10 common plants that are toxic to dogs and cats

COVID lockdowns and restrictions have seen us spending more time at home with our pets as well as craving the mental health benefits of gardening. These are two great hobbies, but, before you make the dash to the garden centre, it pays to have a little prior knowledge about  plants that are poisonous to our pets! 

There are more than 10 plants that can be toxic to dogs and cats, if in doubt, our advice is to contact your vet.  It is also a good idea to treat all plants with care and to keep your dog and cat away if unsure.

1. Aloe Vera

This is a popular pot plant many people will keep as both an indoor and outdoor plant. Aloe vera is used to treat minor burns in a home remedy capacity.

Symptoms:  Side effects may include vomiting, lethargy, depression, tremors, and change in urine.

2. Lillies

This is a broad genus that covers between eighty and one hundred species. Here are some of the more popular species that you may grow indoors as well as outdoors, and  that are popular in flower bouquets:

• peace lily
• calla lily
• Easter lily
• Tiger lily) 

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhoea, lack of appetite, stomach pain, depression, difficulty swallowing, kidney damage, kidney failure, multiple organ failure.

3. Rubber tree plants 

Also known as Ficus elastica,  Japanese, Chinese, jade rubber tree as well as the Indian rubber tree plant. The milky sap from these plants can be responsible for skin irritations. 

Symptoms: Loss in appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, and skin irritation.

4. Bulbs

Bulbs such as daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, and jonquils are poisonous to both cats and dogs. Always ensure that if kept indoors they are away from the reach of your pet. In the garden, the main concern is that dogs could dig them up and chew them.

Symptoms: Irritation to the gastrointestinal tract,  drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea.

5. Rhubarb

While we may enjoy the sweetness of cooked rhubarb as a dessert, it is the  leaves  that are toxic to dogs and cats (and even humans if we consumed enough). The leaves contain soluble calcium oxalate crystals and should not be fed to any animal!

Symptoms: drooling, lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, weakness, tremors, bloody urine, and changes in thirst and urination.

6. Philodendrons

This plant has had a resurgence lately. Species included  Swiss cheese plant, heartleaf, and fiddle-leaf philodendron.

Symptoms: Skin irritation, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing.

7. Ivy

Most species of Hendra helix  are moderately toxic to pets. Not only can this cause skin irritations to dogs, it can cause unpleasant symptoms if ingested by dogs and cats. 

Symptoms: Swelling, redness, and blistering to skin. If ingested, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting.

8. Cyclamen

This potted plant is a popular gift for Mother's Day. It is a stunning plant that can be grown indoors  and outdoors. Cyclamens produce irritating saponins, if ingested by dogs or cats, it causes unpleasant side effects.

Symptoms: Drooling, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Cardiac issues can result from  pets eating large amounts of this plant.

9. Mother-in-law's tongue

Another popular indoor and outdoor plant, native to Africa, Madagascar, and Southern Asia. All species of Sansevieria such as snake plant, golden birds nest, and the good luck plant contain the chemical compound 'saponin'. It is this compound that makes it toxic to our pets.

Symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset; vomiting, drooling, diarrhoea, and lack of appetite.

10. Chrysanthemum's and daisies

Another stunning plant, popular as a  gift for Mother's Day, chrysanthemums contain the naturally occurring compounds sesquiterpene, lactones, and pyrethrin's.

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, incoordination, shaking, or trembling.

For further information, call in & see us in the store, or email us: admin@weknowpets.com.au

  4/72-76 Station St Bowral NSW 2576

  PH: 024862 1175

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