Plants can seem like a no-brainer when decorating your home. They add beauty, make rooms smell nicer, and even help purify the air. However, when you share your home with a dog or cat, it’s essential to be mindful about the plants you choose—many popular plants are actually toxic to pets.
We want to help you avoid these feline and canine toxic plants, so let’s dive into some of the most well-known and learn how to steer clear.
Chamomile
The chamomile plant is a charming little flower known for its relaxing properties and distinctive aroma. Sadly, it’s also a toxic plant for cats and dogs due to specific chemicals that can cause gastrointestinal problems or allergic reactions.
While dogs can have a little chamomile in controlled medications, too much can make them sick. Meanwhile, cats are extremely sensitive to chamomile, even small amounts, and should avoid it entirely. You should keep this plant out of your home and double-check any foods, drinks, skin care products, scented oils, or scented candles that may have the ingredient and keep them away from your cat.
Symptoms
Cats exposed to small amounts of chamomile may start drooling or experience a heavy rash. Large amounts can cause diarrhea or vomiting. Dogs may ingest very small amounts without trouble, as long as the substance is controlled and approved by a veterinarian, but too much can still cause vomiting.
Aloe Vera
Is aloe vera toxic to cats and dogs? While this plant smells wonderful and is fantastic for soothing irritated skin, it contains unique compounds that cats and dogs can’t digest. That’s why keeping them out of your pets’ reach is important. You may also want to double-check your favorite hand sanitizers, lotions, conditioners, or cleaning products to ensure no aloe vera.
Symptoms
Both cats and dogs that ingest aloe vera may become severely dehydrated, vomit, or have diarrhea. Even a small amount, such as nibbling the corner of the plant or licking aloe vera lotion off your finger, could be enough to make them very sick.
Lilies
When in doubt, throw it out. While “lilies” is a very broad floral categorization, several species are well-known for being feline and canine toxic plants. Any lily categorized as a true lily or a daylily should be avoided (though you should simply avoid any lily to be on the safe side).
Lilies are especially toxic to cats, and every part of the plant is dangerous, including the pollen and the water in the vase.
Symptoms
The symptoms will vary depending on the type of lily a cat or dog ingests. For example, a rain lily will cause severe stomach pain, while a peace lily may cause a rash around the mouth.
In cats, all true lilies and daylilies can cause seizures, unconsciousness, or a reduced heart rate. In severe cases, they can even cause kidney failure or death. Watch for early signs like vomiting, drooling, or loss of appetite or energy, and seek veterinary care as soon as possible to prevent their condition from worsening.
Azalea
These rosy flowers are popular for friends, family, or special events. Unfortunately, even a small nibble on their leaves or flower petals will cause major problems for your cat or dog. They contain a toxin that affects your pet’s heart and nervous system; even a small amount can be dangerous.
You can also find azalea in skin creams, gardening products, and even lip balms, so be careful using these products around your pets.
Symptoms
Azalea is one of the worst plants toxic to cats and dogs, causing symptoms like difficulty urinating, low blood pressure, and extreme fatigue. As with other toxic plants, you may also notice drooling and gastrointestinal issues. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to seizures or coma.
Poinsettias
While this bold and striking plant is only mildly poisonous to cats and dogs, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Poinsettias ooze a milky white sap that can be quite irritating to your pets in large amounts.
Symptoms
If your pet chews or eats this plant, they may experience gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, drooling, or irritation around their mouth. They may also experience skin irritation if they come in contact with the sap.
Eucalyptus
If you ask the average person about their favorite plant scents, eucalyptus will likely come up at some point. This plant regularly appears in essential oils, perfumes, and hair care products, but it’s one of the most infamous feline and canine toxic plants.
Symptoms
In addition to drooling and vomiting, cats and dogs exposed to eucalyptus can have drastic reactions, such as wheezing, drooling, confusion, lethargy, and dilated eyes. In severe cases, they may develop seizures.
Coffee
Coffee is likely low on the list when you think of plants toxic to dogs and cats. Coffee “beans” are not actually beans but the seeds of the Coffee arabica and Coffee canephora plants. These plants come with a high amount of caffeine, which your animals can’t tolerate.
If you enjoy a hot cup of joe in the morning, make sure your cat or dog stays far away from it. While a drop or two likely won’t cause a problem, it’s not a risk worth taking. You should also double-check skin care or candle products if they’re coffee-scented.
Symptoms
Cats and dogs exposed to coffee will often start panting, throwing up, shaking, and showing restlessness or agitation. In the worst cases, they can experience seizures or pass out.
Onions and Garlic
If you love to cook and frequently use onions or garlic in recipes, be extra careful. These plants (including similar plants like leeks and chives) contain chemicals that can damage your pet’s red blood cells and cause anemia. Keep in mind, there is no difference between fresh and dried ingredients: They’re all toxic to pets.
Make sure to wash your knives thoroughly for onion or garlic residue, especially if you use the same utensils to prepare food for your pets.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms are drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea as your cat or dog attempts to digest these incompatible plants. Other symptoms can include labored breathing, increased heart rate, and loss of coordination.
What to Do If Your Pet Ingests a Toxic Plant
It’s understandable to start panicking when you see your pet displaying the signs of gastrointestinal upset or an allergic reaction, but try to stay calm. The sooner you get your pet professional help, the better. Follow these steps.
Stay Calm and Remove Your Pet from the Area
Get your pet somewhere quiet and with extra space. Additional noise or distractions may stress them out further.
Try to Remove Any Plant Material
Not only do you want to keep as much of the toxic plant out as possible, but you also need to show the veterinarian what your pet ate, if possible. You can keep a sample or snap a quick photo on your phone.
Call Your Emergency Vet Hotline
Your local veterinarian knows how to help a pet that’s eaten feline or canine toxic plants. Contact them as soon as you notice symptoms or signs of exposure, and follow their instructions closely.
You can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435. They work directly with veterinarians, providing a full report on the toxin, treatment options, and prognosis. Partnering with them can ensure your pet gets the most accurate and timely care.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. One of our biggest vet anxiety tips is calling a friend, family member, or neighbor for assistance.
3 Safety Tips to Reduce the Risk Feline and Canine Toxic Plants
Now that you know some common plants to avoid and what to do if your pet is exposed, let’s discuss a few more safety tips.
Brush Up on Your Symptoms
Some symptoms of plant poisoning can mimic other symptoms, such as heatstroke or dehydration. Get in the habit of double-checking common symptoms for toxic plants and other hazards so you can narrow down potential issues as fast as possible.
Keep a Close Eye on Outdoor Behavior
While it’s tempting to zone out while taking your animals outside pleasantly, you should keep a sharp eye on any nearby plants. Whether you’re hiking with your pet in Arizona or just letting them out in the yard, be sure to watch out for any toxic plants outdoors and keep your pet away from them. One nibble could make your cat or dog very sick.
Consider Keeping a Plant Book
Staying on top of every possible hazard to your pet’s health can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to become an overnight plant expert to protect your pet. Keeping a pocketbook of common plants with photos or downloading a plant app on your phone can be a great resource. The ASPCA also offers a helpful resource list you can refer to when you’re unsure about whether a plant is safe.
1st Pet Vet Is Your Emergency Resource for Your Dogs and Cats
If you suspect your pet ingested a feline or canine toxic plant, we’re only a call or click away. We provide quality, compassionate emergency veterinarian services to Mesa, Chandler, and Phoenix pet owners.
Contact our clinic if you have any questions or concerns. We’re here for you and your pet 24/7.
