be deadly – this is because while it is highly lethal, is has an attractive and sweet aroma. Always store chemicals out of your pets reach ,and keep the area clean of chemical spills or leakage at all times. Substances meant to kill rodents, insects, or weed are all too often the source of many pet poisoning cases. Take extreme caution when working with these substances.

If you think your pet has eaten something poisonous, call your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline immediately.

McQueen Animal Hospital is proud to provide you with finest quality services in animal care in the Brampton region; we are located at 8975 McLaughlin Road, L6Y 0Z6 and are happy to answer any of your questions via phone at 905-455-7387.

Author: Jessica Wilkans, RVT at McQueen Animal Hospital

Continue ReadingCommon Household Pet Hazards