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Common Plants Toxic To Pets

Ah spring in Richmond, Virginia! You can't help but love the beautiful plants budding and flowering about town this time of year.

What you might not know is that some of these beautiful plants in our yards, parks and gardens can be toxic to our pets. We've put together a list of some of the more common plants considered to be poisonous to our four-legged friends.

Amaryllis
A common garden plant, Amaryllis contain toxins that can cause vomiting, depression, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, anorexia and tremors in pets.

Azalea/Rhododendron
Members of the Rhododenron species contain substances known as rayantoxins, which can produce vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, weakness and depression of the central nervous system in animals. Severe azalea poisoning could ultimately lead to coma and death from cardiovascular collapse in animals.

Chrysanthemum
These popular blooms are part of the Compositae family, which contain pyrethrins that may produce gastrointestinal upset, including drooling, vomiting and diarrhea, if eaten. In certain cases depression and loss of coordination may also develop if enough of the plant is consumed.

Cyclamen
Cylamen species contain cyclamine, but the highest concentration of this toxic component is typically located in the root portion of the plant. If consumed, Cylamen can produce significant gastrointestinal irritation, including intense vomiting. Fatalities have also been reported in some cases.

English Ivy
Also called branching ivy, glacier ivy, needlepoint ivy, sweetheart ivy and California ivy, Hedera helix contains triterpenoid saponins that can result in vomiting, abdominal pain, hypersalivation and diarrhea if digested by pets.

Lilies
Members of the Lilium species are considered to be highly toxic to cats. While the poisonous component has not yet been identified, it is clear that ingesting just a small amount of the plant, can result in severe kidney damage.

Oleander
All parts of Nerium oleander are considered to be toxic, as they contain cardiac glycosides that have the potential to cause serious effects-including gastrointestinal tract irritation, abnormal heart function, hypothermia and even death.

Peace Lily
Spathiphyllum contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing and intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue in pets.

Schefflera
Schefflera and Brassaia actinophylla contain calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing and intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue in pets.

Tulip/Narcissus bulbs
The bulbs of the Tulipa/Narcissus species contain toxins that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation, drooling, loss of appetite, depression of the central nervous system, convulsions and cardiac abnormalities in animals.

Yew
Taxus contains a toxic component known as taxine, which affects the central nervous system thus causing trembling, incoordination, and difficulty breathing. It can also cause significant gastrointestinal irritation and cardiac failure, which can result in death.

Look around your yard and take necessary steps to protect your pet from these plants. If your pet experiences any of the symptoms noted take them to your Vet and/or call the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Hotline at (888) 426-4435 immediately.

For a more complete list of toxic plants visit The Humane Society of the United States website.