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P.O. Box 1015 Waldorf, MD 20604-1015
Phone: 301 645-8181

7 May 2000, From the American Humane Association
Be Careful What You Plant
Not all plants are safe for your pets!

Spring is finally here and summer is getting closer. That means more houseplants, and perhaps some time out in the garden. Whether in your garden or in your home, plants provide us with immense beauty. Unfortunately, many of those plants are also poisonous to pets. Plants which are not toxic to people, like the hibiscus and the Easter lily family, may cause renal failure in cats and excessive fluid loss in dogs. A morsel of mistletoe can cause digestive upset as well as irregular heartbeats and possibly cardiac shock in pets. Common houseplants, like the philodendron and Dieffenbachia (dumb cane), contain oxalate crystals that can cause your pet's mouth and throat to swell, making him unable to eat.

Because pets chew on almost anything, you'll want to remove or secure plants that are especially dangerous to your pet. Learn the types and names of plants you have in your house or yard in case of an accident.

If your pet does chew on a plant, immediately remove the plant from their mouth and rinse their mouth out gently with water. Identify the plant your pet ate and call the poison center or your veterinarian. Watch for excessive or foamy salivation and changes in the skin around the mouth, eyes or paws.

For a listing of plants and other substances poisonous to pets, call us.