Poisonous plants and flowers
Plants and flowers often add life and colour to our home. However, these same plants can cause serious harm to our beloved pets. Being familiar with the plants in and around your home is key in preventing your pet from consuming any plants that may be poisonous or cause stomach upset.
The following is a list of the 17 most common poisonous plants:
- Lilies
- Marijuana
- Sago Palm
- Tulip/Narcissus bulbs
- Azalea/Rhododendron
- Oleander
- Castor Bean
- Cyclamen
- Kalanchoe
- Yew
- Amaryllis
- Autumn Crocus
- Chrysanthemum
- English Ivy
- Peace Lily (AKA Mauna Loa Peace Lily)
- Pothos
- Schefflera
To view a more detailed list of toxic and nontoxic plants, please consult the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants fact sheet.
In addition to plants, certain flowers are downright dangerous to our animal companions. Many varieties of lilies are highly poisonous to cats, for example, and while rose flowers may be fine, their thorns could prove injurious to our curious friends.
Alternatively, there are some pet-friendly flower selections. These include some species of orchids, violets and gerbera daisies. It’s also important to keep in mind that even “safe” plants can produce minor stomach upset if ingested. If in doubt, speak to your veterinarian before bringing home a new plant.
If you think that your animal is ill or may have ingested a poisonous substance, contact your local veterinarian or your 24-hour emergency poison hotline such as the 24/7 Animal Poison Control Centre at 855-764-7661 or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Centre (APCC) at 1-888-426-4435