12 Plants That Are Poisonous to Pets in Arizona
Understanding which Arizona plants are toxic to cats and dogs can save you from heartache and expensive vet bills by preventing accidental poisonings.
General Symptoms of Plant Poisoning
Plant poisoning in pets can be a serious and sometimes life-threatening condition. As a responsible pet owner, it’s important to recognize the common symptoms of plant poisoning in cats and dogs to ensure prompt treatment. Here are some general signs to watch out for:
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
- Vomiting: One of the most common signs of plant poisoning.
- Diarrhea: Look for changes in stool consistency, frequency, and color.
- Drooling: Excessive salivation can indicate irritation in the mouth or gastrointestinal tract.
- Loss of appetite: Refusal to eat or drink is often a red flag.
Respiratory Symptoms
- Coughing: Persistent coughing could indicate higher levels of toxicity.
- Difficulty breathing: Labored or rapid breathing should be evaluated immediately.
- Sneezing: Though less common, sneezing may occur if the airways are affected.
Neurological Symptoms
- Seizures: Severe plant poisoning can lead to seizures.
- Tremors: Shaking or twitching could be a sign of neurological distress.
- Weakness: General lethargy or difficulty standing up and walking.
- Disorientation: Confusion, aimless wandering, or lack of coordination.
Cardiovascular Symptoms
- Abnormal heart rate: Rapid or irregular heartbeats can be a sign of toxicity.
- Low blood pressure: Symptoms include fainting, weakness, or lethargy.
Ocular Symptoms
- Dilated pupils: Pupils that are larger than normal can indicate poisoning.
- Squinting: Discomfort or irritation in the eyes may lead to squinting.
Skin Symptoms
- Redness or swelling: Parts of the skin may become red, swollen, or inflamed.
- Rashes: Allergic reactions can manifest as rashes or hives.
Behavioral Symptoms
- Restlessness: Your pet may seem unusually anxious or agitated.
- Depression: Pets might appear unusually tired or uninterested in activities.
Common Poisonous Plants to Pets
It’s helpful to review which plants are and aren’t acceptable for our pets to be around and/or take a nibble from. There are quite a few that pet parents may not think of being hazardous to their pets’ health. We’ve compiled a list below, but keep in mind, there are more than just what made the list here.
Ingestion of Aloe Vera is Toxic to Dogs and Cats
Although Aloe vera can be beneficial for use on skin, it’s mildly poisonous when ingested. Aloe plants contain substances called anthraquinone glycosides which encourage bowel movements. When they’re ingested, the body begins to increase mucous production in the colon and retain water. Additional signs of aloe ingestion include depression, changes in the color of your pet’s urine, and anorexia.
Lily of the Valley Contains Toxins
The Lily of the Valley, also known as May Bells, Mary’s Tears, or Old Lady’s Tears, contains toxins known as cardiac glycosides. These compounds can cause GI upset, weakness, an abnormally high or low heart rate, or abnormal heart rhythm in both cats and dogs.
Chinaberry Tree Has Delayed Signs
Chinaberry trees are commonly referred to by a number of names including: Pride of India, Paradise tree, White Cedar, Umbrella Tree, and the Persian Lilac. All parts of the tree are toxic and contain a glycoprotein that prevents protein synthesis and disrupts cell function in cats and dogs. And, unfortunately, with this one the signs aren’t immediately apparent so it may take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days to recognize.
Clinical signs of toxicity include diarrhea, vomiting, drooling, and depressions, if a small amount has been digested by your dog or cat. If a large amount was ingested, the toxicity signs can be worse ultimately leading to seizures or fatality.
Desert Rose and Dangerous Sap
You may hear the Desert Rose referred to as the Desert Azalea, Mock Azalea, Sabi Star, Impala Lily, or Kudu Lily. Regardless of what name you use, it is toxic to not only dogs and cats, but humans, too. The toxic sap of the Desert Rose affects your pet’s heart, potentially leading to severe cardiac issues.
If your pet ingests any part of this plant, immediate veterinary attention is crucial. Without prompt treatment, the chances of a full recovery are very poor. Even if only a small amount is ingested and veterinary care is sought immediately, the prognosis can still be uncertain. Contact with this plant should always be treated as a medical emergency to ensure the best possible outcome for your pet.
Keep Revel Vet’s Emergency Service Information On-Hand
Lantana Can Damage the Liver
The Lantana plant is also known as shrub verbena, red sage, and yellow sage. The toxic component in lantana is a triterpenoid, which can severely affect a dog’s hepatic system, including the liver, bile ducts, and gallbladder.
All parts of the lantana plant, including leaves, flowers, and particularly the unripe berries, contain pentacyclic triterpenoids. In small amounts, this toxin causes stomach upset, but in larger volumes, it can damage the liver and lead to a harmful accumulation of phylloerythrin, causing skin sensitivity to light.
Mexican Bird of Paradise Can Cause Toxic Effects
All parts of the Mexican or Red Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia) plant are toxic and can be lethal to both dogs and cats. Also known as the Crane Flower, the Mexican Bird of Paradise contains tannins that are harmful to both dogs and cats.
Ingestion can cause severe oral irritation, resulting in intense burning of the mouth, tongue, and lips. Pets may also experience gastrointestinal upset, which includes symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. Additionally, there can be difficulty swallowing and loss of coordination.
