Top 10 Dangerous Plants in your Yard & Home

In this article, we're talking about Dangerous Plants in your Yard & Home, ones that can impact your pets in a wide variety of ways! 🤢 🌿 Many of these may surprise you by how common they are, so read on to see what plants you should be keeping your pets far away from:

No #1: Cannabis

Cannabis poisoning (from plants, leftover matter and edibles) is one of the most common plant poisoning vets see, especially in dogs. Delta nine tetrahydrocannabinol affects cat and dogs' neurological system.

SYMPTOMS: Lack of coordination, tremors, drooling, seizures, possible respiratory problems, depression, coma.

No #2: Lillies

Lilies (such as peace lily, calla lily, Easter lily and Tiger lily) are highly toxic and potentially fatal to cats. Some types are also toxic to dogs. Avoid having any plant from the lily family in or around the home. And be mindful of gifted flowers.

SYMPTOMS: Vomiting, diarrhoea, lack of appetite, stomach pain, depression, difficulty swallowing, kidney damage, kidney failure, multiple organ failure.

No #3: Sago Palms

Sago palms (cycads) are commonly found in tropical and ornamental gardens. All parts of the plant are highly toxic to dogs. Consumption of sago palm is often fatal. Avoid having sago palms in and around your home if you have pets, and be extremely careful when removing them.

SYMPTOMS: Vomiting, diarrhoea, liver damage, liver failure, multiple organ failure.

No #4: Ivy

Many popular ivy plants, including English ivy and Devil's ivy/Golden Pothos, have moderate toxicity to pets.

SYMPTOMS: Mouth and stomach irritation, excessive drooling, foaming at the mouth, swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips, vomiting, diarrhoea.

No #5: Philodendrons

The philodendron family, which includes Swiss cheese plant, heartleaf and fiddle-leaf philodendron, have a toxicity level of mild to moderate for cats and dogs.

SYMPTOMS: Oral irritation, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing.

No #6: Chinese Evergreens

Chinese evergreen's level of toxicity is mild to moderate, though symptoms can include liver and kidney damage.

SYMPTOMS: Oral irritation, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing.

No #7: Aloe Vera

⁠Although considered a medicinal plant for humans, aloe vera's level of toxicity is mild to moderate for cats and dogs if INGESTED. Aloe is still safe to use on minor cuts, burns, and skin conditions. ⁠

⁠⁠SYMPTOMS: Vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, depression, anorexia, tremors, change in urine colour.⁠

No #8: Rubber Tree Plants

Some rubber tree plants (such as Japanese/Chinese/jade rubber plant and Indian rubber plant) are toxic to cats and dogs.

SYMPTOMS: Decreased appetite, drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, depression, skin irritation.

No #9: Asparagus Ferns

Asparagus fern, also known as emerald feather and lace fern, is mild to moderate in toxicity.

SYMPTOMS: Allergic dermatitis, drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain.

No #10: Lantana

Considered a weed in Australia, lantana is a colourful, extremely toxic plant for cats and dogs.

SYMPTOMS: Depression, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, loss of appetite, shock, abdominal swelling, paralysis, possible liver failure.

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Thanks to @abclifeau