We at Rover partnered with experts at Pet Poison Helpline to put together this list of poisonous plants. Tabatha Regehr, DVM, rounded up their most common cases.
The summer brings beautiful blooms to our yards, but some plants are safer than others for our furry friends. At Pet Poison Helpline we commonly receive calls from concerned pet owners after their cat or dog has chewed on or eaten a plant from a floral arrangement or home yard.
At Pet Poison Helpline we receive over 2800 calls a year regarding plant exposures in or around the home. Of those calls, 66% are about dogs and 34% cats. We receive the most plant exposure calls from the state of California.
To pare down Rover’s extensive list of poisonous plants to cats and dogs, this article will review the top 10 poisonous plants we receive calls on each year.
Lilies
Lilies, although beautiful in flower arrangements and hardy in the yard, should not be in homes with cats. Lilies only cause stomach upset in dogs but can cause acute kidney failure in cats.
There are two species of lilies that present a toxicity risk and include the Lilium and Hemerocallis species. Both grow from bulbs. Common names include the Easter lily, tiger lily, Asiatic lily, stargazer lily, and day lily.
All parts of this plant are toxic to cats including the pollen and water from a floral arrangement. Any and all exposure to a true lily by a cat warrants immediate veterinary care and hospitalization.
There are some plants that look, or have names similar to true lilies. We call them imposter lilies, but these are not from the Lilium or Hemerocallis species. The most common imposter lily in a flower arrangement is the alstroemeria or Peruvian lily.
Other common imposter lilies include amaryllis, eucharist, calla lilies, peace lilies, and waterlilies. If you are unsure what type of plant you have, contact a florist, garden center, or a Master Gardener.
Tulips
Tulips and hyacinths are grown from bulbs and toxic to dogs and cats. These two plants and their bulbs are moderately irritating to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, with the bulbs being the most irritating.
Dogs are at a slightly greater risk of exposure as they may eat multiple bulbs or dig up freshly planted bulbs in the yard.
Ingestion causes vomiting, salivation from oral irritation, and diarrhea. Skin irritation can occur, but it is relatively uncommon. Bulbs can also create a blockage of the intestinal tract.
Daffodils
Daffodils, like the previous three plants, are also a bulb plant. These cause more severe GI upset than the tulips and hyacinths.
Vomiting and diarrhea can be very strong when daffodils are ingested, with the bulbs being the most toxic part of the plant.
This class of plant typically needs veterinary assessment to control the GI signs when ingested. In some cases, exposure can result in neurological problems.
Rhododendrons
Rhododendrons are a woody evergreen that can be an indoor ornamental plant or grow as large hedges in the yard. These are toxic to both dogs and cats with vomiting occurring before other signs develop.
Rhododendrons can cause changes in heart rhythm, heart rate, blood pressure, and neurological problems.
Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe is a very common ornamental potted plant with small flowers but can also be a decorative shrub in the yard.
The plant leaves are a dense succulent with flowers growing in single color clusters. As with rhododendrons, we may only see GI signs, but with large ingested amounts, heart and neurological problems can develop.
Philodendrons
Philodendrons are one of the most common house plants. They contain small crystals which are immediately irritating to the lips, gums, tongue, and throat.
Dogs and cats can quickly develop drooling, retching, pawing at the mouth, and vocalizing. These signs can be short-lived or severe enough to need medical support.
Yew
Yew, also called the Japanese Yew, is a universal evergreen foundation plant in landscaping. Dogs chewing on sticks during yard clean up is a common type of exposure.
All parts of this plant can be extremely toxic except for the berries. The berries generally only cause GI upset, though the rest of the plant has the potential to cause severe heart and neurological problems.
Poinsettia
Poinsettia plants are a toxic plant but aren’t quite as scary as their reputation suggests. These can cause vomiting and diarrhea. The milky sap is irritating but often these signs will resolve on their own for dogs and cats both.
Begonias
Begonias are unique in that they contain the same crystals as the philodendron but also a crystal that can cause kidney injury and inflammation. Both dogs and cats can have the same stomach irritation previously discussed, but also fine muscle movements, lethargy, and a decrease in appetite. If your pet ingests this plant, she should be assessed by your veterinarian.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera plants are a hardy succulent in many homes for ornamental or medicinal reasons. Although the liquid gel inside the leaves is not toxic, the white sap can cause severe vomiting and intense diarrhea.
Fluid loss can be severe if a lot of plant material is ingested. Ingestions also cause urine to appear brown which can be confused with blood. The severity of effects related to this plant is related to the amount ingested.
Preventing Exposure to Poisonous Plants
You can reduce your pet’s risk of exposure to these common poisonous plants by planning ahead of time.
For example, consider plants other than bulbs if your dog likes to dig. Also, be mindful of the types of fresh flowers you bring into your home if you have cats and kittens. Take a look at Rover’s list of suggested safe plants for dogs and cats for pet-safe ideas.
Dogs and cats can coexist with many beautiful plants and flowers safely. However, if you suspect your pet has ingested a plant that could make him or her sick, please contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control service.
Tabatha Regehr, DVM
Associate Veterinarian, Clinical Toxicology
Pet Poison Helpline
Dr. Tabatha Regehr joined Pet Poison Helpline in 2017. She obtained both her BS and DVM from Kansas State University. Her experience includes both small animal emergency and general practice.
She owned her own small animal clinic in the Kansas City area prior to joining Pet Poison Helpline. In clinical practice, she has participated in research study partnerships with Hills Pet Nutrition and Vetraxx.
Pet Poison Helpline is a 24-hour animal poison control service. We can assist you in determining if your pet’s plant ingestion warrants immediate medical attention.
