Common Plants that Could Poison Your Pets

Plants that Attract You by Their Appearance May Attract Your Pets by Their Aroma

Before you plant your garden or buy some new houseplants, do you know which plants are harmful or deadly to your pets? Don't make your selection until you've consulted the professional at your plant nursery. If you're still not sure, or if you buy from a store that doesn't employ specialists, the ASPCA provides a printable list for handy reference at ASPCA.org. Your pet's life may depend on it.

Also remember that lawn chemicals can be poisonous to your pets, especially for dogs that like to eat grass. If you have to spray some kind of pesticide, ask your veterinarian for one that won't harm your pets.

You may discover that you already have some plants that could be poisonous. If so, you might be able to keep your pets away from them by spraying the plants with a lemon juice and water mix. But keep a close eye on the pets to be sure they are not eating them anyway.

You can also distract your cats away from toxic greenery if you plant a patch of catnip or catmint, which should draw their attention away. They can munch on these leaves without problems.

Beware of Holiday Plants That May be Deadly

It's easy to forget about your animals when you bring in the traditional holiday plants of the season. Here are some tips from the Michigan Poison Control Center concerning holiday plants to avoid or at least guard:

- Lilies that may be found in holiday flower arrangements could be deadly to your cat. Many types of lily, such as Tiger, Asian, Japanese Show, Easter, Stargazer, and the Casa Blanca, can cause kidney failure in cats.

- Poinsettias are generally over-rated in toxicity. If ingested, poinsettias can be irritating to the mouth and stomach, and may cause mild vomiting or nausea.

- Mistletoe has the potential to cause cardiovascular problems. However, mistletoe ingestion usually only causes gastrointestinal upset.

- Holly ingestion could cause vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and lethargy.

If You Suspect That Your Pets Might Have Eaten Something Poisonous, ActImmediately