House Plants Can Be Poisonous to Dogs
One of the most surprising things that people learn is that house plants, while being perfectly safe for humans, are poisonous and even deadly to dogs. This also goes for certain outdoor plants such as tulips, oleander, and amaryllis. However, it is important to note that some plants are safe for dogs. So, before you go out and buy a new plant, we suggest that you pay close attention to our list of plants to avoid.
- Aloe Vera – Some parts of the aloe vera plant are safe for dogs as it can be used on skin abrasions. However, chewing on the plant can expose a dog to toxins which can cause diarrhea and vomiting.
- Ivy – Several varieties of ivy contain toxins which cause excessive drooling, vomiting and abdominal pain.
- Jade – Although the toxic compounds are not well understood, this plant can cause a slow heart rate and even depression.
- Dieffenbachia – This common houseplant has a type of toxicity that you’ll see in some other tropical plants, such as Philodeondron. The leaves contain tiny, sharp calcium oxalate crystals which can irritate a dog’s mouth and cause severe swelling and burning of the mouth and tongue.
- Philodendron – This is another type of plant that contains sharp calcium oxalate crystals which can cause irritation.
- Cycas revoluta – Every single part of this plant from the seeds and the roots all the way to the leaves is poisonous to dogs. The toxin cycasin can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and in some cases, seizures, lethargy, and liver failure.
- Peace Lily – The Peace lily is a choice house plant for those who want to create an elegant, minimalist look. But if your dog eats it, it’s not worth it. The Peace lily is another plant that contains calcium oxalate crystals, which cause intense oral irritation, excessive drooling, and difficulty swallowing.
The list goes on and on. We recommend that you do your research prior to purchasing a new plant to ensure that it is safe for your four-legged friend!
