by Gigi McWhirter
To keep the great outdoors great for your pets, choose plants that are safe and nontoxic for them.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has compiled a list of plants hazardous to dogs, cats and horses. Consuming the wrong type of plant can be dangerous and have side effects that can result in gastrointestinal ailments like vomiting, diarrhea, drooling to more severe effects including organ failure and death.
Some of the most common and toxic plants in our area include:
- Aloe vera
- Oleanders
- Century plant
- Chinaberry tree
- Daffodils
- Daisies
- Azalea
- Lilies, all varieties
- Sago palm
- Lantana
- Mexican Bird of Paradise
- Castor bean
- Milkweed
- Grapes
- Onions
- Marijuana
Plants considered safe and might be a GRANDE addition to your landscaping could include:
- African violets
- Begonias
- Christmas cactus
- Coleus
- Hoya
- Jade plant
- Marigolds
- Roses
The ASPCA and Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center both have detailed lists of toxic and nontoxic plants for animals. According to the information center, if you believe your animal is not feeling well because of ingesting a poisonous plant you should:
- Call your veterinarian or urgent/emergency veterinarian center immediately.
- You also may call the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center at 800.222.1222 or the National Animal Poison Control Center at 888.426.4435. Some fees may apply.
- Remove any plant parts remaining in the mouth and attempt to rinse around the mouth with water. Do not use a forceful stream from the hose directed at the back of the mouth to avoid forcing water into the animal’s lungs.
- It is important and extremely helpful for you to take the suspected plant or remaining parts of the plant with you to the veterinary office or urgent/emergency clinic.
- Never try to make your pet vomit.
For more information on toxic and nontoxic plants, check out the ASPCA and Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center websites — www.aspca.org and azpoison.com. It is also essential that you discuss concerns about your pets with a veterinarian.
Happy Tails to You!
