We love our furry and feathered children (or, as some call them, our pets). We would do everything possible to keep them safe, happy and healthy.
But sometimes, especially when it comes to gardeners, our homes are full of things that can harm them. We may not even realize it.
Whether it’s houseplants, a beautiful bouquet for your birthday, or your garden bed full of flowers, certain flowering plants can pose a threat to your pets. Cats, dogs, and even birds tend to snack on things they shouldn’t be eating.
If you have a curious pet, these ten flowering plants are best avoided.
1. Amaryllis
Amaryllis is one of the favorite flowering houseplants. With its lily-like flowers and interesting leaves, the amaryllis brightens up any room in winter.
Unfortunately, this beautiful flower is also toxic to your pets. In fact, it is toxic to all animals. The bulbs, leaves and stem contain phenanthridine alkaloids, which cause side effects in your pets.
If your pet ingests any part of the amaryllis, he may vomit or drool excessively. Large amounts may cause diarrhea and tremors. Other symptoms include stomach pain and low blood pressure.
Never keep it near your rabbit or gerbil as the effects are extremely harmful. And if you have a stray cat or dog, keep amaryllis out of your home and garden.
2. Daffodils
Daffodils are another beautiful plant commonly found in homes and gardens. Your pet rabbit can happily nibble on it and it will be fine. But your bird, cat or dog could be in danger.
Daffodils contain lycorine, an alkaloid. Other toxins like glycosides are also found in daffodils. These toxins are present in all parts of the plant and are concentrated in the bulb. This can be bad news for dogs who like to dig up garden beds.
Daffodil poisoning in pets causes severe diarrhea, tremors, drooling and vomiting. Cats and birds sometimes have epileptic seizures. If birds ingest excessive amounts, depending on the type and size of their feathered friend, death may result. Cats can also suffer from heart arrhythmias and shortness of breath. In less severe cases, dogs may experience “daffodil itch,” a reaction caused by contact with the sap of the plant.
Dogs often recover within a few days. However, always keep an eye out for symptoms if you think you’ve chewed something you shouldn’t.
3. lily
As a bouquet or alone in a garden, lilies always catch the eye. But as beautiful as they are, unfortunately they should be kept away from pets.
All lilies tend to have adverse effects on pets, especially birds and cats. All parts of the plant, including pollen and even vase water, are poisonous to animals.
Depending on the type of lily ingested, the effects may differ.
All lilies irritate the mouths and digestive tracts of cats, dogs, and birds and should be kept out of your home. You’ll know if your furry friend has nibbled on a lily when his lips puff up and he scratches his face with his claws. They may also have nausea and vomiting.
Some varieties of lilies are much more dangerous. Easter lilies and tiger lilies should be avoided at all costs, especially by cat owners. Exposure to any part of these plants can cause sudden kidney failure in cats.
4. Morning Glory
Morning glory is usually the first challenge gardeners attempt, next to ivy (which, by the way, is also poisonous to pets). Bred for their vibrant colors that attract hummingbirds and butterflies, they make a great addition to gardens.
Unfortunately, they are not suitable for cats, dogs and birds. This plant contains chemicals called lysergic alkaloids. These cause vomiting, tremors, dilated pupils and even liver failure in pets. Horses should also be kept away from morning glory.
Lysergic alkaloids are similar to the chemicals found in LSD and are most concentrated in morning glory seeds. If your bird, or even a cat or dog, chews on these seeds, it may hallucinate, causing confusion and lethargy.
As beautiful as they are, it may be best to avoid morning glories in your garden.
5. Poinsettias
The poinsettia is one of the best plants for the Christmas season. Dark red hybrid flowers mixed with dark green leaves really create a festive atmosphere. Although not as poisonous as other plants, poinsettias can still cause mild irritation to some pets.
Cats and dogs may experience mild vomiting and drooling after ingesting the sap of the plant. This milky juice contains chemicals, diterpenoid euphorbol esters, which cause these adverse effects. If your cat or dog gets this juice on their skin, they may become inflamed and itchy. Severe poinsettia poisoning is rare in dogs and cats, but birds are more severely affected.
