Poisonous plants and allergens to your pets.
Be aware of plants that may be hazardous to your pets.
Spring is in the air! Enjoy the season and keep your pets safe.
Dogs are drawn to strong scents and sweet smelling flowers can be tempting to them.
Cats are always seeking digestive aid and are instinctively enticed by green plants.
Ingestion of a toxic plant from either species can cause symptoms that may range from diarrhea and vomiting to severe systemic problems that could lead to death. You may have a pet that does not have a habit of eating unusual objects, but even if your pet has not typically in the past, it only takes that one time. So, it is best to take care in choosing plants for your garden and inside your home.
We have gathered a list of some common plants and poisonous substances, should you believe that your pet may have ingested any of these, please contact animal poison control immediately.
ASPCA 24 hour, 365 days a year poison related emergency phone number (888) 426-4435
This list of toxic plants to cats and dogs is not inclusive of all plants, so be sure to contact your local veterinarian with any questions or concerns.
* = cat specific
** = more hazardous
Aloe
Amaryllis
Asian Lilly azalea * **
Azalea *
Baby’s breath
Begonia
Boxwood
Butter cup
Calla lily
Daffodil
Dahlia
Daisy
Day lily
Gardenia
Geranium
Gladiola
Hibiscus
Hosta
Hyacinth
Hydrangea
Iris
Morning glory
Mum
Oleander **
Peace Lily
Peony
Periwinklea
Primrose
Tobacco
Tomato plant
Tulip
Wisteria
Early signs of pet poisoning;
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Drooling
Depression
Seizures
Lethargy
Agitation
Nose bleeds
Loss of appetite
Bleeding gums
Inability to urinate
Black or bloody stools
If your pet shows any of the above signs or you have any other reason to suspect your pet has ingested a poisonous plant. Make note of what plant you think your pets may have ingested or come in contact with so that your veterinarian can better help your pet.
In case of poisoning it is a good idea to keep hydrogen peroxide or activated charcoal on hand!
Do not attempt the following treatments without the advice of a trained professional. A pet health care professional or your veterinarian may recommend that you use the hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting or give your pet activated charcoal to help absorb any toxin in your pets stomach. Some vets may also recommend Denosyl, this is if they suspect that your pet’s liver has been damaged.
Just like us, pets can have allergies during this time of season also.
Airborne allergens–such as trees, grasses, pollen, mold and insects–can be just as irritating to our pets as they are to us. The symptoms of your pets debility may be similar to the ones we experience, such as watery eyes, running nose, itchiness, coughing and difficulty sleeping. More severe conditions may involve yeast and secondary bacterial infections that can lead to extreme itchiness, which often causes excessive scratching, licking, chewing and rubbing. Some pets get to the point where they’re so uncomfortable that they can’t play or rest properly.
Atopy
Atopy is the most common form of allergy found in pets. Atopy is typically seasonal. Foe example; If a pet is allergic to ragweed, their symptoms will most likely occur in the fall. Pets who are allergic to spring tree pollen will show signs in April and May. Dust mite allergens symptoms may be most dramatic in the winter, when more time is spent inside. Here are some signs of Atopy:
Rubbing of the face – chewing at feet – inflamed ears or ear infections – pinpoint facial scabbing in cats – Recurrent hot spots in dogs – licking of the flank (side) and groin area – Asthma-like wheezing and respiratory problems (more likely in cats)
If your pet has a known history to allergies or allergic reactions, you may want to discuss some various options with your veterinarian. The veterinarian may want to give a prescription for an epi-pen
If your pet has a history of a severe allergic reaction, you may want to discuss various options with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian may give you a prescription for an epi-pen which is a special syringe and needle filled with a single dose of epinephrine. in the case that your pet has an anaphylactic reaction or severe angioedema, your vet will give you instructions on how to inject the epinephrine using the epi-pen. Remeber to always seek emergency veterinary assistance immediately. Be sure to take the epi-pen with you when walking or hiking with your pet.
Seeing your pet go through the misery of allergy symptoms can be difficult. If you suspect your pet has allergies, visit your veterinarian.The severity of symptoms and type of allergies will determine how your veterinarian decides to treat them.
Enjoy the Spring weather and keep your pets safe!
