Indoors and Outside: How to Keep Your Pet Safe From Toxic Plants
Wouldn’t it be great if pets just knew instinctively what they should avoid? Jumping the fence, running into traffic, fighting with predatory animals, and sampling chocolate might happen less frequently simply because they knew they’re better off not doing those risky things.
When it comes to keeping your pet safe from toxic plants, it is sometimes easier said than done. That’s why we’re here to remind pet owners of the certain risks on both sides of your front door.
Happy House Plants
While there are many species of plants that are safe to grow inside your home, you should keep the following out of reach of your pets or not in your home at all:
- Snake plant
- Sago palm
- Pothos
- Philodendron
- Peace lily
- Jade plant
- Hyacinth
- English Ivy
- Dracaena
- Dieffenbachia
- Caladium
- Begonia
- Asparagus Fern
- Aloe
Some folks bring their potted plants inside when the temperatures drop at night. We always recommend looking up the plant’s name on the ASPCA List of Poisonous Plants.
Outdoor Culprits
Your pet’s access to the great outdoors can throw a few curveballs at you with regard to their potential exposure to poisonous plants. You can control what’s growing in your backyard and around your property. If you’ve never done an inspection before, now is a good time to check that your yard is clear of the following dangers:
- Azaleas
- Crocus
- Tulips
- Daffodils
- Cyclamen
- Kalanchoe
- All types of lilies
- Oleander
- Hyacinths
A pet that wanders beyond the yard or samples plants while out on walks may be exposed to various hazards. Cats are always safer inside the home, and dogs benefit from walking on leash.
Keeping Your Pet Safe From Toxic Plants
Accidents happen. One of the best ways to keep your pet safe from toxic plants is to recognize the signs of poisoning and seek help for them immediately. If your pet exhibits these symptoms, please let us know:
- Gagging
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Disorientation
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Breathing difficulty
- Slow heart rate
Keeping your pet safe from toxic plants is a priority all year, but the spring commonly sees an uptick of poisonings. Please let us know if we can help protect your pet. Our team at Sunrise Boulevard Animal Hospital is always here for you.