Potentially Toxic Plants

WARNING

Accurate identification is essential in providing proper treatment for your pet who has eaten a potentially toxic plant.  It is helpful if all indoor and outdoor plants are properly identified and labeled.  When purchasing plants, ask the nursery or flower shop personnel  for assistance in identifying and labeling each plant.  (A Sharpie permanent marker works great in putting appropriate identification on the back or bottom of the flowerpot).

Plants are often sprayed with insecticides and fertilizers, which can alter or disguise the symptoms seen in animals exposed to hazardous plants.  Even non-toxic plants that have been sprayed with these chemicals may cause irritation to the gastro-intestinal system.

The pet's size and age, as well as the amount that has been eaten can influence the severity of any potential poisoning.  The most common symptoms of consuming a plant would be gastro-intestinal upset, i.e., drooling, nausea and vomiting.  In highly toxic plants or in cases left untreated the results can be death.

Following is a compiled list which represents the most commonly kept plants, but is in no way complete.  We have tried to identify which parts are toxic, but haven't been able to in all cases.