Some argue that poinsettia toxicity is overstated, and fortunately the effects on some pets are only mild. But it’s always a good idea to keep your pets away from this festive ornamental plant, just in case.
6. Azaleas
Azaleas or any member of the rhododendron family are poisonous to pets. Disappointing, I know, as they are a sight to behold in bloom season. The bitterness of the plant generally deters pets from excessive chewing, and the effects on some pets are only mild. But if you have horses or other livestock on your property, azaleas can be a problem.
All parts of the plant are poisonous and contain toxins called grayanotoxins. These toxins are not only toxic to animals, but also to humans.
Symptoms of azalea poisoning in dogs and cats are similar to those listed above: excessive drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. If the bitterness of azaleas doesn’t clear them up, your symptoms may be much worse. Watch out for tremors, convulsions and loss of appetite.
Cattle and especially horses, on the other hand, have much more dangerous symptoms and side effects. Grayanotoxins can cause cardiac arrest, loss of appetite and epileptic seizures in horses. Symptoms can appear within minutes. You will likely notice frothy saliva in your horse’s mouth and muscle weakness.
Without a doubt, azaleas are at the top of the no-go list when it comes to pets.
7. Chrysanthemum
Another blooming beauty that is a disappointment on this list is moms. These plants are toxic to cats, dogs, rabbits and many other animals.
The leaves and stems contain pyrethrins which, if ingested, cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling and sometimes loss of appetite.
Interestingly, pyrethrins are a common ingredient in dog tick and flea treatments and other insecticides. Always check the ingredients of pest control sprays before using them, especially indoors, to make sure they won’t cause accidental damage.
8. Hydrangea
Hydrangeas are one of the most common garden plants and cut flowers. The variety of vibrant colors bring any space to life, indoors and outdoors. Unfortunately, as much as we love them, they shouldn’t be allowed near curious animals.
Hydrangeas are not very toxic to some pets, such as cats and dogs, but small animals can become seriously ill if they chew on the plant. Hydrangeas contain cyanogenic glycoside, which causes vomiting, diarrhea and shortness of breath in many pets.
Cats can become depressed, have convulsions and stiffness. Dogs, on the other hand, can lose their appetite, get tired and even develop a fever.
Small mammals and pets, such as birds and rabbits, show similar symptoms, but their size is cause for concern. Even a small amount of hydrangea consumed can cause serious symptoms in your small pet.
Unlike lilies, you can still grow hydrangeas in your garden or keep them at home. But make sure your pet can’t nibble on a leaf, stem, or flower.
9. tulips
Although they’re technically part of the lily family, tulips’ popularity and potential danger to your pets earns them their own spot on this list.
Tulips are one of the most dangerous flowers for pets to ingest. Regardless of their size or the number of legs your animals have, tulips are highly poisonous. Tulips contain toxic lactones and alkaloids concentrated in the bulb. If your pet eats any part of the plant, especially the flower, they will experience a variety of symptoms including diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and excessive drooling.
Dogs can experience seizures, tremors, dizziness, and even death. Tulip poisoning can also kill birds, rabbits and other small pets.
Horses can experience a variety of symptoms, including colic, rapid heartbeat, and even jaundice.
As sad as it sounds, maybe you should avoid planting tulips in your garden. They may look great in a vase, but just to be on the safe side, avoid them when going to the florist.
10. worries
Marigolds are a favorite companion plant for many gardeners. Bright yellow and orange colors attract bees and other beneficial insects to your garden. But they can negatively affect some pets.
When cats nibble on the leaves, they may experience stomach pain and mouth irritation. They will also experience drooling and diarrhea. Calendula juice will also irritate your cat’s skin.
Marigolds are safest around dogs, but the sap can also irritate their skin, especially if you have a dog with sensitive skin.
Besides possible skin irritation, marigolds are generally considered safe for most pets. However, if you have cats, it’s best to keep them away from your marigold bush.
It’s always good to know which plants can harm our furry and feathered relatives. Some flowering plants are not as poisonous as others, but prevention is always better than cure. If you suspect your pet has ingested a harmful plant or substance, seek medical attention immediately.