We all love plants to brighten up our homes and yards but could you be putting your pooch at risk with your flora and fauna? We’ve compiled a list of some of the common house and garden plants toxic to dogs. Do you have any?
1. Autumn Crocus
Although beautiful, the Autumn Crocus contains Colchicine and other alkaloid which cause an intense burning sensation in the mouth, vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures, liver and kidney damage. Although the most toxic part of the plant is the bulb, the entire Plant is Toxic for Dogs.
2. Azalea
The Azalea is so poisonous that the ingestion of just a couple of leaves can leave your dog with severe oral irritation, vomiting and diarrhoea. In severe cases, eating Azalea can cause a drop in blood pressure, coma and death.
3. Peace Lily
A common houseplant, the Peace Lily is a potential hazard to your pooch. If chewed or ingested, it can cause significant irritation of the mouth leading to drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing.
4. Tulip
Although the whole of the Tulip is toxic, like most bulbs, the bulb of the Tulip is the most toxic part . Ingestion of this popular flower can cause pain and irritation in the mouth, excessive drooling and nausea.
5. Daffodil
They may brighten up Spring but the entire Daffodil is thought to be toxic to dogs, although the bulb has the highest toxicity. Like other toxic plants, when ingested the Daffodil can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, convulsions and a potentially fatal drop in blood pressure.
7. Sago Palm
The Sago Palm is extremely toxic to dogs when eaten, causing bloody vomiting and diarrhoea, bleeding disorders, liver failure and, potentially, death. Although all of the palm is dangerous, the seeds or “nuts” contain the highest toxicity.
8. Oleander
Don’t let its pretty exterior fool you. Oleanders are very toxic to dogs and can quickly cause fatal heart abnormalities, muscle tremors, incoordination, vomiting and bloody diarrhoea.
9. Cyclamen
Also known as Sowbread, the Cyclamen is popular in households all over Australia but can cause oral irritation, vomiting, diarrhoea, heart abnormalities, seizures and death if ingested by your four legged family members.
10. Amaryllis
Especially popular around this time of year leading up to Easter, the beautiful Amaryllis is also poisonous to dogs. Its toxins can cause vomiting, depression, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, drooling and tremors.
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and you should always check before purchasing new plants for your home. If you think your dog has ingested any part of a poisonous plant, don’t wait. Contact your veterinarian immediately for advice.
