Many pet parents may already know that some plants, including lilies and daffodils, can be dangerous to your pets. But several other common plants can be surprisingly poisonous to pets. In this post, we look at five plants that are surprisingly poisonous to your pets. If you are a pet parent and enjoy planting herbs and veggies in your garden, avoid growing the following plants to protect your adored furry friends.
Aloe Vera
It might come as a surprise to most people, but a commonly grown plant that provides numerous benefits to humans can be surprisingly poisonous to pets. While the inner gel is harmless, the skin is particularly toxic for pets, including cats and dogs.
The skin of aloe vera is loaded with chemicals such as saponins which possess antiseptic properties and also serve as a great cleanser for human skin. However, these chemicals can disrupt the digestive system of pets and can cause diarrhea and vomiting. Moreover, the dangerous chemical can also cause tremors among cats and dogs. More severe side effects include extreme irritation on the skin, lethargy, and depression.
If you find the above-mentioned symptoms among your pets, you must see a vet. While most of these symptoms are not severe and can subside without treatment, if you spot red urine along with these symptoms, it could be an indication of something more serious. So, it’s best to avoid any risks and take your pet to the vet immediately.
Oregano
Oregano is one of the favorite herbs that people like to grow in their yard but rarely do they recognize that their favorite herb can be a threat to their furry friend. Oregano, when consumed by pets, can lead to intestinal problems. However, the side effects are often mild and can subside on their own.
The essential oil of this plant, however, can be more dangerous for pets. While it can be used as a topical antibiotic for humans, you must always avoid applying oregano oil on the skin of your cats and dogs, as it can be dangerous for them. Ingestion of oregano oil by cats can lead to liver failure, an irreversible health condition for your pet.
You would be surprised to know that nature has already stepped it to ensure that your pets stay away from this plant. Cats have a very strong sense of smell against the oregano plant (1400% stronger than humans). Thus they usually stay away from oregano plants. However, as pet parents, you must ensure the health and safety of your pets and avoid growing oregano plants in your yard.
Oleander
The delightful outdoor plant that comes in various colors is often a preference for homeowners living in warmer climates. However, all parts of this lovely plant can be surprisingly poisonous for pets and humans. Even when if ingested in a small amount, the oleander plant can be poisonous for your furry friend.
The flowers of oleander contain chemicals such as glycosides which can cause a variety of symptoms among pets, including nausea and vomiting to lethargy and depression. Moreover, it can also affect the heartbeat of your four-legged friend and, in some cases, can cause a slow heart rate or an irregular heartbeat. And while it is extremely rare, ingestion of oleander can also lead to death. Furthermore, parts of the oleander plant, including the leaves and stems, can be poisonous for humans we well.
Again nature has made this plant repellant to pets; however, as a pet parent you need to be vigilant and cautious. Only grow this plant in your yard if you are 100% sure that your pets and other members of your household will stay away from it.
Tomatoes
As surprising as it may sound, tomato plants can be poisonous for your pets. The entire plant, including the stems, leaves, and unripe fruits, contain chemicals that can be dangerous for your pets. However, the ripe tomato fruit is safe for consumption. While a small amount of plant, when eaten, does not cause severe symptoms, it can cause intoxication when consumed in larger quantities.
Common symptoms resulting from tomato plant intoxication include difficulty in breathing, stomach ache, drowsiness, and a slow heart rate. Fortunately, the symptoms do not last long and usually subside without medical intervention. Moreover, poisoning by a tomato plant is typically not fatal for pets.
Potato
Just like tomatoes, the potato plant can be highly poisonous for pets, especially dogs. All parts of the potato plant, including the raw potato, potato skin, and the potato plant leaves, can be toxic when consumed by pets.
The plant contains solanine, a chemical that is poisonous for dogs. The chemical is present in both raw and cooked potatoes. Solanine poisoning can lead to heart problems, difficulty in breathing, gastrointestinal problems in dogs. Thus, we must make sure that your canine stays away from potato plants. Moreover, make sure that you don’t add potato, which may be your dietary staple, to your dog’s diet.
Several other plants can be surprisingly poisonous to your pets, including amaryllis, cyclamen, larkspur, morning glory, daylily, and many more. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has compiled a list of plants that can be poisonous to pets, and you must know about the potentially poisonous plants that you may be growing in your yard. While it might come as a surprise that popular plants such as aloe vera, potato, and others can be toxic for your pets, only if you have the knowledge can you select plants that won’t harm your beloved furry friend.
