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.
