There are hundreds of identified poisonous plants to pets which cause symptoms from mild nausea to death.  Plants and pets don’t always go well together.  Before you bring plants into your living space, keep your pets SAFE and make sure you know your ABCs about poisonous houseplants.

A – Always

B – Be

C – Cautious

Due to their small size and unique metabolism, cats and dogs are highly vulnerable to the toxic substances found in plants.  If you suspect that your pet has consumed a poisonous plant, contact your vet immediately and the Animal Poison Control Center of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).  You can reach them by calling 1-888-426-4435 (they do charge US$60 for this service).

Cats, particularly, like to eat plants.  So, it’s essential to keep your houseplants out of reach until you ensure your pets will not munch on them.

It’s also important to consider the source…where was the plant grown, were chemicals or pesticides sprayed on the plant? (Non-toxic may not be truly non-toxic if your plant was sprayed with pesticides). Locally grown, organic plants are the way to go if you can, but you still need to take your pet’s protection into your hands and ask questions.  If you cannot get a direct answer, then do not take the chance that it will be fine; err on the side of safety.

Many flowering plants that you see in “big box” stores during holidays are NO NOs for your pets.  These plants include:

Amaryllis, crocus, cyclamen, daffodils, Holly, hyacinth, kalanchoe, lilies (not all types), mistletoe and Poinsettia.

Big department stores also carry a standard selection of plants that are poisonous or toxic.  Avoid these common houseplants:

Aloe, Chinese evergreen, dracaena, dumb cane, ivy, jade, peace lily, sago palm, taro (caladium) and Swiss cheese plant.

Also, many food bearing plants and trees can be toxic, such as onions, rhubarb, apple (including crabapple), orange, grapefruit, black walnut, apricot, plum, peach, cherry, grapes, avocado, lemon, lime, garlic, etc.

The poisonous/toxic list is longer than those I have listed here.  For a comprehensive poisonous plant list, visit… http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants/

Non-Toxic Plants

It may seem like the list of plants you should not bring into your home or living space is unending and you are wondering…what plants are safe? There are just as many non-toxic plants as there are toxic ones.  Here are some plants that you can welcome into your home and feel good about keeping your pets healthy and safe as well:

African violet, bamboo, bromeliad (earthstar), orchid, polka-dot plant, rope plant, variegated wandering Jew and yerba.

The ASPCA also has a link for a complete listing of non-toxic plants for your cat, dog or horse. When in doubt, check out their website.

Remember…most stores will not tell you if a plant is poisonous or toxic for your pet.  It is up to you to ask!  Also, if you see a friend (or a “stranger”) buying a plant that you know is toxic, just let them know. Some people do not even think about whether plants are safe or not and if they have pets, they will appreciate you letting them know!

Safe Greens

For your cat, consider leaving catnip and/or a tray of oat grass for safe nibbling.  If your dog likes to chew grass, ensure it has not been treated with pesticides/chemicals.

By taking some precautions, you can have both plants and pets in the same living space.

Marisa

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