Going Over What Common Summer Plants Are Toxic To Dogs And Cats

Summer is here and with the summer season comes summer flowers and plants. As beautiful as these summer plants and flowers may be, some of them can be dangerous to our pets. Thankfully, Lucky Dogs & Cool Cats Pet Sitting has many years of experience working with cats & dogs and keeping them safe from poisonous plants. That’s why we came up with this article, to share our years of wisdom and experience with responsible pet owners like you.

So Many Toxic Plants

There are over 1,000 different plants and flowers that are known to be toxic to both dogs & cats. To go over all of them would take a considerable amount of time. For the purposes of this article, we will be covering some of the most popular plants & flowers that grow during the summer months. For a full detailed list of all the plants and flowers that are toxic to cats & dogs, go to the ASPCA website. Additionally, should your pet ingest any toxic plants, contact your veterinarian or emergency vet hospital immediately. You can also contact the Pet Poison Helpline by clicking here or calling 855-764-7661 (fees may apply).

Aloe Vera

This is a cactus-like plant that grows in dry, hot climates and is part of the succulent plant species. It originates from the Arabian Peninsula, but can be found growing in the wild in tropical and subtropical climates. People often grow this plant in their homes and use it for skin care purposes such as treating sunburn or reducing the appearance of blemishes or pimples. Symptoms of consuming Aloe Vera include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.

Begonia

Begonias fall under the category of perennial flowering plants. They are native to moist tropical and subtropical climates. However, they are often grown indoors as ornamental houseplants in cooler climates. Begonias are a popular houseplant because they grow well in the shade and will continuously bloom from summer to frost. Symptoms of consuming Begonias include vomiting and excessive salivation. Thankfully, the most toxic part of this plant is located underneath the soil.

Gladiolus

Gladiolus are perennial cormous flowering plants that belong to the Iris family. It is often referred to as the “sword lily” due to its elongated and slender stem. Gladiolus originates from Mediterranean Europe, Asia, South Africa, and tropical Africa. They are often referred to as “flowers of remembrance” and are commonly used at funerals. Symptoms of consuming Gladiolus include diarrhea, vomiting, salvation, drooling, and lethargy. The bulbs are the most toxic part of the plant.

Ivy

The scientific name for Ivy is actually Hedera. Ivy belongs to the Araliaceae family and is part of the genus of ground-creeping or evergreen climbing woody plants. It is native to Central, Western, and Southern Europe as well as northwestern Africa, Macaronesia, and across central-southern Asia. There is a wide variety of different types of Ivy and not all of them are toxic to pets. It is still worth mentioning as it is a common plant found both indoors and outdoors. Symptoms of consuming Ivy include excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and oral irritation

Lily

Lilies are herbaceous flowering plants that start as bulbs and blossom into large prominent flowers. Their scientific name is Lilium and they are part of the Liliaceae family. They have been known to represent innocence, purity, and rebirth. They serve an important role in human culture and are used in the Christian bible to represent hope and rebirth. Symptoms of consuming Lillies include kidney failure and gastrointestinal issues.

Philodendron Pertusum

Philodendron Pertusum, also known as the “swiss cheese plant” is a species of flowering plant that is part of the Araceae family. It is native to the tropical forests of southern Mexico and is also found in Seychelles, Ascension Island, and Hawaii. Philodendron Pertusum is a very popular house plant due to its low maintenance needs. Symptoms of consuming Philodendron Pertusum include excessive drooling, oral irritation, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, and swelling of mouth, tongue, and lips.

Keeping Our Pets Safe

At the end of the day, we all want to keep our pets healthy, happy and safe. Gardening is a great hobby, but you should be cautious about which plants you grow if you have pets. Whether it’s indoor or outdoor plants, always do your research first regarding whether or not they are toxic to your pets. We hope you found this article informative and that it helps you pick the right plants for your home. For more pet health related articles like this, be sure to check out the Lucky Dogs & Cool Cats Pet Sitting blog section by clicking here. We hope you and your pets have a fun and safe summer!

Summer Plants That Are Poisonous To Dogs And Cats