Toxic Plants
Face it, nearly every plant found in most landscapes yards has the potential to cause problems for your dog when eaten. Puppies are especially susceptible since they tend to chew on everything. Older animals are not much of a concern as they instinctively know which blades of grass or flower to select for chewing when dealing with a tummy ache or feel the need to expel the contents of their stomach. As our pets guardians, we need to be aware of what our pets are exposed to. Below is a chart (thanks to Entirelypets.com) listing some of the more common plants our dogs may come in contact with.
Holiday Plants:
Pet owners need to take extra care with holiday plants. When the holidays roll around, we often get caught up in the festivities and don't realize that we may be bringing something very dangerous into your home for your pets. be aware of what holiday decorations may be toxic and avoid turning a happy occasion into a tragic one.
Poinsettias:
These plants are probably the most popular holiday plant and are easily recognizable by their large red, white, pink, or mottled leaves. These plants also contain a thick, milky irritant sap. In general, it would take ingestion of a large amount of this plant to see possible clinical signs in your pet. Signs could include vomiting, anorexia and depression. The symptoms are generally self-limiting and treatment is rarely needed. Your Vet may recommend limiting food and water intake for 1 or 2 hours if your pet is suspected of becoming sick after ingestion of poinsettias.
Easter Lilies:
Some members of the Lilly family of plants can result in serious illness in cats. Specifically, Easter Lilies, tiger lilies, Japanese show lilies, rubrum lilies, many lily hybrids and day lilies have been known to cause kidney failure.
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