10 Most Common Poisonous Plants for Dogs
I know we are still many weeks away from spring here in the Northeast, but it is a good time to review & check our homes for some of the most toxic plants for dogs.
Azalea – The toxins in azalea plants can be very severe and potentially cause drooling, diarrhea, vomiting, central nervous system weakening and depression, and in some cases possibly coma or death.
Castor Bean – Poisoning as a result of this plant can cause abdominal pain, drooling, diarrhea, vomiting increased thirst, loss of appetite and weakness. More serious cases could also lead to dehydration, tremors, seizures, twitching muscles, coma and possibly death.
Cyclamen – The most poisonous portion of this plant is located in the root. Ingestion of the plant can cause severe vomiting and gastrointestinal irritation. In some cases death has been reported as a result.
Kalanchoe – Ingestion of this plant can cause gastrointestinal irritation and cardiac rhythm and rate problems.
Lilies – Plants of the lily variety are very poisonous to cats as well as dogs. Even very small amounts of this plant could cause serious kidney damage.
Marijuana – Animals who attempt to snack on this plant can suffer serious consequences such as diarrhea, vomiting, increased heart rate, drooling, in-coordination, and even possibly seizures and coma. You really shouldn’t have this plant around anyway. ;)
Oleander – All portions of this plant are poisonous and can cause gastrointestinal irritation, hypothermia, heart problems and possibly death.
Sago Palm – While the seeds and nuts of this plant are most poisonous, the entire plant is toxic. Animals ingesting parts of this plant may suffer from diarrhea, vomiting, depression, seizures and liver failure.
Tulips – The toxic portion of this plant is the actual bulb, which can cause drooling, central nervous system depression, gastrointestinal irritation, cardiac issues and convulsions.
Yew – Poisoning as a result of the yew plant can affect the nervous system and cause in-coordination, trembling and breathing difficulties. It may also result in gastrointestinal irritation, cardiac failure and could possibly lead to death.
And on a related note…
Coco bean mulch is also toxic to dogs. I don’t know why more people do not know about it or make the connection between coco & chocolate, but the manufacturers need to do a better job of informing customers of the dangers.
Snopes gives the following information:
http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/cocoamulch.asp
Cocoa Mulch, which is sold by Home Depot, Foreman’s Garden Supply and other Garden supply stores, contains a lethal ingredient called ‘ Theobromine’. It is lethal to dogs and cats, but it really attracts them because it smells like chocolate.
Theobromine is in all chocolate, especially dark or baker’s chocolate which is toxic to dogs. Cocoa bean shells contain potentially toxic quantities of theobromine, a xanthine compound similar in effects to caffeine and theophylline.
Next: There are over 700 plants that can be toxic to your dog!
Many foods have wheat as a filler and caused one ourshelties to have seizures. We had no clue for years and then got food without wheat and the seizures stopped. Something to think about.
Hi, I just read this post, as well as a much older one about Wellness dog food under the “adventures of Trevor, Toby, etc” link — and I have a question. My 2.5 year old Sheltie, Skye, is also highly allergic to things. We had him tested at an animal dermatology center for grasses, weeds, trees, etc. But they told us that it’s very difficult to test for food allergies. Have you had a blood or skin test done for the food products? Do you feel it gave an accurate assessment? Our dog was allergic to his dry food as a puppy, too, so our vet recommended Wellness. That has worked out well for us. But I’m concerned that some of his allergies are food-related, too (we give him roasted chicken as a treat every day, for example). I just can’t seem to prove it. Any advice would be great!
My Oscar recently started scratching incessantly on his neck area. Nothing has changed in his diet, shampoo or surroundings. It is odd. A trip to the vet later we are told it is allergies. Give him allergy meds. I wonder if something didn’t change in his food ingredients. How do you treat the allergies. I am looking into changing his food.