When it comes to sprucing up your home, there’s no denying that a lush garden or an indoor bouquet (or five) can make a major difference to any living environment. But not all plants are suitable to have near your furry friends. One of the biggest health risks for both cats and dogs is the plants that we keep, indoors and out. In fact, there is an overwhelming number of seemingly harmless ones that should be avoided at all costs. To help you keep your home safe, here are six common plants and flowers poisonous to pets that you should avoid.
Whilst they make the perfect gift for humans, chrysanthemum daisies should be kept away from pets as both their leaves and flowers can be harmful if consumed.
Why it should be avoided: Chrysanthemums can cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, hyper-salivation, incoordination and skin inflammation in dogs and cats.
If you’re growing tomatoes in your backyard, it’s wise to make sure these are securely fenced from your pets. Although it’s safe for your pet to eat small amounts of ripe tomatoes, green stems, leaves and unripe fruit contain solanine – which can be extremely harmful to dogs and cats if ingested in large amounts.
Why it should be avoided: Some toxic effects of tomato plants on pets include extreme stomach upset and vomiting, physical weakness, loss of coordination and seizures.
These may be beautiful and fragrant flowers, but they are extremely poisonous to felines. Types of lilies that are dangerous to our cats include Peace, Easter, Daylilies, Japanese and Asiatic lilies.
Why it should be avoided: The effect these lilies have on felines could be fatal. In fact, lily toxicity in cats can lead to kidney damage, multi-organ failure and even death.
Although chives are delicious for us to eat, they can be toxic to our furry friends. Try growing chives in a pot, out of the reach of inquisitive cats and dogs.
Why it should be avoided: Part of the Allium family, the consumption of chives can cause anemia and gastrointestinal upset. Certain breeds of dogs – such as Akita and Shiba Inu – are particularly sensitive to this herb.
This popular plant contains toxins in both its leaves and flowers that can upset your pets’ stomach and cause them to become lethargic. If you’re worried that your four legged friend may nibble on this plant, it’s best to place hydrangeas in areas they can’t access.
Why it should be avoided: While hydrangeas are known to usually affect the gastrointestinal tract of both cats and dogs, hydrangea poisoning can lead to depression and confusion in more severe cases.
This is an extremely common indoor plant. If ingested, however, the devil’s ivy can make it hard for pets to breathe and swallow. If you would like to grow this leafy plant at your place, do ensure it’s where your curious pets can’t reach.
Why it should be avoided: Excessive drooling, foaming at the mouth, swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips, vomiting and diarrhoea are some of the symptoms of ivy poisoning in cats and dogs.
Text: Homes To Love
Additional reporting: Chelsia Tan