What's Lurking in Your Garden? Plants that can harm your pets

Protect your pets from poisonous plants that grow in your garden! It's getting warmer outside and the spring flowers are blooming. You may be thinking of what to plant for summer. but be careful about what you plant - especially if your pets like to chew. Many of the pretty flowers you grow in your yard may be hazardous if your pets eat them. These are some toxic plants that are commonly found in gardens:

Azalea

Azaleas and Rhododenrons contain grayantoxins, a toxic substance that can result in vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, weakness and depression of the central nervous system. Severe azalea poisoning can cause cardiovascular collapse. (See also Rhododendrons.)

Castor Bean

Castor beans contain a toxin called ricin, a protein that can cause severe abdominal pain, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, weakness and loss of appetite. Severe cases of poisoning can cause dehydration, muscle twitching, tremors, seizures, coma and death.

Cyclamen

Cylamen plants contain a toxin called cyclamine, but the root of the plant contains the greatest concentration. If eaten, Cylamen can cause gastrointestinal problems including vomiting. Consuming Cyclamen has in rare cases been fatal to pets.

Kalanchoe

This plant can be grown outdoors or indoors in containers. It is a popular houseplant that has cactus-like leaves. Kalanchoe contains components that can cause gastrointestinal upset. Some types of the plant have toxins that can seriously affect cardiac rhythm and rate.

Lilies

Members of the Lily family are known to be highly toxic to cats. The poisonous component has not yet been identified. Eating even small amounts of the plant can cause severe kidney damage.

Oleander

All parts of the Nerium oleander can be toxic. The plants contain oleandrin and neriine, which are cardiac glycosides that can cause gastrointestinal tract irritation, abnormal heart function, hypothermia and even death.

Rhododendron

Some Rhododendrons have a toxin called grayanotoxin in their pollen and nectar. This toxins can result in the following symptoms in animals: vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, weakness and depression of the central nervous system. (See also Azaleas.)

Sago Palm

All parts of Cycas Revoluta (Sago Palm) are poisonous, but the seeds or "nuts" contain the most toxins. Eating just one or two seeds can cause vomiting, diarrhea, depression, seizures and liver failure.

Tulip/Narcissus bulbs

If your pet digs in the garden, be careful about planting bulbs. The bulb portions of Tulip and Narcissus contain toxins that can cause intense gastrointestinal problems, drooling, loss of appetite, depression of the central nervous system, convulsions and cardiac abnormalities.

Yew

All parts of the Yew tree are highly toxic, except the bright red aril surrounding the seed. Yews contain a toxic component known as taxine, which causes central nervous system effects such as trembling, poor coordination and difficult breathing. The toxin can also cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiac failure.

Photos courtesy of Wikipedia.

For another in-depth listing of poisonous plants, please visit Denver Plants.

Please consult your veterinarian for diagnosis and before beginning any treatment program.