Although they are not herbivores, dogs are naturally curious animals that often tend to accidentally ingest some products that can be toxic to their body. Among the possible causes of poisoning in dogs are various plant species commonly used both outside and inside our homes. But what are poisonous plants for dogs? If you want to find out, don't miss the next article on our site, in which we will talk about the main toxic plants for dogs
Oleander (Nerium oleander)
The oleander is a shrub native to the Mediterranean basin that we can often find as an ornamental plant in our parks and gardens. However, we must know that it is a very poisonous plant for people and animals,including dogs.
Its toxicity is due to the presence of cardiotoxic glycosides, which produce serious cardiac alterations by affecting the sodium/potassium pump of heart cells. Symptoms associated with oleander poisoning, also called cardioglycosidic toxicosis, appear within a short period of time (hours) after ingestion. Specifically, you can see:
- Vomiting.
- Hypersalivation.
- Muscular contractions.
- Tachycardia and arrhythmias.
- Irregular breathing.
- Coma and death.
In this case, there is a specific antidote called Digibind. It is worth mentioning that dogs that survive 48 hours after ingesting the plant have a good prognosis.
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
This is one of the most toxic plants to dogs. Like oleander, it produces cardioglycosidic toxicosis due to its content of cardiotoxic glycosides. Symptoms associated with this poisoning appear within a few hours and include:
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Hypersalivation.
- Muscular contractions.
- Weakness.
- Tachycardia and arrhythmias.
- Irregular breathing.
- Coma and death.
In these cases Digibind can also be administered as a specific antidote.
Poto (Epipremnum aureum)
Despite being one of the most common plants in our homes, the pothos is also on the list of toxic plants for dogs. Its high content in calcium oxalate can cause the following clinical signs:
- Irritation, pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips.
- Hypersalivation.
- Vomiting.
- Dysphagia: difficulty swallowing.
Adam's Rib (Monstera deliciosa)
This is a tropical climbing plant that has become popular in recent years in homes. However, it is also a poisonous plant for dogs. Like pothos, it contains calcium oxalate which can cause intoxication characterized by:
- Irritation, pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips.
- Hypersalivation.
- Vomiting.
- Dysphagia: difficulty swallowing.
Cala (Zantedeschia aethiopica)
Calves or water lilies are very popular plants in landscaping due to their elegant appearance and striking flowers. However, like the potho or Adam's rib, the cala contains high levels of calcium oxalate, which makes it a toxic plant for dogs. It is good to know that all parts of the calla are toxic, especially the flowers
The signs that may occur after ingestion of this plant are:
- Irritation, pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips.
- Hypersalivation.
- Vomiting.
- Dysphagia: difficulty swallowing.
Azalea (Rhododendron ferrugineum)
Known for their spring blooms, azaleas are common plants in many gardens that are highly toxic to dogs. All parts of the plant are poisonous, although the leaves are especially noxious.
Azaleas contain andromedotoxin, a compound that produces cardiotoxicity by altering cardiac sodium/potassium pumps. Signs begin 6 hours after ingestion, and are characterized by:
- Nausea, vomiting.
- Anorexy.
- Depression.
- Weakness.
- Incoordination.
- Paralysis of extremities.
- Cardiac and Central Nervous System depression.
- Coma and death.
Ivy (Hedera helix)
Ivy is one of the most commonly used vines in gardens due to its decorative appearance and ease of growth. Although it is less dangerous than other plants mentioned above, it is also toxic to dogs.
Its toxicity is due to the presence of hederagenina, a triterpenoid saponin capable of producing:
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Abdominal pain.
- Hypersalivation.
Aloe (Aloe vera)
You will probably be surprised to find Aloe vera on the list of poisonous plants for dogs, since aloe gel is a natural remedyCommonly used in both human and veterinary medicine, due to its moisturizing, healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
However, you should know that aloe sap (a kind of yellowish latex found just under the skin of the pencas) is toxic Its content in saponins and anthraquinones can cause a picture of intoxication characterized by:
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Abdominal pain.
- Hypersalivation.
- Lethargy.
- Conjunctivitis: in contact with the eyes.
You may be interested in this other article on our site about the Uses of aloe vera in dogs: its benefits, application and conservation.
Dracena (Dracena marginata)
This is a very common ornamental plant in homes, because it adapts very well to growing indoors. However, it is also on the list of toxic plants for dogs.
The toxic compound of dracaena is saponin, whose ingestion produces signs such as:
- Vomiting, which may even become bloody.
- Anorexy.
- Hypersalivation.
- Depression.
- Mydriasis: pupil dilation.
Sago Palm or False Palm (Cycas revoluta)
These small palm trees, which can often be found along the Mediterranean coastline, have some seeds that are highly toxic to dogs. In fact, ingesting just one or two seeds can be fatal.
The phytotoxin contained in the sago palm, known as cycasin, is hepatotoxic. Its ingestion produces liver failure, with coagulation disorders and death of the animal. The main clinical signs associated with this intoxication are:
- Vomiting, which may even become bloody.
- Bloody diarrhea or dark stools.
- Jaundice: yellowish color of the mucous membranes.
- Polydipsia: increased water consumption.
- Hematomas.
- Death.
