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Dog Talk September 2000
 PLANT
POISONING IN SMALL ANIMALS
Many house and garden plants contain chemicals that if ingested in
sufficient
amounts, can cause toxic effects in animals. Fortunately, dogs rarely
consume large quantities of plant materials. It is rare that a single
bite
on any plant will be fatal. (Exceptions may include oleander, castor
beans,
and precatory beans). Also some dogs chew on plants but do not ingest
them.
Some plants that are poisonous to humans are not to dogs. (Poison ivy
and
Poison oak for example.) Plant poisoning is usually accidental and steps
can
be taken to prevent its occurrence. Household pets are exposed and
attracted
to many of the same harmful things as young children. Plant poisoning in
adult dogs is less likely but puppies continually mouth what is in their
environment so are more likely to ingest toxic plants. Owners need to
“pet
proof” the area for young animals by removing or preventing access to
toxic
plants as well as any hazardous substance.
If you believe your pet has ingested a toxic plant contact your
veterinarian
or The National Animal Poison Control Center at 1-900-680-0000. The cost
for
the consult is $40.00.
Below is a list of common poisonous plants taken from Case, A. A.: In
Kirk,
R. W. (ed.): Current Vet Therapy VIII: Small Animal Practice.
Philadelphia, W. B. Saunders Company, 1983, p 146
Common Lilies: amaryllis, daffodil, tulips, jonquil, narcissus, death
camas,
autumn crocus, star-of-Bethlehem, lily of the valley, others.
Tropical Potted Ornamentals: caladium, philodendron, dumbcane
(Dieffenbachia), elephant ear, and similar common house plants.
Spring Staggerweeds and Cultivated Ornamentals: Dicentra
(bleeding-heart)
and Corydalis sp.
Ornamental Shrubs: often potted house, flowering, or decorative
tropicals:
Daphne sp, boxwood (Bruxus), Nerium oleander sp, yew (taxus), azalea,
and
other heath family shrubs; privet.
Legumes: rosary pea (Albrus precatorius)
Black locust
Wisteria, horse beans, java beans, loco weeds, and lupines have toxic
principles; crotaria may be ornamental.
Spurges and similar plants: Poinsettia, Snow on the mountain, Castor
bean,
and croton seeds.
Buttercups: Monkshood, Foxglove, Larkspur, Peony, Buttercups (most
species).
Nightshades: Jimsonweed, (Solanun sp.) of many species.
Tobacco
Eggplant, tomato, potato, ground cherry
Parsleys: Poison hemlock, water hemlock
Toxic roots: may apple, poke weed, Mistletoe
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