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Health & Lifestyle
Toxic Spring Bulbs & Other Plants
Toxic Spring Bulbs & Other Plants
Most pet owners are aware that Christmas plants such as poinsettia, holly, mistletoe and amaryllis are toxic plants to dogs and cats. However, Spring is upon us and there are many spring bulbs and other common household plants that can be toxic to our furry friends as well. This article discusses information on these plants and what to do in case of an emergency if your pet should ingest one of these plants.
Spring time is very welcome, especially in the colder parts of the country. However, those beautiful blooming plants and bulbs harbor toxins which can cause mild to severe clinical signs of stomach irritation, abdominal pain, trouble breathing and some can even induce comas. So, please read the list below and make sure if you have any of these plants present that you keep Fido or Fifi away from them.
| Plants | Clinical Signs |
| Azalea | Stomach irritation, convulsions, coma, possibly fatal. |
| English Ivy | Stomach irritation, convulsions, coma, possibly fatal. |
| Hemlock | Foaming at the mouth, muscle spasms, convulsions, possibly fatal. |
| Hyacinth (Bulbs and Flowers) | Gastroenteritis, emesis (vomiting), diarrhea |
| Hydrangea | Gastroenteritis, diarrhea, bloody stools |
| Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense) | Respiratory problems, ataxia, coma, death |
| Jimson Weed (Datura stramonium) | Respiratory problems, ataxia, diarrhea, convulsions, bradycardia (slow heart rate), coma, death |
| Nightshade (Solanum spp.) | Neuropathic problems (hallucinations), gastrointestinal issues, diarrhea, tachycardia (rapid heart rate), respiratory problems, bloat, possibly fatal |
| Oats (Avena sativa) | Respiratory problems, paralysis, skin inflammation, possibly fatal |
| Rhubarb (Rheum rhaptonicum) | Gastroenteritis, colic, diarrhea, bloody stools, polydypsia (increased drinking), death |
If your pet ingests one of these plants.....Don't Panic!
If your fur person should ingest one of these toxic plants or any other toxic plant the first order of business is Don't Panic! Here are some tips on what to do:
- Collect some of the toxic plant and put it in a baggie.
- Try to determine how much of the plant has been ingested.
- Call the ASPCA poison control center
- Call your veterinarian
- Administration of hydrogen peroxide (3%) to induce vomiting. Use a turkey baster to administer peroxide down throat. Administer until vomiting occurs. If animal is heaving, do not administer anymore hydrogen peroxide. Vomiting should occur shortly after heaving is observed.
- Remove any plant material from mouth and paws
There are over 400 toxic plants that have mild to severe toxicity to dogs, cats and horses. For a complete list, please visit the ASPCA's website or call the ASPCA Poison Control Center
Author: Catherine Critz, MS Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University
