Common Poisons and Your Pet. Part 2 - Plants
Advice from the Beck Veterinary Practice: October 2011
Most of us are surrounded by plants, both wild and cultivated, in our homes and gardens. However, a small percentage of these plants have the potential to cause harm to us and our pets. This list is by no means exhaustive; if you think your pet has eaten a plant and seems unwell then contact us at the surgery – it’s better to be safe than sorry!
House Plants
• Aloe Vera – handy treatment for burns but the leaves are toxic to pets. Symptoms include; vomiting/diarrhoea, anorexia, depression and tremors.
Amaryllis – popular potted plant. The bulb is the most poisonous. Symptoms include; vomiting/diarrhoea, abdominal pain, salivation, anorexia, depression and tremors.
• Poinsettia – traditionally a Christmas plant. Causes irritation to the mouth and stomach and sometimes vomiting, but generally not the most toxic.
• Lilies – all parts of the plant are poisonous to CATS, even the pollen, which can be easily ingested. Initial symptoms are vomiting, anorexia and depression, which may lead to irreversible kidney damage.
Garden Plants
• Daffodil - bulbs are the most poisonous and ingestion can be fatal. The flowers are also toxic and mild poisoning is possible if the water in which cut flowers have been standing is drunk. Symptoms include; vomiting/diarrhoea, salivation, if large amounts are eaten it can cause convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors and irregular heartbeats.
• Ivy (Branching/English Ivy) – symptoms include; vomiting, abdominal pain, salivation and diarrhoea. Leaves are more toxic than berries.
• Tomato Plant – although not lethal, ingestion can cause some discomfort. Symptoms include; salivation, loss of appetite, severe diarrhoea/vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, behavioural change, weakness, dilated pupils and a slow heart rate.
Trees and Shrubs
• Horse Chestnut – eating conkers can cause severe vomiting and diarrhoea, depression or excitement, dilated pupils, convulsions and coma. Some cases have been fatal. It can take up to 2 days before signs are seen.
• Rhodedendron/Azaleas - ingestion of a few leaves can cause serious illness. Symptoms include; vomiting/diarrhoea, salivation, weakness, coma, low blood pressure, cardiovascular collapse and death.
• Yew – ingestion of most parts of the plant is dangerous. Symptoms include; tremors, difficulty breathing, vomiting and seizures (dogs). Sudden death can occur from acute heart failure.
In addition, it is important to mention Blue-green algae. Found mostly in stagnant water, exposure occurs from drinking or swimming in it. It can be rapidly fatal, some cases within 30mins of exposure. Several fatal cases have been reported recently in Scarborough.
Preventing poisoning
• don’t allow your pet to drink from stagnant water sources
• prevent your pet from eating plants where possible
• try and be aware of poisonous plants when buying plants for your home and garden
• fence off potential hazardous areas of garden/ponds etc
Next Month: Poisons Part 3: Food
Catriona MacKinnon BVM&S MRCVS, Sarah Griffin RVN
The Opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of The Whitby Advertiser