Some plants that can be harmful to pets include:
· Sago Palms- popular tropical palm that must be brought indoors during the cold season. All parts of plant are poisonous but seeds contain the most toxins.
· English Ivy- All varieties of Hedera helix family plants are toxic to pets and especially accessible since they are cascading plants. This is a popular holiday plant.
· Chrysanthemums- Classic autumn plant has naturally occurring insecticide chemical called “pyrethrins” that target insects but also can harm all mammals.
· Holly- a classic Christmas decoration plant. Holly leaves and berries contain natural caffeine and saponins, which are a soap-like substance like detergent.
· Kalanchoe- colorful holiday gift plant produces a natural steroid hormone that affects cardiovascular system if eaten.
You can visit ASPCA.org website and they have a full list with photos and descriptions of both toxic and non-toxic plants for your pets
Many plants are irritants, especially for the gastrointestinal tract, most symptoms seen will be the result of irritation or inflammation, such as redness, swelling, or itchiness of the skin or mouth.
If the toxic principle directly affects a particular organ, the symptoms seen will be related to that organ. For example:
• Difficulty breathing (if the airways are affected)
• Drooling or difficulty swallowing (if the mouth, throat, or esophagus is affected)
• Vomiting (if the stomach or intestines are affected)
• Diarrhea (if the intestines or colon are affected)
• Excessive drinking and urinating (if the kidneys are affected)
• Fast, slow, or irregular heart beat (if the heart is affected)
How to properly display plants and decor in the house with a pet present:
• Select one room in the house where you can consolidate most of your plants for easier safeguarding and use a barrier for your dog like this x-pen, or a baby gate.
• Hang plants from the wall and ceiling where pets cant access them.
• Use decorative wall sconces and birdcages to house plants
Tips to help manage a pet in a safe home environment:
Pets should be trained to leave all plants and flowers alone. Even if they are not toxic, you don’t want your pet to become habitualized to thinking any plants are ok to chew on. This goes beyond toxic plants in the home, and really applies to all items (furniture, shoes, clothing, etc.) that a new pet can chew on or eat.
Provide your pet with sufficient physical and mental stimulation, because most destructive chewing stems from boredom.
Leave delicious stuffed kongs and other interactive toys for dogs, and catnip or interactive games for cats so they have something productive to do while you’re away.
When you first adopt a puppy or new dog, oversee all of their free time and either crate them or keep them in an X-pen while you’re away…until they prove they deserve more freedom and can safely be alone in your home without supervision.
