Houseplants are a popular way to add greenery and beauty to your home. However, some of these plants can be toxic to pets, causing a range of symptoms from mild irritation to life-threatening illness. As a pet owner, it’s important to be aware of which houseplants are toxic to your furry friends. In this article, we’ll discuss seven of the most toxic houseplants to pets.
Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)
The Sago Palm is a popular indoor and outdoor plant with a distinctive look, but it’s also one of the most toxic plants to pets. All parts of the plant are toxic, especially the seeds, which can cause liver failure. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and seizures. If you suspect your pet has ingested any part of a Sago Palm, seek veterinary care immediately.
Lily (Lilium spp.)
Lilies are a beautiful addition to any flower arrangement, but they’re also highly toxic to cats. All parts of the plant can cause kidney failure, even in small amounts. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, and increased thirst and urination. If you have cats, it’s best to avoid lilies altogether.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Snake Plant, also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, is a popular indoor plant with tall, slender leaves. All parts of the plant are toxic to pets, causing gastrointestinal symptoms and difficulty breathing. If your pet ingests Snake Plant, seek veterinary care immediately.
Dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia spp.)
Dieffenbachia is a popular indoor plant with variegated leaves, but it’s also toxic to pets. All parts of the plant contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause oral irritation, swelling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. In severe cases, it can cause airway obstruction. If you have pets and want to keep a Dieffenbachia in your home, be sure to keep it out of their reach.
Oleander (Nerium oleander)
Oleander is a common landscaping plant that can also be grown indoors. All parts of the plant are toxic to pets, causing gastrointestinal symptoms, heart problems, and even death. Symptoms of poisoning include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, and difficulty breathing. If you suspect your pet has ingested Oleander, seek veterinary care immediately.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is a popular indoor plant with trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves. All parts of the plant are toxic, causing oral irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. In some cases, it can cause swelling of the throat and airway obstruction. If you have pets, it’s best to keep Pothos out of their reach.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
ZZ Plant is a popular indoor plant with shiny, dark green leaves. All parts of the plant are toxic to pets, causing gastrointestinal symptoms and difficulty breathing. If your pet ingests ZZ Plant, seek veterinary care immediately.
It’s important to be aware of which houseplants are toxic to your furry friends. Keep toxic plants out of your pet’s reach, and if you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic plant, seek veterinary care immediately. By taking these precautions, you can enjoy the beauty of houseplants without putting your pets at risk.
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and there are many other toxic houseplants to pets. If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic plant, please contact your veterinarian immediately