Oleander Has a List of Health Effects
Oleander is extremely toxic to both dogs and cats due to its cardiac glycosides, which disrupt the sodium/potassium ATPase pump. This disruption causes hyperkalemia (high potassium levels) and increased intracellular calcium, leading to early depolarization, cardiac irritability, and arrhythmias. These glycosides also lower the sympathetic nervous system activity and raise the vagal tone, leading to a slower heart rate (bradycardia) and heart block.
Clinical signs of oleander poisoning may include:
- Gastrointestinal: Vomiting, diarrhea
- Cardiac: Bradycardia, tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia, premature ventricular contractions, AV block
- Blood pressure changes: Hypotension or hypertension
- Neurological: Lethargy, depression, ataxia, tremors, seizures
- Other: Dehydration, shock
Immediate veterinary care is crucial if ingestion is suspected to prevent severe complications or death.
Pencil Cactus is Common in Arizona Gardens
The pencil cactus, also known as the firestick, is known for causing severe skin and eye damage with its milky sap. Not only does it damage the skin and eyes, but can also wreak havoc on the gastrointestinal system of cats, dogs, and us. There’s not just one part of the plant this toxic sap is released from, either. The entire plant must be avoided by pets.
It’s more common than we would like as it’s frequently used by gardeners as a wildlife deterrent. Gardeners who want to grow this plant must ensure their pets have zero access and that any people handling the plant wear gloves at all times.
Beware of Red Maple Leaves
Red maple trees are not entirely toxic to pets, but their leaves can be dangerous if ingested, especially when dried or wilted. The leaves contain gallic acid and tannins, which can cause stomach upset, vomiting, and lethargy in dogs.
Severe cases may lead to jaundice and difficulty breathing. Immediate veterinary care is necessary if a dog ingests red maple leaves. These leaves can remain toxic for up to four weeks after falling from the tree, so it’s important to monitor and clean up fallen leaves promptly.
Sago Palm Can Cause Severe Liver Damage
The Sago Palm, also known as cycads, cardboard palms, fern palms, and coontie plants, is highly toxic to both dogs and cats. This plant contains several toxins, the most dangerous being cycasin, which can cause severe liver damage. Signs of ingestion include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and jaundice, but they could take up to 72 hours to begin.
In severe cases, it can lead to liver failure and death. All parts of the plant are toxic, but the seeds or nuts contain the highest levels of cycasin. Immediate veterinary care is crucial if any part of the Sago Palm is ingested.
Silver Leaf Nightshade Has Detrimental Effects
Silver Leaf Nightshade poses significant dangers to dogs and cats due to its toxic substances like solanine, saponins, and atropine-like chemicals. When ingested, these compounds can cause a range of harmful effects.
Symptoms of poisoning in pets may include gastrointestinal distress, such as vomiting and diarrhea, as well as neurological issues like confusion and weakness. In severe cases, it can lead to more serious conditions like respiratory distress or even death.
Texas Mountain Laurel Disrupts Body Function
Texas Mountain Laurel poses serious health risks to dogs and cats due to its toxic properties, primarily due to a toxin called grayanotoxin. Grayanotoxin disrupts the body’s sodium channels by binding to them in places that causes cell depolarization. This then causes the body to function improperly.
Ingestion of any part of this plant can lead to abnormal functioning of muscles and nerves in pets, resulting in symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle tremors, and weakness.
First Aid and Emergency Response to Ingestion of Poisonous Plants in Pets
When your pet ingests a poisonous plant, every second counts. Here are immediate steps to take:
- Stay calm: Your pet needs you to be composed and collected.
- Identify the plant: If possible, identify the plant ingested. This will assist the vet in providing the correct treatment.
- Remove plant material: Gently remove any remaining plant material from your pet’s mouth (with gloves if possible).
- Rinse: Rinse your pet’s mouth with water to eliminate any lingering plant toxins.
- Monitor symptoms: Keep an eye out for symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, or lethargy.
Never purposely cause your dog to vomit unless directed to do so by a veterinarian.
Emergency Services at Revel Vet
Contact Revel Vet immediately if your pet has ingested a toxic plant and provide detailed information about the plant and observed symptoms. The well-being of your pets is our top priority at Revel Vet, where our emergency services are designed to offer prompt and effective treatment.
Our expert medical teams handle pet emergencies with expertise and empathy, using state-of-the-art equipment for accurate diagnoses and effective treatments. Our commitment to fear-free practices ensures that your pet receives the best care in a stress-free environment.
Importance of Awareness and Vigilance
Awareness and vigilance are critical to preventing your pets from ingesting poisonous plants. Regularly inspect your home and garden for plants that are harmful to pets and create a safe environment for your furry companions.
Prevention Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe
By staying informed and prepared, you can ensure your pets stay happy and healthy. Here are some prevention tips to implement at home:
- Make a list of common household and garden plants that are toxic to pets and remove them or keep them out of reach.
- Use hanging baskets or strategic shelving for plant placement, ensuring they are inaccessible to curious pets.
- Train your pets with simple commands like “leave it” or “no” to deter them from plants.
If by some chance your pet still finds a toxic plant to get into, know we’ll always be there for you and your furry family members.
For further reading, we recommend you review our sources found here:
Arizona Exotic and Native Plants that are Toxic to Animals and Humans
Oleander: Beautiful but Deadly to Pets | ASPCApro
Toxicity of House Plants to Pet Animals – PMC
Lily of the Valley Is Toxic To Dogs | Pet Poison Helpline®
Lovely Lilies and Curious Cats: A Dangerous Combination | FDA
Apparent toxicosis associated with lily-of-the-valley (Convallaria majalis) ingestion in a dog
Emerging Plant Intoxications in Domestic Animals: A European Perspective – PMC