Plants and Pets - Safe or Dangerous?

It's a Dog Blog

Are plants safe or dangerous for pets? While some species are more toxic than others to our furry friends, plants and pets have coexisted peacefully for thousands of years. Taking stock of a pets surroundings, there are many of items in a household that are toxic to pets if ingested. The first step for any one of these potentially dangerous items is prevention by putting them out of reach or keeping them out of the house.

However, as most pet owners know, prevention doesn't always work with pets. Pets get curious, and may chew on plants more than other items. Many plants do contain compounds that are toxic to pets when ingested. These toxins can cause a range of symptoms, from mild gastrointestinal upset to severe organ damage or even death. Common toxic compounds found in plants include alkaloids, glycosides, and oxalates. Toxins like these can be transmitted through ingestion or even transdermally if a pet comes into contact with the wrong plant. Pets can also experience the same allergies as their humans complete with sneezing, runny eyes or skin rashes.

On the other end of the spectrum, there are also plants that are non-toxic to pets. It is important to still keep pets away due to choking hazards and unforseen reactions, but it is important to note that some plants are more pet friendly than others. For classifications we recommend the Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List compiled by ASPCA (The American Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals.)

In sum, to keep your pet safe:

1. Be aware of the plants you have in and around your home.

2. Research the toxicity of these plants to determine if they are safe for pets.

3. Keep toxic plants out of reach of pets or remove them from your home and yard.

4. Consider using barriers or pet-friendly deterrents to prevent access to plants.

5. Supervise outdoor time and walks to ensure pets don't ingest harmful plants in the environment.

If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic plant or is showing signs of plant-related illness, contact your veterinarian or an emergency pet clinic immediately. Early intervention can make a significant difference in the outcome for your pet.