If you’re a plant and animal lover, welcome to the club! You’re likely a person who loves taking care of others. Both take lots of work and love in order for them to thrive in their environments. However, the two don’t always mix. There are many plants that are toxic to your pet. Which ones, you ask? There are several, but we’re going to cover the twenty most common plants seen in people’s homes and gardens. This way, you can prepare and keep your pet safe.
1. Lilies
Members of the lily family are highly toxic to cats. Small amounts can lead to severe kidney damage. It may be pretty, but you should rethink bringing it home.
2. Marijuana
For those who use marijuana for medical or recreational use, you need to store it properly, as it can cause severe health issues in pets. Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and seizures are just a few of the symptoms of poisoning.
3. Sago Palm
The whole plant is poisonous, but the ingestion of seeds can result in liver failure, depression, and the basic vomiting and diarrhea. As attractive as this plant is in your office, it’s not worth the risk if you have pets.
4. Jade Plant
This exotic-looking plant is a popular choice for households. However it is harmful to dogs and cats if ingested. The toxic ingredient is unknown, but it causes lethargy, loss of appetite, and even convulsions.
5. Amaryllis
This beautiful plant is popular during the holidays, however it can induce abdominal pain, tremors, and depression in pets. Keep in mind that the bulb is more toxic than the leaves and flowers.
6. Aloe Vera
This succulent provides many benefits to humans, such as treating burns. However, it contains saponin, which is a harmful toxin to pets. Symptoms can include a change in urine color, tremors, and severe dehydration.
7. Weeping Fig
This graceful tree makes for a great houseplant due to its glossy leaves and arching shape. Despite this, it’s toxic to both cats and dogs, poisoning them with ficusin if ingested. It creates agitation, drooling, diarrhea, and mouth pain. Their skin could even become blistery and inflamed.
8. Philodendron
This plant is popular for its resilience indoors, as it can survive with low lighting. It’s one of the easiest to take care of and certainly the easiest way to make your pet sick. It can cause swelling and constrict your pet’s airways.
9. Begonia
The beautiful heart-shaped leaves are not as innocent as they appear. Pets can experience vomiting, dehydration, loss of appetite, and mouth pain when ingesting this plant.
10. ZZ Plant
This is a tough plant, a survivor in most households. It’s an aesthetic choice to be sure, however the toxic properties will cause your pet’s eyes to swell and maybe their skin. That’s not even including the stomach aches and diarrhea.
11. Calla Lily
This elegant flower is beautiful indoors and out. Any part of this beauty is dangerous to pets, as it causes breathing issues, convulsions, liver and kidney damage, and even death.
12. Kalanchoe
These bright flowers are toxic to dogs and cats. Its toxins are also found in foxglove, so keep that in mind the next time you’re cultivating. Tremors, seizures, and lethargy are only a few of the symptoms you’ll see if ingested by your furry friend.
13. Dumb Cane
This plant requires very little work and gives you a tropical sense at the same time. However, it also causes burning sensations if the leaves and stems are chewed on. Drooling, vomiting, and breathing issues may follow.
14. Snake Plant
This bold plant adds that dramatic feel to your office, but if you work at home, then your pet may get hurt. The basic nausea, drooling, and vomiting are seen if any part of this plant is ingested.
15. Oleander
This one is a doozy, as it can cause hypothermia, heart problems, and even death if any part of this plant is ingested by a pet. Definitely a plant to avoid.
16. Castor Bean
This plant can cause dehydration, tremors, seizures, coma, and death if your pet happens to cross its path. Ricin is a highly toxic protein that produces some severe symptoms.
17. Cyclamen
The highest concentration is located at the root for this plant. If it’s eaten, it can cause severe gastrointestinal irritation and death. Beauty doesn’t always reflect innocence.
18. Yew
Yew is a popular choice for gardens, however you should rethink planting it if you have a curious dog or cat around. The toxin in this plant attacks the central nervous system with coordination issues, breathing difficulties, and heart failure.
19. Autumn Crocus
This colorful flower is part of the lily family, so you know what that means. The toxins can cause bloody vomit, diarrhea, shock, and organ damage in your pets.
20. English Ivy
This is the plant you see climbing stone walls. A beautiful choice for your home. However, it creates a burning sensation in your pet’s mouth, leaving them with dehydration and diarrhea.