Toxic Plants and Our Pets

Toxic Plants and Our Pets: What Every Pet Owner Should Know

Unfortunately, we have recently seen several emergency cases of plant toxicity in animals presenting to our Veterinary Specialist Services clinics. Some of these cases can be very serious, and in certain circumstances, early treatment can make a significant difference to the outcome.

Plants are everywhere - inside our homes, in our gardens, on walks and in our neighbourhoods. While many plants are harmless, others can cause anything from mild stomach upset to severe organ damage, neurological signs or even death.

Plants to be Particularly Cautious Of

Other Plants to be Aware Of

Queensland's Poisons Information Centre lists a number of other potentially toxic plants including:

• Azaleas

• Foxglove

• Daffodils and other bulbs

• Duranta

• Brugmansia / Angel's Trumpet

• Castor bean

• Jatropha

• Cestrum

• Glory Lily

• Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

• Taro / Elephant Ear

• Caladium

• Hydrangea

• Winter Cherry

• Rhubarb leaves

• Poinsettia

• Allamanda.

What signs should I look for?

Plant poisoning doesn't always look the same. Keep an eye out for:

• Excessive drooling

• Vomiting or diarrhoea

• Loss of appetite

• Lethargy or weakness

• Abdominal pain

• Tremors or seizures

• Unusual behaviour or agitation

• Difficulty walking or coordination problems

• Excessive thirst or changes in urination

• Swelling of the mouth, tongue or face

• Difficulty swallowing

• Difficulty breathing

• Collapse.

Importantly, some dangerous toxins can cause significant internal damage before obvious symptoms appear. This is particularly important with lily exposure in cats and some other highly toxic plants. 

When Should I go to the Vet?

If you know or suspect that your pet has eaten a potentially toxic plant, please contact your family veterinarian as soon as possible or head straight to your nearest Veterinary Specialist Services hospital - don't wait for symptoms.

Go straight to your nearest emergency veterinary clinic or Veterinary Specialist Services hospital if your pet is:

• Having difficulty breathing

• Collapsing

• Having seizures or severe tremors

• Extremely weak or unresponsive

• Developing significant facial or airway swelling

• Showing severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.

For suspected lily exposure in a cat, cycad ingestion, oleander ingestion or any other potentially serious poisoning, seek veterinary advice immediately - even if your pet looks completely normal.

Prevention is the Best Treatment

Before bringing a new plant into your home or garden, check whether it is safe for your pets. Remember that plant exposure doesn't only happen at home. 

Pets can encounter toxic plants:

• In the garden

• On walks

• In parks

• In bouquets and floral arrangements

• From indoor pot plants

• While visiting friends or family.

If your pet has eaten a plant and you're unsure whether it is toxic, take a photograph or a sample of the plant (without putting yourself at risk) so that it can be identified.

The Animal Poisons Helpline is also available to Australian pet owners on 1300 869 738 for advice about potential poisoning.

Please don't induce vomiting or give your pet anything at home unless specifically instructed to do so by a veterinary professional or poison service.

If you're unsure whether a plant around your home is safe for your pet, ask your veterinary team before bringing it into their environment.

A little awareness can prevent a very serious - and sometimes heartbreaking - situation. Please share this post with any other pet owners you know.