Other plants toxic to dogs
Throughout the article we have described some of the most common plants in our homes and gardens that can cause poisoning in dogs. However, there is a long list of plants that can also be toxic to our pets. Next, we collect some of them:
- Aconite (Aconitum napellus): contains alkaloids such as aconitine and aconine that cause intoxication characterized by mouth irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, bradycardia, arrhythmias, hypotension, muscle weakness and dyspnea.
- Anthurium (Anthurium scherzeranum): its high calcium oxalate content can cause irritation and pain in the mouth, tongue and/or lips, hypersalivation, vomiting and difficulty swallowing.
- Ornamental plant bulbs: such as tulips, daffodils or hyacinths. The bulbs of these plants contain toxic compounds that can cause gastroenteritis or contact dermatitis.
- Diefenbachia (Dieffenbachia amoena): contains calcium oxalate and proteolytic enzymes that can cause irritation and pain in the mouth, tongue and/or lips, hypersalivation, vomiting and difficulty swallowing.
- Ficus: its ficin and psoralen content can cause vomiting, diarrhea or skin irritation. However, although ficus is poisonous to dogs, it is not among the most toxic plants.
- Blackberry (Solanum nigrum): contains solanine, a toxin that produces gastrointestinal signs (abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, inappetence), mydriasis (pupillary dilation), depression and tachycardia. In addition, it contains solasodine, a teratogenic compound that induces serious alterations in the fetuses of pregnant females.
- Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens): The leaves and shoots contain a cyanogenic glycoside (hydrangine) and saponins. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, cyanosis, seizures, limp muscles, lethargy, or coma.
- Marijuana (Cannabis sativa): its resin is rich in psychoactive substances (cannabinoids) that produce a pattern of intoxication characterized by vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, ataxia or incoordination, alternation between depression and excitement, mydriasis (pupillary dilation), disorientation, drowsiness, hypothermia, and tremor.
- White sweet clover (Melilot alba) or yellow sweet clover (Melilot afficinalis): contain dicumarol, which produces an intoxication called ferulism, characterized by pale mucous membranes, drowsiness, staggering gait, tachypnea, and anemia.
- Castor oil (Ricinus communis): the seeds contain two powerful poisons, ricinin and ricin. Signs associated with intoxication include nausea, anorexia, impaired vision, cyanosis, seizures, dyspnea, and opisthotonus (muscle stiffness).
- Yew (Taxus baccata): This is an extremely toxic tree that contains an alkaloid called taxine. All its parts are poisonous, except the fleshy fruit. They produce a picture of intoxication with incoordination, tremor, dyspnea, diarrhoea, bradycardia and, finally, death due to cardiac arrest.
Symptoms of a dog intoxicated by plants
Symptoms of plant poisoning in dogs can vary depending on the following factors:
- The route of exposure: oral, inhalation, skin, etc. 90% of poisonings in dogs are caused by ingestion of the poison, generally accidentally.
- The amount of plant ingested.
- The concentration of the toxic substance present in the plant.
- The type of toxic substance that the plant contains.
Although the signs associated with plant intoxication can be very varied due to the factors mentioned above, the most frequent in dogs are:
- Hypersalivation.
- Panting.
- Dyspnea: Difficulty breathing.
- Excessive thirst.
- Mydriasis: pupil dilation.
- Skin, mouth, or eye irritation.
- Gastrointestinal problems: vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain.
- Heart problems: tachycardia, bradycardia, arrhythmias, etc.
- Nerve problems: seizures, paralysis, disorientation, depression, stupor, coma, etc.
- Liver problems.
- Renal problems.
What happens if a dog eats a toxic plant?
When a dog accidentally ingests a plant that is toxic to its body, an intoxication picture is produced that can affect different organs and/or systems depending on the toxic compound present in the plant in question. Depending on the amount and power of the poison ingested, the signs of intoxication will be more or less severe and will appear more or less quickly In the case of powerful poisons, the outcome can be fatal.
Therefore, whenever you detect or suspect that your dog has consumed a poisonous plant, or when you observe any signs compatible with intoxication it is essential that you go to your veterinarian/ a as quickly as possible. Also, whenever possible, try to bring a sample of the plant you have consumed to facilitate the diagnosis of intoxication.
It is important to note that in you should never induce vomiting or administer “homemade antidotes” (such as milk or baking soda), as that could worsen the condition.
Treatment of a dog intoxicated by plants
In cases of plant poisoning, the therapeutic plan is based on three fundamental pillars:
- Prevent absorption of the toxicant: depending on the time that has elapsed since ingestion, vomiting can be induced, lavage gastric or administer adsorbents such as activated charcoal.
- Support treatment: the specific symptomatology associated with intoxication must be treated, establishing a correct support treatment.
- Antidote: although it is unusual, sometimes there are specific antidotes against the poison in question.
In any case, it is important to know that the speed with which treatment is started will determine the course of poisoning. In intoxicated patients in whom emergency measures are applied to prevent the absorption of the toxin, it will be possible to decrease its absorption and, with it, its passage into circulating blood, which will reduce the negative consequences of intoxication. Therefore, remember the importance of acting as quickly as possible in the event of any suspicion of poisoning in your pet.