Common household plants that can be dangerous for pets

Houseplants can instantly make a home feel greener, calmer and more lived-in. But for dogs and cats, a plant sitting innocently in a corner can sometimes become a tempting snack. Curious pets may chew leaves, dig through soil or knock over pots, and some popular houseplants contain compounds that can cause anything from mild mouth irritation to serious illness. Not every plant affects dogs and cats in the same way, and the severity can depend on the amount eaten and the part of the plant consumed. Here are five common household plants pet parents should know about.

Lilies are among the biggest concerns for cat owners. Several plants in the true lily group, including Easter, tiger, Asiatic and daylilies, can cause severe kidney injury in cats. Even relatively small exposures can be dangerous, and cats may be exposed by chewing the plant, getting pollen on their fur and grooming it off, or drinking water from a vase containing lilies. Early signs can include vomiting, drooling, loss of appetite and lethargy, followed by more serious kidney problems. Because the risk is particularly severe for cats, keeping true lilies out of a cat’s environment altogether is the safest approach.

Often called dumb cane, Dieffenbachia is a popular indoor plant because of its large patterned leaves. Those leaves, however, contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. When a pet chews the plant, the crystals can irritate the mouth and throat, causing pain, drooling, swelling, difficulty swallowing and vomiting. In more significant exposures, swelling can make breathing difficult. If you have a puppy, kitten or particularly enthusiastic plant-chewer at home, placing Dieffenbachia somewhere completely inaccessible is important.

The sago palm is a popular ornamental plant, but it can be particularly dangerous for dogs. All parts of the plant are considered toxic, with the seeds or nuts posing a particularly serious risk. Eating sago palm can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness and loss of appetite. More severe poisoning can lead to liver damage, bleeding problems, neurological symptoms and potentially death. Because the plant can look like an attractive outdoor or indoor decorative palm, pet owners may not immediately realise the risk. Keeping it away from pets is especially important for dogs that chew plants or pick up fallen seeds.

Pothos, also known as devil’s ivy, is one of the easiest houseplants to grow, making it a fixture in many homes. It is also another plant that contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. If a pet bites into the leaves or stems, it can cause oral irritation, burning or pain, excessive drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Swelling of the mouth or throat can occur in more serious cases. Its trailing vines can be particularly tempting for cats, so hanging baskets should also be positioned where pets cannot reach them.

Aloe vera is often associated with soothing skin and is commonly grown at home, but the plant itself isn’t considered safe for pets to eat. The gel inside the leaf is different from the outer parts of the plant, which contain compounds such as anthraquinone glycosides. If a dog or cat chews aloe, it can develop vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and other gastrointestinal symptoms. That doesn’t mean every accidental nibble will result in severe poisoning, but aloe plants should still be kept away from pets, particularly those known to chew greenery.

• If you see your pet chewing a potentially toxic plant, don’t wait for symptoms to appear before seeking advice.
• Remove the plant from reach and, if possible, keep a sample or take a photograph so the plant can be identified accurately.
• Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian specifically tells you to do so.
• Contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary service promptly, particularly if your pet has eaten an unknown plant or is showing symptoms such as repeated vomiting, excessive drooling, weakness, difficulty breathing, tremors or unusual behaviour.

A simple rule can make plant-filled homes safer: if you aren’t certain a plant is pet-safe, keep it out of your pet’s reach until you have verified it.