Warning: Plants Poisonous to Your Pets

You always only want the best for your fluffy half. That’s why you only buy vet-approved toys, healthy food and feed and give them all the exercise, love and cuddles in the world. So just to make your fur-beauty that extra bit safe and make sure your fluffy-half isn’t the cause of your financial ruin (aka not driving you into financial ruin from numerous vet visits), here are a few lists of plants that are poisonous to your pets (dogs, cats, horses and rabbits – we know, we know there are more types of pets; we’ll do a follow up segment for birds, exotics and other nunus).

DOGS

Dogs are super smart, friendly, curious and often classified as man’s best friend (although the jury is still debating this as there may be some reasonable doubt brought in by ailurophiles). Unfortunately, of all the animals, it seems that dogs just have the knack to consume poisonous plants or things, and the consequent vet bills have more zeros than a calculus test.

So, for the sake of your pooch, your pocket and your sanity, try not have the following plants in your house or garden.

Please note this list isn’t exhaustive and the poison level to your dog may vary plant to plant (from extremely poisonous to a mild irritant if consumed/encountered). If your dog is lethargic, vomiting, suffering from diarrhoea, showing signs of a rash/abscess, has a loss of appetite, starts drooling, loses co-ordination, suffers from tremors/seizures, has laboured breathing, displays a sensitivity to light, loses consciousness, exhibits non-responsive behaviour/coma, immediately take him/her to the vet.

CATS

Cats generally prefer eating stuff they can chase/catch or any food you don’t really want them to eat like your biltong you hid away. But they do sometimes eat plants to make themselves sick or chew on your favourite plants for fun/to ruin them for you. In these cases, you need to make sure that the cheeky nibble doesn’t use up all of your kitty’s nine lives. Here are some toxic plants you should try to remove as far as possible for your kitten’s/cat’s sake.

Please note this list isn’t exhaustive and the poison level to your cat may vary plant to plant (from extremely poisonous to a mild irritant if consumed/encountered). If your cat displays any signs such as dilated pupils, lethargy, vomiting, suffering from diarrhoea, showing a rash/abscess, has a loss of appetite, starts drooling, loses co-ordination, suffers from tremors/seizures, has laboured breathing, displays a sensitivity to light, loses consciousness, exhibits non-responsive behaviour/coma, immediately take him/her to the vet. Remember cats are masters at hiding pain and discomfort so you really need to know your cat and catch it early.

HORSES

Horses are sometimes like dogs in that they can be little (no rather big) hoovers (ask my smartphone and helmet). Although you certainly can make a concerted effort what you feed them in the stable, you can’t always walk acres of their paddock to check. But at least try to make an effort to make sure your equine-half is safe in the paddock or get ready to take out a second mortgage (horse people know what this means).

Please note this list isn’t exhaustive and the poison level to your horses may vary plant to plant (from extremely poisonous to a mild irritant if consumed/encountered). Signs of abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhoea, straining, rectal prolapse, weight loss, restlessness, unsteadiness, blindness, breathing difficulties, head pressing, problems swallowing, lethargy, tremors, twitching and fitting, collapsing, loss of appetite, colic, depression, fever, laminitis or inflammation on other areas of horse’s body – can all be symptoms of poisoning.

PS. We know at least one horse person will feel the need to enlighten Sparkle Ellie about the list and benefits blah blah of something on the list. Let’s just agree to disagree. Because if there is one thing that is a certainty in the horse world – it is that nobody can agree on anything and everyone believes their way is the best. 

RABBITS

Rabbits are cute and fluffy. And when not procreating, like to nibble on lettuce and the like. So be sure to keep the following potentially deathly “nibbles” out of your rabbits way.

This list (like the above lists) isn’t exhaustive and some plants will be slightly toxic and other’s extremely to your bunny. Please note unlike dogs and cats; rabbits (and horses) can’t regurgitate or vomit so toxins stay within them. Some signs of poisoning in bunnies: abdominal tenderness, bleeding externally or internally, depression, diarrhoea, difficult or laboured breathing, elevated or low body temperature, hunched posture, intestinal inflammation, irregular heartbeat, lack of appetite for food or water, lethargy, mouth irritation, pain seizures or weakness.

Download The Plants Toxic to Pets’ List

 

Hey, going so soon…

Check Out Some More Animal Blogs Here.

 

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A Little About Sparkle Paws and Glitter Trails:

We believe animals rule and bring so much life and love to a household. Long live and rule the pet! It is also a dream to make South Africa a more pet-friendly and animal-friendly place; a place where animals are safe from torture, ignorance, hunger, fear, persecution, human “fun” leading to an animal’s demise and anything detrimental. Thank you for reading this blog.

 

 


For more info about poisoning:

Scielo.org.za Wagwalking.com Feelgoodhealth.co.za Pethero.co.za Epetstore.co.za Easyk9care.com Sheknows.com Ideasforbunnies.com Farmersweekly.com Kznpc.co.za 

Featured image by Delia Herberg Photography

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