17 Poisoneus Plants

luckyjacks · Posted: Thu Jun 04, 2009 7:36 pm Post subject: 17 Poisoneus Plants

Gathered by ASPCA

Lilies
Members of the Lilium spp. are considered to be highly toxic to cats. While the poisonous component has not yet been identified, it is clear that with even ingestions of very small amounts of the plant, severe kidney damage could result.

Marijuana
Ingestion of Cannabis sativa by companion animals can result in depression of the central nervous system and incoordination, as well as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, increased heart rate, and even seizures and coma.

Sago Palm
All parts of Cycas Revoluta are poisonous, but the seeds or “nuts” contain the largest amount of toxin. The ingestion of just one or two seeds can result in very serious effects, which include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, seizures and liver failure.

Tulip/Narcissus bulbs
The bulb portions of Tulipa/Narcissus spp. contain toxins that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation, drooling, loss of appetite, depression of the central nervous system, convulsions and cardiac abnormalities.

Azalea/Rhododendron
Members of the Rhododenron spp. contain substances known as grayantoxins, which can produce vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, weakness and depression of the central nervous system in animals. Severe azalea poisoning could ultimately lead to coma and death from cardiovascular collapse.

Oleander
All parts of Nerium oleander are considered to be toxic, as they contain cardiac glycosides that have the potential to cause serious effects—including gastrointestinal tract irritation, abnormal heart function, hypothermia and even death.

Castor Bean
The poisonous principle in Ricinus communis is ricin, a highly toxic protein that can produce severe abdominal pain, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, weakness and loss of appetite. Severe cases of poisoning can result in dehydration, muscle twitching, tremors, seizures, coma and death.

Cyclamen
Cylamen species contain cyclamine, but the highest concentration of this toxic component is typically located in the root portion of the plant. If consumed, Cylamen can produce significant gastrointestinal irritation, including intense vomiting. Fatalities have also been reported in some cases.

Kalanchoe
This plant contains components that can produce gastrointestinal irritation, as well as those that are toxic to the heart, and can seriously affect cardiac rhythm and rate.

Yew
Taxus spp. contains a toxic component known as taxine, which causes central nervous system effects such as trembling, incoordination, and difficulty breathing. It can also cause significant gastrointestinal irritation and cardiac failure, which can result in death.

Amaryllis
Common garden plants popular around Easter, Amaryllis species contain toxins that can cause vomiting, depression, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, anorexia and tremors.

Autumn Crocus
Ingestion of Colchicum autumnale by pets can result in oral irritation, bloody vomiting, diarrhea, shock, multi-organ damage and bone marrow suppression.

Chrysanthemum
These popular blooms are part of the Compositae family, which contain pyrethrins that may produce gastrointestinal upset, including drooling, vomiting and diarrhea, if eaten. In certain cases depression and loss of coordination may also develop if enough of any part of the plant is consumed.

English Ivy
Also called branching ivy, glacier ivy, needlepoint ivy, sweetheart ivy and California ivy, Hedera helix contains triterpenoid saponins that, should pets ingest, can result in vomiting, abdominal pain, hypersalivation and diarrhea.

Peace Lily (AKA Mauna Loa Peace Lily)
Spathiphyllum contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing and intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue in pets who ingest.

Pothos
Pothos (both Scindapsus and Epipremnum) belongs to the Araceae family. If chewed or ingested, this popular household plant can cause significant mechanical irritation and swelling of the oral tissues and other parts of the gastrointestinal tract.

Schefflera
Schefflera and Brassaia actinophylla contain calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing and intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue in pets who ingest.

luckyjacks

Some plants are known to be poisonous to our pets. Please be aware of the existing landscaping as well as any new plants you wish to bring into your landscaping. For a complete list of known poisonous plants please visit the ASPCA website.

How to Treat Plant Poisoning in Pets

The toxic effects from plants depend on the amount, type and part of the plant eaten. If you suspect poisoning or catch your pet chowing down on the azaleas, here's what you need to do.

Steps:
1. Remain calm and gather information as quickly as possible. Time is paramount, but adequate information helps authorities determine what steps to take.

2. Attempt to determine the amount of the plant eaten, the name of plant and the time since ingestion

3. Prepare to tell your veterinarian or poison experts your pet's breed, age, sex, weight, number of animals involved and abnormal signs your pet is exhibiting.

4. Call your veterinarian and take your pet to the veterinary hospital immediately, or call the National Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 4ANI-HELP or (888) 426-4435.

5. Know that you must pay a fee when calling the Poison Control Center.

6. Consult your veterinarian before inducing vomiting and be sure to get exact amounts of emetic to use.

Tips:
Household plants that are toxic to pets include azalea, bird of paradise, bulbs, dieffenbachia, hydrangea, jasmine, larkspur/delphinium, laurel, some mushrooms, philodendron, poinsettia, prunus species, tobacco and yews.

Save identification sticks when plants are purchased to know a plant's exact scientific name.

NEVER induce vomiting without consulting a veterinarian.

Prevention is the best medicine

My advice is that you research on the Internet or in a book about which plants are poisonous to animals. Then, make certain that you either do not keep these plants around the house or that they are out of the animal's reach. Remember, prevention is the best form of medicine.