Ever receive a beautiful bouquet, just to have your cat try and take a bite? Perhaps you’ve walked outside to find your garden ripped apart, and a guilty looking dog! Our pets often have contact with plants, however you may not realize that some of these plants can be very dangerous to animals! Other plants can cause severe skin reactions and are common reasons for our dogs to have itchy skin. Do you have any of the plants on this list?
Lilies
A lot of bouquets these days contain lilies, which are beautiful and often open over time, giving you a bunch of flowers that last for ages. Did you know that these flowers are actually very dangerous to our animals? Lilies contain an unknown toxic compound which causes vomiting, proceeding onto complete kidney failure and the signs associated with it (lethargy, lack of appetite, decrease in urine output). The whole plant is toxic including the pollen. Cats are especially affected, by even a small amount of pollen and can cause severe illness! If you keep these plants in your house, keep your pets away.
Peace Lily
Peace lilies contain calcium oxalates which cause serious irritation to the mouth, vomiting and diarrhoea if ingested by our pets. It is easy to confuse Lilies and Peace Lilies, however, peace lilies generally tend to result in more mild symptoms.
Marijuana
Accidental marijuana ingestion is common in curious dogs! The ingestion of the compound THC which is found in Marijuana results in CNS (central nervous system) depression, drowsiness and incoordination, vomiting, diarrhoea, tachycardia and sometimes seizures. If you suspect your dog has ingested marijuana let us know as it helps us formulate our treatment plan.
Macadamia Nut
Macadamia nuts can be ingested by dogs when eating human food, or often in Queensland by dogs who come across a Macadamia tree. The toxic compound in these nuts is unknown, but causes depression, weakness, hyperthermia (low body temperature), vomiting, tremors and tachycardia (high heart rate). Generally, 2g of nuts per kg of body weight is enough to cause illness, and symptoms usually develop within 12 hours of ingestion.
Cycads/Sago Palm
These plants contain cycasin which is highly toxic. The whole plant is toxic but the cycasin is most concentrated in the seeds. Ingestion of even a small amount can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, jaundice and symptoms of liver failure. This plant can sadly kill dogs who ingest it, so make sure your yard does not have any of these plants!
Brunfelsia (Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow)
This beautiful plant can actually be deadly! All parts of this plant are poisonous and can cause severe illness and even death in dogs that ingest it. Symptoms include drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea and nervous system disturbances such as tremors and seizures.
Grapes & Raisins
Often grapes and raisins are accidentally fed to dogs by people who are unaware that they are toxic. These fruit cause vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and in more serious cases, cause renal failure. The exact toxic compound is unknown. Some dogs can eat multiple grapes without issue whereas others develop illness after eating as little as one grape. If you suspect your dog has eaten grapes or raisins it is best to seek veterinary attention.
Other toxic plants to be aware of:
Autumn Crocus, Azalea, Buttercups, Cherries, Chrysanthemum, Cyclamen, Daffodil, Elderberry, English Ivy, Foxglove, Hydrangea, Iris, Jasmine, Kalanchoe, Mistletoe, Nightshade, Oleander, Rhododendrons, Rhubarb, Tulips, Wandering Jew.
Common plants that cause skin allergies in our pets
Itchy skin is a very common problem in our pets, especially dogs. Did you know that the cause may be in your garden? The below plants can cause skin irritation, and if this is an issue for your dog then it is worth checking your garden.
